MUST-READ Nutrition Books – Recommended by Dietitians

Nutrition is controversial, needless to say. One moment we are against fat, the next we are consuming 50-75% of our calories from fat, such as in the ketogenic diet. Nutritionist (not dietitians), medical doctors, holistic healthcare professional and the average joe are writing nutrition books on what we should eat. Some of these authors have done their research. However, most are in it for the money and have no research to support their claims, for example, The Blood Type Diet by Peter D'Adamo.

I have gathered the best books in the field of nutrition recommended by Registered Dietitians (the real experts)!  I have 3 main categories: Nutrition books for everyone, pregnant women and parents, and healthcare professionals/RD2Be’s! I have also included my own recommendations.

Nutrition Books For Everyone

Disclaimer: These books MAY change your life. 

Intuitive Eating by Tribole and Resch 

(and their new Intuitive Eating workbook)

Recommended by: Jess English, RD and Rebecca Ditkoff, RD 

Body Kindness by Rebecca Scritchfield

Recommended by Jenna Gorham, RD

Health At Every Size by Dr. Linda Bacon, PhD

Recommended by: Beth Rosen, MS, RD, CDN

The Mind Diet by Maggie Moon

Recommended by: Tina Vicario,MS, RD, LDN 

Diet for the MIND by Martha Clare Morris

Recommended by: Jessica Ivey, RDN 

Nancy Clark's Sports Nutrition Guidebook by Nancy Clark, RD
Recommended by: Amanda Field RDN, CD 

The Smart Girl's Guide to Going Vegetarian by Rachel Meltzer Warren

Recommended by Jenna Gorham, RD

Nutrition Books For Pregnancy and/or Parenting

Fertility Foods Cookbook 
by Elizabeth Shawand Sara Haas 

Recommended by: Wendy Jo 

Healthy, Happy Pregnancy Cookbook 
by Willow Jarosh & Stephanie Clarke Laliberte

Recommended by: Jenna Gorham, RD

Born to Eat by Wendy Jo Peterson and Leslie Powell Schilling 

Recommended by: Denine Marie

Expect the Best by Elizabeth Ward 

Recommended by: Denine Marie and Jenna Gorham, RD

Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating by Katja Rowell and Jenny McGlothlin

Recommended by: Jenny Jackson 

Secrets of Feeding a Healthy Family by Ellyn Satter

Recommended by: Jenny Jackson 

Fearless Feeding by Jill Castle and Maryann Tomovich Jacobsen!

Recommended by Kacie Barnes, MCN, RD 

Nutrition Books For Healthcare Professionals and RD2Be’s:

Motivational Interviewing in Nutrition and Fitness by Dawn Clifford and Laura Curtis

Recommended by: Jess English, RD 

Microbiome Solution by Robynne Chutkan, MD

Recommended by: Tatiana Keay, RD, CPT

The Obesity Code by Jason Fung, MD

Recommended by: Tatiana Keay, RD, CPT

If there are any staple nutrition books that we missed, comment below!

3 Ways to Inspire your Spouse to be Healthy – Without Nagging

Being a Registered Dietitian, people assume that my husband is as healthy as can be. However, he struggles with eating healthy and exercising daily just like many Americans. “If I can’t get my husband to eat healthy, how can I get ANYONE to eat healthy?” In my career, I find that my clients’ behaviors are easier to change than my family members. Auspiciously, over time I have learned some new tricks at home that require no nagging.

Here are three easy ways to inspire your husband to choose a healthy lifestyle.

1.     Cook for Him

You’ll be surprised how much he will appreciate it. If your husband brings lunch to work, make it for him. If he has dinner and breakfast at home, prepare the meals for both of you. This places you in control of the food choices. 

When preparing his meals, make it appealingly balanced. According to MyPlate.gov, balanced meals include whole grains, protein, healthful fats, fruits and vegetables. Presentation and color can make any dish more appetizing. Once, I cut a mango into a decorative shape for my husband’s lunch. He happily ate it and he doesn’t even like mango!

Date Night Idea: Cook Together!

Choose a healthful dish that looks tasty and cook it together!

2.     Encourage Exercise

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Before you start encouraging exercise, find out what your husband likes. Does he like going to the gym, hiking, golfing, etc.?

I love going to the gym together, but my husband doesn’t when it’s crowded. Keep in mind, your spouse won’t always like the same things you do. I’ve found that my husband likes walking our dog while listening to audiobooks. Once you are aware of his likes, start encouraging those exercises each week.

Strengthen the Relationship: Going on walks in the morning/evening is a great way to spend time together while getting your steps in (double whammy)!

3.     Lead by Example

When I am eating lots of sugary foods, my husband instantly notices and pokes fun at his dietitian wife. Although they may not say something right away, spouses observe the changes you make over time.  Be the change you want to see in the relationship.

Start by having a positive attitude about health. Ditch the complaints about working out or eating “too many carbs”. Instead, let your enthusiasm shine! He will notice the difference after some time.

According to the American Psychology Association, to make a lifestyle change last, have a buddy. Your husband is your lifelong “buddy”! While changing your own eating and exercising behaviors, cooking some healthful meals for him, and encouraging him to do his favorite exercise, - he will be inspired. In the whole process of making your husband healthy, you get healthy too! There is no better way to create a stronger, healthier relationship.