The new year is here, which means a shed load of new books are out – just in time for those resolutions.
Whether you’re looking for tips on eating more healthily, want to learn more about the science of ageing or dip your toe into the realms of energy, there are lots of buzzy health and wellbeing tomes to add to your bedside table.
So put the kettle on, pull out a blanket, and curl up with one of these healthy additions to your bookshelf for 2021…
1. The Right Carb: How To Enjoy Carbs With Over 50 Simple, Nutritious Recipes For Good Health by Nicola Graimes
Thanks to diet culture, carbs have gained a bit of a bad rep in recent years. If you don’t fancy spending your new year miserably chowing down on salad leaves, this collection of delicious, comforting recipes will see you through the darkest days of January with plenty of guilt-free grub on your plate.
Using the latest scientific evidence, bestselling author Nicola Graimes explains how eating the right carbs in moderate amounts is the key to good health – providing energy, improving digestion and mood, as well as aiding sleep.
2. Clean 7: Supercharge The Body’s Natural Ability To Heal Itself by Alejandro Junger
Whether you’re a fan of alternative medicine or you think it’s all just woo-woo, LA cardiologist Alejandro Junger’s latest book is a fascinating deep dive into the suggested benefits of functional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine and intermittent fasting.
The author argues that while each one of these practices can have positive effects, the combination of all three can have a healing effect on the body in the long-term. Includes a seven-day program which claims to help rid the body of toxins.
3. The Plant Power Doctor: A Simple Prescription For A Healthier You by Dr Gemma Newman
Thinking of giving Veganuary a go? GP Gemma Newman shares simple tips for making the switch to a greener plate, while explaining the science that shows how eating more plants is linked with improved health and wellbeing.
Newman also divulges how plant-powered eating has had a transformative effect on her own life, and gives the lowdown on how switching up your diet can lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity.
4. The Energy Equation: From The Naked Ape To The Knackered Ape by DR Sarah Myhill and Craig Robinson
After an emotionally taxing year, many of us will be finding ourselves feeling tired and drained. Whether you’re a student, office worker or full-time parent, this handy self-help book explains how we can all find more energy as the new year swings around.
Former GP Sarah Myhill uses her expertise in treating patients with chronic fatigue syndrome and ME, applying the same principles of balancing energy generation with energy use, to help banish that constantly tired feeling.
5. Naked by Caroline Foran
In her new bestseller, Naked: Ten Truths to Change Your Life, Owning It podcaster Caroline Foran is back with her no-frills approach to show us how some of our ingrained thoughts and beliefs prevent us from fulfilling our potential and shows us how changing the way we think will help change our lives.
6. Keep Sharp: How To Build A Better Brain At Any Age by Dr Sanjay Gupta
Keep Sharp looks at the lessons we can learn from so-called ‘super brained’ people in their 80s and 90s, while debunking some common myths about ageing and cognitive decline.
Dr Sanjay Gupta explores whether there’s an optimal diet or lifestyle for keeping the brain in good health as we age, as well as some of the changes we can make to avoid brain disease, particularly Alzheimer’s. The book also provides a personalised 12-week programme featuring tips and tricks to boost the brain.
7. Feel Great Lose Weight: Long Term, Simple Habits For Lasting And Sustainable Weight Loss by Dr Rangan Chatterjee
TV doctor and podcaster Rangan Chatterjee is back with another healthy living bible, this time focusing on a conscious, long-lasting approach to weight loss. With 20 years of experience as a GP, Chatterjee helps readers get to the root cause of their weight gain, nourish their body with whole foods and build techniques for keeping the pounds off in a healthy, sustainable way.
If you’re looking for a safe, medically-approved and gentle approach to weight loss that doesn’t involve crash diets, this is one to throw onto your to-read pile in the new year.
8. Not a Life Coach by James Smith
Not a Life Coach: Push Your Boundaries. Unlock Your Potential. Redefine Your Life is the follow up to James Smith's international number one bestseller, Not a Diet Book.
The author is back to challenge everything you thought you knew about the path to fulfilment and happiness. With hard-hitting home truths and a helping of tough love, be prepared to re-set your outlook, redefine your goals and truly consider: What does success truly mean to you?
