health books – Mindful Nutrition

I hope you have found this series an invaluable resource of nutriton information.

This is the third post in the series…

Best Books Written by Registered Dietitians

(Note: At the top of each post in this series, I have provided a description of what a dietitian is; therefore, if you have read any of the other posts in the series, you may want to skip down to the list portion.)

You may be asking…

So what exactly IS a Registered Dietitian, and why do I want to take note when a health and wellness book is written by a Registered Dietitian?

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A registered dietitian, by definition, is considered the expert in the field of nutrition science. The term Registered Dietitian is actually different than a nutritionist. In fact, the term nutritionist is not a regulated term and has a more general meaning. The term registered dietitian, however, is regulated much like the terms doctor or lawyer. In other words, you are not allowed to call yourself a doctor unless you are a doctor, and you cannot call yourself a registered dietitian unless you have completed all the academic and professional requirements.

Requirements for Registered Dietitians

So what are the requirements? Is there some kind of certification you need to be a registered dietitians?

Actually, you cannot just get a certification to become a registered dietitian. Whereas there might be certifications available for nutritionists.

To become an RD you must:

Complete a Bachelors Degree at a college accredited by the Commission of Accreditation of Dietetic Education. Some of the required courses generally included are:

Microbiology
Medical Nutrition Therapy
Biology
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Anatomy and Physiology
Evidence Base Nutrition
Human Nutrition and Metabolism
Nutrition Counseling
and more

2. Complete 1200 hours of a competitive internship (The internship is usually completed in hospitals, community service agencies, medical clinics, etc)

3. Pass the CDR Exam

Just like a lawyer can’t practice law without passing an exam, an RD cannot become a registered dietitian without pasing the CDR.

4. By 2024, all register dietitian will be required to have a master’s degree as well. Many RD’s already do.

5. Complete Continuing Education Units throughout their career to keep their registered dietitian credentials.

So you can see why it is a plus when a health and nutrition book is written by a registered dieitian. I want to preface here that just because an RD is considered the expert, doesn’t mean you can’t get great nutrition information and advice from non-dietitians. People who have a passion for nutrition or people who have discovered something that works for them can write insightful nutrition books.

Many health and wellness enthusiasts have done extensive research on their own and have valuable information, but if you are getting advice from non-dietitians, I would recommend looking for the following:

Are they getting their information from a Registered Dietitian? Are they seeing what multiple registered dieitians have to say about the topic before giving advice?
Do they know when it is time to refer their clients to a registered dietitian? Many informed people have general nutrition knowledge, but when a client or customer needs medical nutrition therapy; then, a dietitian may be needed. Dietitians are trained in nutrition as it relates to diseases, drug-food interactions, tube feeding, enteral nutrition (nutrients through the veins), and various other medical conditions. These topics can get complicated and even be dangerous if incorrect information is given.

For example, someone may tell a client to eat more bananas because bananas are healthy, after all, BUT if a person has kidney failure and is on dialysis, too many bananas could put someone in the hosptial or worse!

One Final Note..

So one final thought before we move on to the book lists. If a book is written by a non-RD, you may want to see if a registered dietitian has written a review about the book, recommended the book, or even written a forward for the book.

Nutrition books written by non-dietitians are not a deal breaker, by any means, but you can see why seeing that RD beside an author’s name in a nutrition book is a plus.

Okay now for the good stuff…

The third post in this series is…

Healthy Living Books by Registered Dietitians

Healthy living and healthy eating books by registered dietitians: From mindful eating and meal planning, to recipes nutrition tips, these health and wellness books have you covered

We have talked about the some of the Best Childhood Nutrition Books and listed some of the Top Healthy Cookbooks by Dietitians, now let’s talk about books that are not cookbooks, but help you live the healthy life you want to live!

How to Change your Life in 28 Days

This guide book by Katey Davidson, MSCFN, RD will help you set goals that naturally fit into your actual life so that you get lasting results. This guide will help you transform the “Core Seven” aspects of health, which are Beauty (Nutrition, Empowerment, Social life, Stress, Exercise, Sleep, and Beauty (inside and out).

Nourish Your Namaste

Just like the subtitle says, this ebook walks you through how nutrition and yoga can support digestion, immunity, energy, and relaxation! This book includes a list of 40 functional foods you should include in your diet to help improve digestion, immune function, energy, and relaxation! Plant-based recipes and snack ideas are also included.

nourish_cover

Eat to Sleep: What to Eat and When to Eat It for a Good Night’s Sleep―Every Nigh t

Many of us forget how important sleep is, but when you go a few nights without sleeping you are quickly reminded! This book is perfect for someone who suffers from insomnia or chronic sleeplessness. Eat to Sleep explains which “sleepy” foods to eat and when to eat them in order to get the best night’s rest possible.

