The Top 5 Books That Have Shaped My Approach to Nutrition

I have had a profound interest in the science of nutrition for almost 20 years and in that time have read many of the most popular books on this complicated topic.  Over the years I have found a collection of authors that are either MD’s, PhD’s or experts in some aspect of health to help shape my opinions and thoughts.  Due to my father's sudden passing and learning his death was related to metabolic health issues and cardiovascular disease, I have leaned into anything that could have a positive effect in those areas and have experimented with many different types of diets.  

I have created a short, but not inclusive, list of books that have had a major influence over the way I think about food and nutrition.  If you’re looking for something to read, these are all books that I would highly recommend.

Wheat Belly Total Health by Dr. William Davis.  This book aims to help people improve their overall health by eliminating wheat and other grains from their diets. The book focuses on the harmful effects of modern wheat, which is genetically modified and processed in ways that strip it of its natural nutrients. Dr. Davis argues that eliminating wheat can lead to weight loss, improved digestion and better overall health. The book provides practical advice on how to transition to a wheat-free diet, including recipes and meal plans. It also includes information on the benefits of other nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Overall, Wheat Belly Total Health offers a comprehensive approach to improving health by eliminating a common yet harmful ingredient from one's diet.

The Bulletproof Diet by Dave Asprey.  The author outlines a dietary plan for optimizing energy levels, cognitive function, and overall health. Asprey's approach emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality, nutrient-dense foods and minimizing the intake of toxins and inflammatory foods. The book recommends a diet high in healthy fats, moderate in protein and low in carbohydrates. Asprey also recommends intermittent fasting and avoiding certain foods like grains, legumes and dairy that can cause inflammation and disrupt the gut microbiome. The book also discusses the importance of optimizing sleep, reducing stress and incorporating exercise into daily routines. Asprey provides practical tips on how to implement his diet and lifestyle recommendations, including meal plans, recipes, and supplement suggestions. The Bulletproof Diet offers a holistic approach to improving health and energy levels by optimizing nutrition, sleep, exercise and stress management.

The Longevity Diet by Dr. Valter Longo.  This book provides a comprehensive plan for improving health and extending lifespan. The book outlines a dietary approach called the "Fasting Mimicking Diet" (FMD), which involves periodic fasting or caloric restriction to mimic the health benefits of long-term fasting while still allowing for adequate nutrition. The book also emphasizes the importance of a plant-based diet rich in healthy fats, whole grains and legumes while limiting animal products and processed foods. Dr. Longo also provides guidance on lifestyle factors that can impact health and longevity, such as exercise, sleep and stress management. The book discusses the science behind the FMD and how it can promote cellular rejuvenation, enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the book provides practical tips on how to implement the FMD and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including recipes and meal plans. The Longevity Diet offers a science-based approach to improving health and extending lifespan through dietary and lifestyle modifications.

The Keto Reset Diet by Mark Sisson. It provides a guide to the ketogenic diet and its potential health benefits. The book outlines a step-by-step plan for transitioning to a ketogenic diet, which involves reducing carbohydrates and increasing healthy fats in the diet to promote a state of ketosis. Sisson emphasizes the importance of consuming high-quality, nutrient-dense foods while avoiding processed and inflammatory foods. The book also discusses the potential health benefits of a ketogenic diet, such as weight loss, improved blood sugar control and increased energy levels. Additionally, the book provides guidance on lifestyle factors that can impact health, such as exercise, sleep and stress management. Sisson provides practical tips on how to implement the ketogenic diet and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including recipes and meal plans. Overall, The Keto Reset Diet offers a comprehensive approach to improving health through dietary and lifestyle modifications that can help individuals achieve a state of ketosis and reap the potential benefits of a ketogenic diet.

The Complete Guide to Fasting by Dr. Jason Fung. This book provides a comprehensive overview of fasting and its potential health benefits. The book discusses the different types of fasting, including intermittent fasting and extended fasting  and how they can be incorporated into a healthy lifestyle. Fung emphasizes the importance of fasting for weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity and other health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and promoting cellular rejuvenation. The book provides practical tips on how to start and maintain a fasting regimen, including what to eat before and after a fast, how to break a fast and how to manage hunger and other common side effects. The book also discusses the science behind fasting and how it can impact various aspects of health, such as the gut microbiome, brain function and longevity. The Complete Guide to Fasting offers a science-based approach to improving health through the practice of fasting and provides a practical guide for individuals looking to incorporate fasting into their lifestyle.

There are gems in each of these books that have improved my health tremendously.  What has worked for me is focusing on one aspect until it becomes a habit (like removing wheat from my diet) and then layering something else to see if it works well with my body.  

Over time, these things will become a habit and they will no longer be difficult.  It is often more challenging thinking about change than the actual change itself.  Stay open minded, stay curious and always keep your 20-year health goals in mind.