I've never been into dieting, and I've always been confused as to why people subscribe to crazy crash diet fads... especially when there are such amazing and easy-to-follow healthy-eating cookbooks out there that can make eating with nutrition in mind — rather than weight loss — a total breeze. As an adult, I have become acutely aware of how certain foods (and drinks) can make me feel either amazing or not so great, and I love having cookbooks that inspire me to think creatively in terms of making meals that make me feel my most energized.
Of course, there's nothing better than a big bowl of my favorite comfort food after a hard day's work. But, in general, I like to try to eat clean as it personally makes me feel my most fabulous. Of course, this isn't for everyone, and every person is entitled to their own food choices with no judgment whatsoever. But every once in a while, it's nice to eat a meal that makes you feel super satisfied in terms of nutrients, fiber, and vitamins — especially if you made that meal from scratch.
If you're feeling a little lethargic or bored of your regular meals, here are seven healthy cookbooks that are full of creative suggestions for your next meal.
1. The Art Of Eating Well
Sister team Hemsley and Hemsley (Jasmine and Melissa Hemsley) teach readers how to eat a diet of organic, grain, gluten, and refined sugar free foods that are packed full of nutrients. These super siblings told readers on their website, "It’s all about natural, satisfying, and easy to digest food that makes you feel happier, healthier and more energized."
I bought this cookbook for my dad, he's made a number of recipes from it, always singing its praises. These awesome gals have made such a mark in the healthy-eating industry that they have now released their own spiralizer and they contribute to Vogue and The Guardian. They are a foodie force to be reckoned with.
2. Deliciously Ella
Whenever I get the opportunity, I always rave about Deliciously Ella . Author Ella Woodward was a driving force in helping me to make the change to go vegan. I began by reading her blog of the same name and was enchanted with her down-to-earth voice, wonderful photography, and her passion for eating well. Ella suffered a terrible illness that meant she often couldn't even get out of bed. She resorted to a dramatic lifestyle change by transforming her whole diet and her outlook on food. She cut out meat, sugar, dairy, gluten, and processed foods and her recipes reflect this. However she's a brownie-loving girl after my own heart, so expect some lovely sweet (and savory) treats within this cookbook which is suitable for gluten-free and vegans alike — or anyone who wants to use food to heal themselves and make themselves feel great.
3. I Quit Sugar
There's a big buzz at the moment around the detrimental effects sugar has on our health. Plus, The Telegraph reported that French scientists discovered during animal trials that rats that were addicted to cocaine, still picked sugar over cocaine, which lead them to believe that sugar has addictive properties too. That's is pretty darn scary if you ask me. Chef Jamie Oliver's documentary Jamie's Sugar Rush highlighted the dire effects that consuming too much sugar can have on the human body. The program featured a shocking scene in which a 6-year-old boy who regularly brushed his teeth, yet had a soft spot for sugary drinks, had to undergo surgery to have six teeth removed. If you wish to quit sugar like the sugar-free Sarah Wilson, follow her 8-week plan and power through your cravings and 3 p.m. slumps.
4. The Uncook Book
The Daily Mail reported that nutritionist Jane Griffin believes raw food contains a third more vitamins and minerals than cooked food. Eating raw is becoming an increasingly popular choice for people who are concerned about their nutrition. Tanya Maher, who has been hailed as the UK's top holistic coach, collaborated with myhotels to open Tanya’s Café, a fully raw, plant based eatery based in London. Starting to eat raw may seem like a big lifestyle change, but when The Uncook Book offers you pull-out information about how the recipes benefit your body, plus superfood cocktails, you'll realize you're not missing out, but rather gaining an amazing insight into a whole new new raw food world.
5. The Complete Book Of Food Combining
I had never heard of food combining until recently, so don't worry if you are confused as to what this is right now. Food combining works by combining together foods which require a similar digestive environment so that foods move through your system better and more nutrients are absorbed. For instance, someone who practiced food combining would never pair protein rich foods and carbohydrates together. It's all rather scientific but like most things there are pros and cons to food combining. The Independent reported that food combining has been endorsed by celebs such as Helen Mirren and Liz Hurley.
6. The Simple Art Of Eating Well
Who says eating well has to be complicated at all? This book contains 400 recipes (that will keep you occupied for well over a year, most likely) that are all based in the idea that nutritious and clean eating doesn't have to be complicated or boring. It's thorough, varied, and gives options for keeping meals both interesting and healthy.
7. The Healthy Mind Cookbook
This cookbook is all about eating specific nutrient-filled foods that will power your brain. From boosting memory to sharpening your mind in general, The Healthy Mind Cookbook by Rebecca Katz is great for those who want to focus on eating well in a way that fuels their body and mind. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition proved that a diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids greatly supports cognitive processes in humans.
Whatever healthy-eating path you wish to follow, consult your doctor or a nutritionist first and they can give you tips on what kind of eating habits might work best for you!
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