Faith, Mindfulness, & Nutrition

“What an awesome and inspiring book!!!! This book is full of inspirational stories that integrate health, faith, and mindfulness. The “goose-bump God moment” stories will give you chills! I love this book!” -Mary

Learn how to live your healthiest, happiest, most meaningful life through faith-based mindfulness and evidence-based nutrition. Faith, Mindfulness, and Nutrition takes you on an inspiring and uplifting journey with dietitian, Lacy Ngo. Thanks to faith-based mindfulness and nutrition, Ngo went from being weight obsessed to feeling healthy and happy in her own body. Ironically, during the process, Ngo ended up, not only losing weight, but also strengthening her walk with God. Now she feels healthier than ever AND she truly enjoys eating! She is able to feed her mind, body, and soul nourishing foods and feel good in her own body without weight obsessing. Get ready to get goose-bumps as you read this amazing true story.

*A Bonus Mindful Planner is Included!!!

The Nourishing Meal Builder

Created by a registered dietitian, The Nourishing Meal Builder and the included Nourishing Meal Builder Cards take the stress out of cooking nourishing, healing meals! Motivated by her son’s illnesses and her own symptoms, Lacy Ngo (that’s me!) became passionate about providing an easy strategy that busy families could use to implement research-based nutrition into their daily lives.

After incorporating these strategies into my own life, I was even more convinced that nutrition can change lives:
-My mood improved
-My seasonal allergies stopped showing up in the fall and spring
-My energy improved
-My acne resolved
-My son’s behavior and anxiety improved

What’s included in The Nourishing Meal Builder?
-Lists of nutrients and foods that boost mood; promote cognitive function, focus, attention, alertness, and memory; support the immune system; aid in weight loss; and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, autoimmune diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, joint pain, and even seasonal allergy symptoms
-A simple Meal Plan Checklist
-A faith-based mindfulness and mindful eating guide
-Printable Meal Builder cards

Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals

I’m kind of extra fond of this book because it’s mine. : ) This ebook does have a cookbook component, but it includes so much more. In the cookbook component, I show you how to make a month of meals in one day so that you can easily eat healthy, homecooked meals at home everyday (or at least most days). You can also just use the recipes individually each day if you prefer. I also give you pro tips on how to efficiently cook all these meals in a timely manner. (I just finished cooking 110 freezer meal this week, and I used the efficiency tips that I share with you in this ebook to get all 110 meals done in 5 hours!)

This book includes much more than recipes though.

What is included:

Mindful Eating Techniques
Mindful Eating Demo Video
An interactive Nutrition Quiz to help you develop your own healthy living routine
100s of healthy living tips from a registered dietitian
Healthy and easy family-friendly breakfast, lunch, dinner freezer meal recipes that last most families a month or more!
A Complete Grocery List so that shopping for a month of meals is simple.
Pro Tips on how to efficiently cook a month of meals in a day.
Because I believe God is a part of everything; this book also discusses faith and how faith relates to our health.

Meal planning, weight loss, freezer meals ebook — Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals eBook

You can learn more or purchase “Mindfulness in Faith and Freezer Meals” here.

The Mom’s Guide to a Nourishing Garden

This is such a unique book! According to dietitian, Jen Haugen, gardening nourishes the soul and having a family vegetable garden is a great way to grow healthy, nutritious foods! This book includes everything you need to know to plant more than 35 different garden fruits and vegetables, as well as 30 garden fresh recipes!

Plant-Based Nutrition, 2E (Idiot’s Guides)

“Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or omnivore, getting your nutrition from plant-based foods is one of the best things you can do for your health—and it’s easier than you might think!”

I love this quote from the description of this book. “Plant-Based Nutrition” gives you everything you need to start a delicious and nutritious plant-based diet! This book provides ample tips and recipes to help you incorporate more plants into your life!

The Vegiterranean Diet: The New and Improved Mediterranean Eating Plan–with Deliciously Satisfying Vegan Recipes for Optimal Health

The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the best and has been linked to a lower risk in cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s! “The Vegiterranean Diet” focuses on the whole-plant foods of the Mediterranean diet. From meal plans, recipes, and tips, this book has the Vegiterranean diet covered!

