Reading a good book is one of my favorite things to do to relax or learn something new.

I love authors like J.R.R. Tolkien or C.S. Lewis when I’m in the mood for a good story (like the Lord of the Rings).

Reading a book is also a great way to educate yourself on just about any topic in the world. If you want to learn a new skill, one of the best ways is to find someone who already does it well and ask them questions. If that’s not possible, then reading a book about it is the next best option.

In true David Letterman fashion, here is a list of my Top 10 Favorite Health Books:

10. Prescription for Natural Cures by James Balch

This is a great reference book for hundreds of ailments. Each entry includes a short explanation of the condition and offers many treatment options–everything from diet & nutrition to aromatherapy and dietary supplements. Amazon.com calls it the “new natural health bible for the twenty first century.”

9. Vaccines – Are They Really Safe & Effective? by Neil Z. Miller

A short book, but jam packed with important information on vaccinations. With charts and graphs, it evaluates each vaccine for safety, efficacy, and long-term effects. It also includes information on natural versus artificial immunity.

8. Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin

This book is a great tool for anyone wanting to learn more about the role of nutrition in fighting disease. You might know that my Mom overcame cancer through an all-natural approach, and this is one of the tools that helped her. Our bodies have an amazing healing capacity if we know how to support them!

7. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

Pollan answers several basic questions about our food in this ‘Eater’s Manifesto.’ He examines the fundamental differences between processed food and what I like to call ‘real food.’ His summary? “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.”

6. The Paleo Diet for Athletes by Loren Cordain

While this book may be focused on helping athletes maximize performance through their diet, anyone and everyone can benefit from this plan. The author advocates a return to the diet of our ancestors (high protein & plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables).

5. One Minute Wellness by Dr. Ben Lerner

Dr. Lerner offers a groundbreaking approach to wellness in his book as he describes the state of the current healthcare system and the benefits of wellness chiropractic. The added bonus? This is actually 2 books in one! You can follow a fictional tale (based in reality) of a young chiropractor while learning the statistics, lifestyle methods, treatments, and action steps to finding wellness.

4. The Maker’s Diet by Jordan Rubin

This is Jordan Rubin’s own story of battling an ‘incurable’ disease with the Biblically-based principles of diet, nutrition, hygiene, and exercise. He outlines a plan for strengthening the 4 ‘Pillars of Health:’ spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional.

3. Eat to Live by Dr. Joel Fuhrman

Dr. Fuhrman created the concept of charting Nutrient Density–one of my favorite topics! His book teaches you the principles of quality versus quantity when it comes to food. It will help you live longer, lose weight and dramatically change your outlook on food.

2. Never Be Sick Again by Raymond Francis

This book is chock full of incredibly useful information on how to choose health. The author explains there are ultimately only 2 causes of all disease: Toxicity & Deficiency. He is a chemist and MIT graduate who concludes that almost all diseases can be both prevented and reversed naturally.

1. The Real Food Diet Cookbook by…..me!

I’m really excited for my cookbook to come out this fall! It will include over 130 recipes featuring delicious real food that will help you lose weight, feel great and completely transform your life. You will also be able to learn about Real Food vs. Fake Food, The 5 Best & Worst Foods, and the ABCs of Cooking, Equipment, & Label Reading.

The Real Food Diet Cookbook will be available on my website this fall.

You can also visit my site to see other books that I recommend. You will find information on raising healthy kids, managing your money, and finding a new job that you love.

What are your favorite health books? What about your favorite books to read for fun?