There are thousands of diets that pervade the news and web, each telling us that their way is the way to health. Don’t want to give up meat? Try the Atkins diet. Don’t want to give up anything? Maybe Weight Watchers is for you. The myriad of options all promise a path to better skin, weight, health, and happiness, but it is ultimately up to us to decide which one works. This season, we’re featuring a list of titles from some of our authors and nutrition experts, whose books would make great gifts for the coming year. Eight different books, eight lifestyles, eight views on optimal health. Take a look and see which one rings true for you and your loved ones, and give the gift of health this holiday season.
Macrobiotics For Life by Simon Brown
The macrobiotic diet is centered around whole grains, legumes, miso, and raw and pickled vegetables, as well as seasonal cooking with simple, whole ingredients. In Macrobiotics For Life the author gives tips on a holistic approach to healing, focusing not just on the body, but on the mind and soul as well. The book serves as a practical guide to healthy eating, featuring tips on eating out, assessing cravings, and weekly menu plans to boot.
Raw and Beyond by Victoria Boutenko, Elaina Love, and Chad Sarno
Raw and Beyond is a book of balance from three ex-raw foodists who maintained their all-raw diets for years before realizing it was lacking in one vital thing: omega-3s. This is not to say that the raw food diet alone is responsible for omega-3 deficiency, as the authors will be first to tell you that almost all diets high in processed foods and oils suffer from this same shortage. The book contains over 100 recipes of steamed, lightly cooked, and yes, raw recipes all rich in omega-3s for a more balanced approach to the raw food diet.
Superfoods by David Wolfe
Superfoods is the book of choice for anyone who already leads a healthy lifestyle, but still feels the need to incorporate more nutrient-rich ingredients into their daily routine. The book profiles a number of superfoods in extensive detail, including goji berries, hempseed, and cacao beans (an excuse to eat chocolate? Yes, please.) along with recipes and pictures for easy preparation.
The Art of Raw Food by Jens Casupei and Vibeke Kaupert
For those ready to take the plunge into the all-raw diet, The Art of Raw Food is the place to start. From raw food enthusiasts Jens Casupei and Vibeke Kaupert comes this collection of in-depth nutrition information on the raw food diet, along with 260 pages of beautifully photographed pictures and recipes. Even for the most skeptical of eaters, this book gives considerable incentive to start eating raw, as well as confirmation for those already eager to start.
Healing With Whole Foods by Paul Pitchford
Healing With Whole Foods gives the Chinese medicine perspective on healthy living. With over 300 recipes of mostly nutritional vegetarian fare, the book focuses on giving up the standard western diet of alcohol, sugar, white flour, and fried foods in order to find the strength and balance of whole food cuisine.
Conscious Eating by Gabriel Cousens, MD
With 150 recipes, Conscious Eating is a fun and easy way to transition to a vegetarian diet. The live-food book covers everything from vegetarianism for pregnancy to helpful enzymes, and with a 14-day menu of gourmet, kosher, vegetarian, live-food cuisine it does the planning for you.
The Warrior Diet by Ori Hofmekler
The Warrior Diet is not so much a diet as a lifestyle. Based on the diets of nomads and hunter-gatherers, the book promotes a method of cycling—eating sparingly during the day and filling up at night as a way to reach optimal health and fitness. Along with a specially tailored section for women, the book rejects fad diets in favor of a “lifestyle overhaul” aimed at achieving strength, fitness, and ideal health.
Vegan is Love by Ruby Roth
Vegan is Love is a compassionate guide for kids (and parents) on the benefits of eating vegan–beyond just its nutritional value. From the environment to animal rights, the book makes a compelling case for transitioning to a vegan lifestyle as a means of empowering ourselves, and working towards a more just and humane world.
