10 Most Popular Cookbooks For Healthy Eating

It is easier to introduce meals that meet the recommended nutritional value into our everyday diet when the right resources are available. Specialised healthy cookbooks provide recipes but they also give valuable information on the kinds of foods that should be incorporated into one’s diet, healthy ingredients to use, and healthy ways of preparing food.

This article presents the list of the 7 best cookbooks for natural eating that are filled with healthy and tasty meals and different visions on eating. The following cookbooks cover various possibilities depending on diet, skill, and knowledge while satisfying the desire to improve one’s eating habits. 

Five ways on how a person can start choosing a healthy diet: Making a positive change towards one’s eating habits is not as difficult as that of putting it into practice. However, when one acquires the right cooking utensils such as the ones that are highlighted below as some of the best-selling cookbooks, then it becomes easier to embrace a healthy cooking regime. These cookbooks provide would-be healthy cooks with a wealth of recipes and tips, each from an angle of sight that is nutritional yet very diverse.  

1. The Whole30. The 30-Day Guide to Total Health and Food Freedom: Melissa Hartwig Urban and Dallas Hartwig

"The Whole30" is more than just a cookbook; it's a comprehensive guide to a 30-day nutritional reset designed to transform your health and habits. The book offers detailed explanations of the Whole30 programme, which emphasises whole, unprocessed foods while eliminating sugar, alcohol, grains, legumes, soy, and dairy. The aim is to help readers identify food sensitivities and develop healthier eating habits.

The Whole30 programme has gained a massive following due to its structured approach and emphasis on whole foods. The cookbook features over 100 delicious recipes that adhere to the programme's guidelines, making it easier for participants to stay on track. With meal plans, shopping lists, and tips for dining out, this book is a valuable resource for anyone looking to reset their eating habits and improve their overall health.

2. Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck:  Thug Kitchen

"Thug Kitchen" is a cookbook that brings a bold and unapologetic approach to healthy eating. It offers a wide variety of plant-based recipes that are both nutritious and delicious. The book is known for its casual, irreverent tone, making healthy cooking accessible and fun for everyone, regardless of their cooking experience.

This cookbook stands out for its unique voice and approach to healthy eating. The recipes are simple, affordable, and packed with flavour, making it easy for anyone to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet. From breakfast dishes to hearty dinners and snacks, "Thug Kitchen" offers something for everyone, proving that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated.

3. The Oh She Glows Cookbook: Angela Liddon

Angela Liddon's "The Oh She Glows Cookbook" is a celebration of vibrant, plant-based cuisine. Featuring over 100 vegan recipes, this cookbook emphasises fresh, whole ingredients and aims to make healthy eating both enjoyable and accessible. The recipes range from energising breakfasts and hearty mains to decadent desserts and refreshing beverages.

Liddon's cookbook is beloved for its approachable recipes and stunning photography. Each dish is designed to be as nutritious as it is delicious, encouraging readers to embrace a plant-based diet without feeling deprived. The book also includes tips for stocking a vegan pantry and personal stories from Liddon's journey to health, making it an inspiring read for anyone looking to improve their diet.

4. The Healthy Indian Diet Paperback: M.d. Patel, Raj R

"The Healthy Indian Diet" by Dr. Raj R. Patel is a comprehensive guide that bridges the gap between traditional Indian culinary practices and modern nutritional science. Drawing inspiration from ancient Indian dietary wisdom and the latest medical research, Dr. Patel presents a holistic approach to eating that focuses on the health benefits of traditional Indian foods. The book covers a wide range of topics, including the nutritional advantages of spices like turmeric and cumin, the importance of whole grains and legumes, and the health benefits of cooking methods such as steaming and fermenting. It also provides practical tips for integrating these foods into your daily diet, along with recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.

5. How Not to Die: Michael Greger, M.D., and Gene Stone

"How Not to Die" is both a guide to nutrition and a cookbook, offering evidence-based advice on how to use food to prevent and treat common illnesses. Dr. Michael Greger provides detailed information on the health benefits of various foods and includes practical tips for incorporating them into your diet. The book features a variety of plant-based recipes designed to maximise health benefits.

This book is highly regarded for its comprehensive, science-backed approach to nutrition. Dr. Greger's detailed explanations of the health benefits of specific foods, combined with practical dietary advice, make this an invaluable resource for anyone interested in using diet to improve their health. The recipes are straightforward and designed to be easy to prepare, making healthy eating accessible to all.

