9 health books you need to read

Here at Nutritionist Resource, we’re dedicated bookworms. From murder thrillers to romance and sci-fi, our collaborative taste gives us plenty to chat about around the water cooler. But there’s a new genre doing the rounds in the office: health.

Woman reading

2020 has undoubtedly been a year of exponential change in health; the way we see it, how we react to it and most importantly, how we manage it. It’s the topic of the hour, so it can often be hard to work out which piece of information is the best for you, and of course the most trustworthy.

In our bid to relish in as much information as possible to fuel good health, we’ve rounded up nine health books from thought-leaders and professionals who all have stories to tell when it comes to physical and mental health. From nutrition and diet culture myths to nature, genetics and cultural movements, here are our top favourite health reads.

1. Gene eating by Dr Giles Yeo

Geneticist Dr Giles Yeo unpacks the fundamental role genetics play in our relationships with food in his pioneering work, Gene Eating. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re more hungry than your friends or you follow a diet to the book and the weight just won’t shift, this book is a must-read, evolving Dr Giles research into an engaging and resonating study of the human-appetite.   

2. Just Eat It by Laura Thomas 

Registered nutritionist and Intuitive Eating Counsellor, Laura Thomas cuts through the nutrition noise with her debut book, Just Eat It. Combining her academia credentials and clinical experience with straight-talking, infectious wit, Just Eat It is a comforting voice that allows us to challenge our unhealthy relationships with food and transform how we think about eating and our bodies.

3. The Insta-Food Diet by Pixie Turner

Every day we’re faced with a food dilemma: what do we eat, where do we eat it and what is the right choice? Well, registered nutritionist Pixie Turner is here to help you take back control. Social media has had a profound effect on our eating habits, and whether we like it or not, we’re being ‘influenced every day.

The Insta-Food Diet helps us unpack just how we’re being influenced by social media and the dramatic changes it has made to our diets and health, and most importantly, how we combat this and make social media work for each and every one of us. 

4. How to Build a Healthy Brain by Kimberley Wilson 

This go-to guide is essential in helping us understand how and why we can nourish our brains for the here and now, and for many years to come. Chartered psychologist and passionate mental health advocate, Kimberley Wilson authors the empowering guide How to Build a Healthy Brain, drawing on the latest research in sleep, nutrition, exercise and meditation, detailing practical and holistic advice to nurture your brain for a healthy, prosperous future.

Health books

5. The Bloated Belly Whisperer by Tamara Duker Freuman

Known as ‘America’s most trusted digestive expert’ Tamara Duker Frueman knows that bloating looks different for everyone. This evidence-based guide will help us understand the numerous causes behind our bloating and offers practical guidance to finally beat the bloat. 

With 50 belly-friendly recipes by cookbook author Kristine Kidd, The Bloated Belly Whisperer is for anyone struggling to understand why certain foods cause them significant digestive distress. 

6. 10% Human by Alanna Collen

The ground-breaking 10% Human taps into how our very own personal colony of bacteria (microbes) influence everything, from weight, mental health, immune function and even our choice of partner.

Biologist Alanna challenges how we see modern disease, medicine and diet, arguing that the key to understanding physical disease and mental health conditions lies within our guts. Protecting this precious ecosystem is fundamental to health and longevity. 

7. The Natural Health Service by Isabel Hardman

After a severe bout of depression and anxiety and two relapses, author Isabel Hardman found sanctuary in the natural world. Aptly named The Natural Health Service, journalist, author and broadcaster Isabel investigates the powerful impact exercise, wildlife and the great outdoors can have on our mental wellbeing. For anyone that’s ever struggled with their mental health, this straight-talking book revolutionises the systematic approaches to treatment for mental health issues.

8. Deep Nutrition by Dr Catherine Shanahan 

Marrying modern science with traditional practice and wisdom, Deep Nutrition examines traditional diets from across the globe, researching nutrition, genetics, anthropology, history, medicine, metabolism, and cooking, to define four key pillars to eating.

Combining research in the field of epigenetics and her experience as an elite athlete, Dr Cate details how the attitudes towards diet of those of our ancestors can help unlock a healthier, happier future where modern disease is dramatically reduced. 

9. The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking 

From the CEO of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, Meik Wiking knows a thing or two about living a happy, fulfilling life. The Little Book of Hygge is a must-read introduction to hygge, cited as the magic ingredient to happiness, and a lifestyle followed by many Danish natives. With original research, recipes, lifestyle ideas and imagery, this book is for anyone on the hunt for a more present, content and cosy everyday life.

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Written by Katie Hoare
Katie is a writer for Nutritionist Resource.
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Written by Katie Hoare
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