As we continue to practice responsible social distancing in the coming weeks ahead, chances are, we’re going to get bored (if we’re not there already!) Tired of binge watching Netflix and looking for something different to occupy your time? I’ve compiled my list of my recommended plant-based diet and vegan books to read while in self-isolation at home.
Several are written by prominent physicians and include their own plant-based diet plans. Even if you don’t plan on using that particular diet plan, these books are still great tools. They are full of valuable information, and I learned new things in each book.
I have provided the Amazon links to buy these books; I do not receive any payment if you make a purchase. This is simply for your convenience. Once local libraries open back up, I’m sure most of these are available to check out there. I actually borrowed all of these from the library and ended up buying many of them on Amazon for myself. Several of these books I read in one day, they are that good. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
Here are some of my suggested reading materials to keep you occupied in the coming weeks and far beyond 😊
The Vegan Way by Jackie Day, 2016
This was the very first book I read right after we transitioned to a vegan lifestyle, and I reference it quite often. Jackie has been vegan for over 30 years, so she is extremely knowledgeable and an excellent resource. She provides practical and gradual tips for making the change to a vegan lifestyle. Checklists are even included, which as you know, are my favorite 🤗
Even if you are not wanting to adopt a full vegan lifestyle and just want to change your way of eating or make a few lifestyle adjustments, this book is an excellent source. I’m sure it would make a great addition to your book collection.
The author also incorporates over 30 recipes into this book, my favorites being easy vegan gravy and easy peasy pancakes, which I made here.
The China Study by T. Colin Campbell, PhD and Thomas M. Campbell II, MD, revised and expanded edition, 2016
This book is a life changer! If you are doing any sort of research on a plant based diet, chances are you will see The China Study referenced. A lot. There’s a reason for that. Over the course of two decades, Dr. T. Colin Campbell, a nutritional biochemist, and his team organized the most comprehensive study of health and nutrition ever conducted. What they found was extraordinary.
Dr. Campbell’s impressive credentials and remarkable background make him the perfect person to present these study findings to the public. The name of the book may sound intimidating, but I assure you, it’s not. You do not need any sort of medical or laboratory background to understand this book; it is very well written and extremely easy to understand.
Charts, graphs, and visual aids are used throughout the book, and the authors do a great job of laying the foundation of the history of Dr. Campbell’s studies and how certain ways of thinking in the public came to be. They also tackle the subject (and provide first-hand narratives) of why our own government and “big medicine” do not want these facts publicized.
This is truthfully one of the greatest books I have ever read. If you read nothing else, I highly recommend reading The China Study. By page 2, I was already on Amazon ordering a copy for myself to keep. I hope it has as big of an impact on you as it did on me.
Bonus read: The China Study Cookbook, written by Dr. Colin Campbell’s daughter, LeAnne Campbell, PhD. It contains over 175 healthy, whole food plant based diet recipes with minimal, simple ingredients. My favorites are fiesta cornbread and creamy dijon sauce.
The Vegan Starter Kit by Neal D. Barnard, MD, FACC, 2018
Dr. Barnard creates easy step-by-step guides and plans for how to begin and maintain a plant-based diet. He discusses guidelines to ensure complete nutrition, including charts as sources.
This is a very short and condensed book, so it is an easy and quick read. The author has great ideas for the vegan at any stage–from pregnancy, infants, and children through adulthood and elderly adults.
Also includes 40 plant-based recipes and a long list of suggested additional resources.
The 30 Day Vegan Challenge by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, 2014
This book consists of excellent tips and strategies for going vegan; a great resource for those just starting out or wondering how to begin a plant-based diet. The author starts with how to get into the right mindset, then includes suggestions such as overhauling your kitchen and pantry, reading food labels, how to shop at grocery stores, trying new foods, and cooking ideas.
Consists of over 100 vegan recipes and meal plans. Two of my favorites are creamy leek polenta and tofu cacciatore.
A Plant-Based Life by Micaela Cook Karlsen, 2016
The author has been vegan for over a decade and has worked closely with Dr. T. Colin Campbell; she is one of the founding employees of the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutritional Studies, and she is the founder of PlantBasedResearch.org and SustainableDiet.com.
This book includes a 12 week in-depth strategy for converting to a plant-based diet, plus cooking and healthy eating tips and techniques (as well as 100 recipes). The author provides in-depth analysis and research studies about topics such as what causes us to overeat, why foods are addicting, and how we can change our eating habits to more healthy ones. A Plant Based Life features countless stories and testimonials from real people whose lives have been transformed converting to a plant-based diet.
Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Caldwell B. Esselstyn, Jr., MD, 2007
This book has had a huge impact on my life, and I believe it can change yours as well.