6. Indian Superfoods: Rujuta Diwekar

"Indian Superfoods" by Rujuta Diwekar highlights the nutritional power of traditional Indian ingredients that are often overlooked in modern diets. Rujuta, a renowned nutritionist, brings attention to local superfoods such as ghee, coconut, and turmeric, and explains their health benefits. The book includes practical tips on how to incorporate these superfoods into daily meals.

Rujuta’s emphasis on traditional Indian ingredients offers a fresh perspective on healthy eating, encouraging readers to reconnect with their culinary heritage while promoting wellness.

7. The Blue Zones Kitchen: Dan Buettner

"The Blue Zones Kitchen" is based on the dietary habits of the world's longest-lived people. Dan Buettner explores the traditional recipes from the Blue Zones, regions known for their high concentrations of centenarians, including Okinawa, Sardinia, and Ikaria. A "Blue Zone" is a term coined by author and researcher Dan Buettner to describe regions around the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives compared to the global average. Each of these cultures shares common lifestyle habits that contribute to their longevity, such as a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods, regular physical activity, strong social connections, and a sense of purpose. For example, Okinawans consume a diet high in vegetables and tofu, Sardinians enjoy a Mediterranean diet rich in beans and whole grains, and Ikarians often eat a traditional Greek diet with plenty of greens and olive oil. These simple, flavorful preparations not only nourish the body but also foster a sense of community and well-being, offering inspiration for anyone seeking to lead a longer, healthier life. The cookbook features 100 recipes that emphasise whole, plant-based foods and simple, flavourful preparations.

Buettner's cookbook is unique in its focus on longevity and cultural culinary practices. The recipes are designed to be both delicious and nutritious, offering a taste of the diets that contribute to long and healthy lives. With beautiful photography and fascinating insights into Blue Zone cultures, this book is as informative as it is inspiring, encouraging readers to adopt healthier eating habits for a longer life.

8. Forks Over Knives The Cookbook: Del Sroufe

"Forks Over Knives" is a comprehensive cookbook that promotes a plant-based diet as a path to better health. With over 300 recipes, Del Sroufe provides a wide variety of dishes that are designed to be both nutritious and delicious. The book includes recipes for every meal of the day, as well as snacks and desserts, all focused on whole, unprocessed plant foods.

This cookbook is based on the popular documentary "Forks Over Knives," which advocates for a plant-based diet to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. The extensive collection of recipes makes it a go-to resource for anyone looking to transition to a plant-based diet or simply incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine. The recipes are easy to follow and use accessible ingredients, making healthy eating achievable for everyone.

9. The Skinnytaste Cookbook: Gina Homolka

"The Skinnytaste Cookbook" by Gina Homolka offers a collection of light, flavourful recipes that are low in calories but big on taste. Homolka focuses on creating healthy versions of classic comfort foods, ensuring that readers can enjoy their favourite dishes without compromising on health. The cookbook includes a variety of recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.

Gina Homolka's approach to healthy cooking is both practical and appealing, making it easy for readers to enjoy delicious meals while keeping their calorie intake in check. The recipes are designed to be family-friendly and use everyday ingredients, making them accessible to home cooks of all skill levels. With a focus on flavour and nutrition, "The Skinnytaste Cookbook" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste.

10. Pure & Simple: Homemade Indian Vegetarian Cuisine: Vidhu Mittal

"Pure & Simple" by Vidhu Mittal offers a collection of homemade Indian vegetarian recipes that focus on simplicity and nutrition. Vidhu provides step-by-step instructions and tips to ensure that even beginners can create delicious and healthy Indian meals at home. The cookbook includes a variety of dishes, from everyday staples to festive treats.

This cookbook is a wonderful resource for anyone looking to cook healthy Indian meals at home. Vidhu’s emphasis on simple, wholesome ingredients makes it easy to incorporate nutritious meals into your daily routine.

Whether you're looking to reset your eating habits, incorporate more plant-based meals, or simply find new inspiration for nutritious dishes, these cookbooks are invaluable guides on your journey to better health. By exploring and incorporating these recipes into your daily routine, you can enjoy delicious, wholesome meals that support your overall well-being.