I read, drooled and became inspired with some of the Best Healthy Cookbooks and Fitness Reads in February 2018.

Along the way, I picked up so much great advice to keep me motivated with my running and exercise routines along with healthy, fit recipe ideas to fit my busy, active lifestyle. Read on to find out more!

The Edgy Veg – 138 Carnivore Approved Vegan Recipes, by Candice Hutchings

Y’all know I’m a meat eater, so I looked at this very vegan-sounding cookbook with some suspicion when it first arrived. But, after flipping through the beautifully photographed images of vegan food, I found myself drooling and reminding myself that I do, on occasion eat an entirely plant-based meal (variety is the spice of life, after all).

The first thing that caught my attention was the four-fecta of vegan bacon recipes.Based on these four ways to make “BACON” (mushroom, coconut, eggplant or rice paper) I decided to try the author’s rice paper version, both because she said it was the most realistic and because I had the ingredients already in my pantry. Win! Of course, I had to put my own spin on it  (below) and you can check out my version HERE (coming soon).

So, this creative, quote-unquote vegan cookbook is really for everyone looking for one of the Best Healthy Cookbooks, and I’d high recommend it!  Also on my list to try is the Shredded Hogtown Jackfruit (below),Buffalo Cauliflower Wings and Pho-ritto!

Run Strong Stay Hungry – 9 Keys to Staying in the Race – by Jonathan Beverly

Learn the best ways to train, race, recover, avoid injuries, and stay motivated over a lifetime of running, whether you are in the front, middle or back of the back. Tips shared from veteran runners (including Bill Rodgers, Deena Kastor and Joan Benoit Samuelson) will inspire you to create your own powerful habits and mindset to keep you challenged by the sport of running – without getting burned out or discouraged as the years pass.   

Fat Belly 365 – The Gut-Friendly Superfood Plan to Shed Pounds, Fight Inflammation, and Feel Great All Year Long, by Manuel Villacorta, MS, RD 

In my seach for the Best Healthy Cookbooks and Fitness Reads this month, I fell in love with this “how-to” book. It gives scientifically-proven strategies to help lose those stubborn pounds around the mid-section and keep them off. The secret is having a healthy gut fueled by superfoods, anti-inflammatory fats, and prebiotic and probiotic food. Not only will you be fueling your body with nutrient-rich food, the diet helps to balance appetite, lessen cravings, regulate blood sugar, fight inflammation. I like how the dietician author has laid out the meal plans by season, to help take advantage of the freshest food available – it also helps reduce meal-time boredom. For example, in the summer you may feast on a Fig Jicama Salad while in the winter a hearty Cauliflower Walnut Soup will hit the spot. Also included in the book is a 7-Day Reboot menu which he reports his clients have lost up to six pounds and an average of 1.5 inches lost from their waists while enjoying better sleep, and renewed energy.

100 Classic Gluten-Free Comfort Food Recipes – by Donna Washburn & Heather Butt

This all-new collection of gluten-free recipes spans the menu from hearty entrees and sides to family favorite meals and delicious desserts. The authors are known for their first gluten-free cookbook published nearly 20 years ago, and this all-new collection is totally on point for today’s fit foodie – gluten-free lifestyle or not! For my most perfect comfort meal, I’d pick Oven Fried Chicken and Apple Crumble Pie!  

Single and Hungry: A Realistic Guide to Food & Self-Love by Alina Z

This holistic health coach (who has high profile clients like Alicia Silverstone) understands the complicate relationship between food and self-love – or lack of. Alina Z. provides a comprehensive and easy-to-implement program that will help you battle it out with the body image demons and start loving yourself enough to life a healthy and happy life – it’s Couture Nutrition®! 

Yummy “couture” chocolate recipes in the book!

Also, don’t miss my review of completely different (and equally awesome) books reviewed last month!  Visit here for Best Fitness Reads and Healthy Cookbooks January 2018.

What are some of the Best Healthy Cookbooks and Fitness Reads you’ve laid your eyes on lately? Please share in the comments, i need some new ideas! – XOXO, Jennifer