Dr. Esselstyn discusses in detail his groundbreaking experimental results that led to the discovery that a plant-based diet not only prevents heart disease but can reverse it as well. He discusses numerous cases individually and explains how these patients were able to achieve such astonishing results. Everything in this book is explained well and is easy to understand without a medical background.
Having a family history of cardiac complications, this book really resonated with me, and I was astounded by Dr. Esselstyn’s study findings. It has forever changed my way of living and my future related to my health. Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease is another one of my instant-favorites.
Also included are over 150 recipes developed from the experience and insight of Dr. Esselstyn’s wife, Ann. My personal favorites are gingered soba noodles and curry sauce. Ann also co-wrote The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook with an additional 125 plant-based recipes. My favorite recipes in the cookbook are citrus gazpacho and mushroom gravy.
How Not To Die by Michael Greger, M.D. with Gene Stone, 2015
Dr. Greger divides the book into two parts. Each chapter in part one is dedicated to one specific disease or disorder, and each one is discussed in-depth. Dr. Greger provides study findings that have shown certain plant-based foods or groups of foods can be beneficial to specific diseases and disorders. Research discoveries include stopping the progression of these diseases or improving and even reversing certain conditions or symptoms.
In part two, Dr. Greger lists and discusses his “daily dozen” of plant-based foods that he recommends for optimum health and disease prevention.
Like many other prominent plant-based diet physicians, Dr. Gregor also explores why the benefits of a plant-based diet are not more widely known, including what role the food industry plays in the information given to the public.
Bonus read: The How Not To Die Cookbook, featuring over 100 plant-based diet recipes; my favorites are three seed crackers and berry chocolate chia pudding.
UnDo It! by Dean Ornish, M.D. and Anne Ornish, 2019
Ok, I know I keep saying this, but this book will change your life and your way of thinking! Seriously! The incredible husband and wife team of Dr. Dean Ornish, M.D. and Anne Ornish have developed a program that revolves around 4 principles that can reverse most chronic diseases: eat well, move more, stress less, love more.
I’ll admit, I thought this book was going to be a little “out there” for me, and (dare I say!) “hippie.” 😬 But I was wrong. (I know my husband is taking a screenshot of this right now so he can prove I admitted I was wrong). In fact, I just finished reading it yesterday, and I already have my own copy on order.
No matter what your beliefs are or where you stand spiritually, this book will resonate with everyone. In order to reach our maximum potential with health and happiness, every single one of us need healthy diets, exercise, less stress, and more love in our lives. If we all practice what Dr. Ornish and Anne advocate for, it would not only change our personal lives, but it would change the world too.
Additionally, this book incorporates over 70 delicious and healthy plant-based recipes, as well as resistance training and stretching exercises, complete with step-by-step directions and photos. Also contains stress reduction techniques, with step-by-step instructions and visuals. I found myself relaxing and feeling more positive just by reading this book!
Plant-Based Diet for Dummies published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2014
Yes, the popular For Dummies book series has one about plant-based diets! The author states, “my goal is to get you to eat predominantly (and ideally, exclusively) plant-based.”
This book easily explains getting started with a plant based diet, how to change (including overhauling your kitchen and being a savvy grocery shopper), and how to embrace a plant based diet in various circumstances (including pregnancy, raising children on a vegan diet, and fitness enthusiast).
Also discussed are surprising foods that are not vegan and arguments for why meat should not be consumed. Included are over 50 recipes and tips for eating out at restaurants.
But I Could Never Go Vegan by Kristy Turner, 2014
Witty and humorous, Kristy writes exactly what many of us are thinking. Having worked in the “fancy” cheese industry, cheese was Kristy’s livelihood and something she was passionate about. She admits to claiming for years that she could never be vegan. In fact, she states, “If you’d told me 5 years ago when I was working as a cheesemonger that someday I would author a vegan cookbook, I would’ve told you that you were drunk.” 😂
Not only is this a how-to vegan’s dream, But I Could Never Go Vegan will make you laugh out loud and find the humor in something as simple as the way we think about food.
The author counters each of our excuses as to why we could never go vegan with amazing plant-based recipes that are colorful, flavorful, and enough to make even the biggest skeptics go vegan. Since she was once a self-proclaimed “cheese snob,” I am most excited to try out her vegan cheese recipes!
Includes 125 easy to follow recipes that are accompanied by colorfully stunning photos. And, the author labels recipes that are gluten free, soy free, and nut free.
As Kristy so truthfully said, “Becoming vegan seems most impossible right before you make the switch.” I completely agree!
Have you read any of these books already?
Which of these books are you anxious to read?
What are some other books should be included in the next “must-read” list?
Let me know, because I still haven’t gone through the stack of plant based books I checked out of the library! 😊 Or if you’re looking for something new to watch, check out my list of recommended documentaries. 🌱