The Attitude Antidote: A Whole Life Overhaul 21-Day Devotional

Health is about so much more than the foods we eat and how much we exercise. Health is about the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. “The Attitude Antidote” was a delight to read! This devotional, written by a dietitian, covers the mind and spirit aspect of our health. Jessa Nowak believes there is nothing more defining than your attitude. When we learn to have a grateful and positive attitude and approach to our daily life, then we will be happier and healthier.

Body Kindness: Transform Your Health from the Inside Out–and Never Say Diet Again

This book is so popular that it was on backorder when I first tried to order it! This book shows you how to have a happier and healthier life by treating yourself with compassion. This anti-dieting book focuses on mindfulness, self-compassion, self-acceptance, gratitude, and affirmations. In other words, this book is about listening to your body and being kind to yourself and your body.

Food and Fitness After 50: Eat Well, Move Well, Be Well

I am 38 years old as I write this post, and I have definitely noticed my health and fitness needs have changed from when I was in my 20s. That is why I am so glad the book, “Food and Fitness after 50” is available. Christine Rosenbloom, PhD, RDN, FAND, and Bob Murray, PhD, FACSM, share steps and tips on how to start a healthy fitness routine and eating plans. “Food and Fitness After 50 also includes weight management techniques as well as tips for better sleep.

Health Takes Guts

I devoured this book in two days! What a fascinating read! This book is a detailed explanation of nutrition as it relates to gut health, mental fatigue, IBS, Diarrhea, Constipation, Alzheimer’s, Autoimmune diseases, inflammation, mood, fatigue, immunity, and many other medical conditions. This is definitely worth the purchase!

ebook: Health Takes Guts® Your Comprehensive Guide to Eliminating Digestive Issues, Anxiety, and Fatigue

The Mindful Diet: How to Transform Your Relationship with Food for Lasting Weight Loss and Vibrant Health

If you have read some of my past posts, you know that I have had a history of weight gain. In fact, being called a “two ton whale” in middle school was the negative motivator that started me on a weight loss journey. I kept the weight off for years, but then gained weight right after I got married. It was when I stopped focusing on weight and focused on mindful eating that I naturally lost 55 pounds without needing willpower, without counting calories, without dieting, or getting on the scale. I only know how much weight I lost because I saw the weight at the doctors office. This books is about the power of mindfulness and mindful eating. “The Mindful Diet” discusses how mindfulness and mindful eat can help with with lasting weight loss!

Lean Body Smart Life: 12-Fix Plan to a Leaner, Healthier, Happier Life

I am an organizer and list maker so I love how organized this book is. In Judith Scharman Draughon’s book, Judith narrows down the science into what she considers the 12 most important things you can do for your health and wellness- all without being on a diet!

The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition: Simple Steps YOU Can Take to Eat Well, Reduce Stress, and Improve Your Health

Many of us are overworked and overly busy today. We don’t have time to incorporate big changes into our lives. This is where this book comes in. “The Overworked Person’s Guide to Better Nutrition” provides tiny, easy to implement tips that bring big results. Tiny tips that equal big results! Yes please!

Your 6-Week Guide to LiveBest: Simple Solutions for Fresh Food & Well-Being

In this book, you will find more than 100 simple, realistic solutions as wells as assessments, food tips and meal ideas to help you live a happier, healthier, and stronger life. The 6-week guide is a great start to making lasting changes.

Too Busy to Diet: A Guide To Smart Nutrition When You’re On The Move

Quick and easy to read, this book is perfect for busy people. This book provides easy solutions to meal planning, shopping, and eating out. In the book, dietitian’s Jacqueline King and Monica Joyce answers questions patients have been asking them for years such as How can I get more calcium, what foods are high in fiber, and how do I lower my sodium intake with our sacrificing taste?

The Flexitarian Diet: The Mostly Vegetarian Way to Lose Weight, Be Healthier, Prevent Disease, and Add Years to Your Life

I was standing in my kitchen soon after finishing this post when I realized I had not included a Flexitarian book! I ran back to add this “must have on this list” book. Like the Mediterranean and the Vegiterranean diet, the Flexitarian diet is one of the healthiest! This book has so much information and 140 recipes as well!

Healthy for Your Life

Health is so much more than the number on a scale. Health is about mind, body, and soul! With this book, you get to decide what healthy means to you! This is a non-diet book, that provides inspiration and tips to help you nourish your mind, body and soul.

The Mindful Eating Workbook

You can probably guess that I am super excited about this workbook! This workbook includes mindful eating 101, as well as mindful cooking and mindful eating strategies and reflective exercises.

Tag: health books