Nothing like a good cookbook filled with healthy recipes and beautiful photography to inspiring me to get in the kitchen. Whether following a recipe step-by-step, tweaking as a recipe makeover,” to fit my dietary needs, or just using the recipe idea launch pad for my own creativity, I refer to my personal library of healthy cookbooks, surprisingly, just as much or even more than going to Pinterest. Here are the new Healthy Recipe Books and Favorite Cookbooks of the Season (along with a couple past favorites) that I can’t keep my hands off this month.

Vegan Junk Food, Expanded Edition: 200+ Vegan Recipes for the Foods You Crave―Minus the Ingredients You Don’t

What I Love: 1) It’s not really junk food; 2) creative twists on traditional junk foods; 3) even meat-eaters will love the vegan recipes; 3) drool-worthy photography

My 1st Pick Recipe: Vegan Portabello Cheesesteak — say what?! Yes, so “meaty,” so amazing — a great weekend lunch or game day snack.

The “I Love My Instant Pot®” Gluten-Free Recipe Book: From Zucchini Nut Bread to Fish Taco Lettuce Wraps, 175 Easy and Delicious Gluten-Free Recipes (Oct 2018)

What I Love: 1) Recipes that address gluten allergies of friends/family; 2) Instant Pot cook helps me prepare meals in fraction of the time; 2) less clean up; 3) tutorial on Instant Pot use and; 3) the author (@cavegirlcuisine) has a bunch of other books in the I “Love My Instant Pot” series.

My 1^st Pick Recipe: Loaded Broccoli and Bacon Soup (p. 49) – Yes, please and thank you! So creamy so satisfying, only the Instant Pot dirtied (plus an immersion blender) – total win on a busy winter night.

Keto Snacks: From Sweet and Savory Fat Bombs to Pizza Bites and Jalapeño Poppers, 100 Low-Carb Snacks for Every Craving (October 2018)

What I Love: 1) Helps you curb snack cravings stay in ketosis if on keto diet; 2) just great, yummy snacks for anyone on a low-carb diet, even if not keto; 3) 100 different options to never get bored; 3) great for low-carb and keto entertaining and parties this holiday season; and 4) lots and lots of drool-icious photos.

My 1^st Pick Recipe: I have my heart set on making the Pumpkin Pie Coconut Chips (p. 88), they look and sound insanely delish! And, honestly, I am spending way too much money on my addiction to the packaged coconut chips in the store, so this keto snack recipe couldn’t have come at a better time – plus, Pumpkin Spice – how seasonal!

Tex-Mex Diabetes Cooking: More Than 140 Authentic Southwestern Favorites (August 2018)

What I Love: 1) Calorie, carb, and fat levels dialed in for those looking to lose weight or manage their diabetes; 2) Author is an expert in southwestern cuisine and as a Texas girl, I am ALL ABOUT the TexMex; 3) Perfect for a fiesta home (rather than spending money eating out); 4) Pretty photos

My 1^st Pick Recipe: Being a huge Tex Mex fan, it was hard not to choose EVERYTHING. But I went for the Mexican Bread Pudding with Fresh Berries (p. 88) – it’s in the “Breakfast” section, but this custardy, cinnamon-hinted cassorle could easily be a dessert, it’s that rich and beautiful! Carb count is lowered and kept diabetic friendly with the use of a granulated sugar substitute, I used a cup-for-cup equivalent baking blend stevia when I made at home.

 

Racing Weight Cookbook: Lean, Light Recipes for Athletes (January 2014)

What I Love: 1) Athlete-focused recipes to help manage weight weight without compromising your performance; 2) gorgeous, page-licking photos; 3) sections broken up into cooking skill level; 4) published 4 years ago, but still a go-to for me; 4) written by an endurance coach and certified sports nutritionist

My 1^st Pick Recipe: Steak with Charred Corn Salas (p. 138) – you know how I feel about beef (it’s filled with ZIP, eg. zinc, iron and protein) and flank steak is a lean but yummy choice for marinating and grilling — awesome runner food.

Latin Twist: Traditional and Modern Cocktails (April 2015)

What I Love: 1) A “bible” of creative drinks to get things shakin’ at holiday parties, Fiesta or any time of year; 2) Great inspiration for mocktails and even protein smoothies (not kidding); 3) co-written by a blogger friend of mine Vianney at SweetLife.com; 3) next level photography that will make you feel oh-so-relaxed – CHEERS!

My 1^st Pick Recipe: Ponche de Chocolate (p. 68) milk, egg yolks, cinnamon, cocoa powder, rum (or not) – it’s basically chocolate eggnog and is calling my name this Christmas holiday season.

 

Are you a cookbook addict, do you get most recipes online — or both?! What is your favorite cookbook of the moment and of all time? What is the newest recipe you’ve tried? Have anything planned for healthy holiday entertaining  I’d love to chat, please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer 

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