20 best books on health and fitness – 2023 reading list & recommendations

If you’re looking for some inspiration to kickstart your health and fitness journey, look no further than these 20 must-read books on health and fitness. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, these books offer a wealth of knowledge, tips, and motivation to help you achieve your wellness goals. From nutrition guides to workout plans, these health and fitness books are sure to become your go-to resources for a healthier lifestyle. Get ready to transform your mind and body with these top picks!


Atomic Habits

by James Clear

Atomic Habits by James Clear is a game-changing book on health and fitness that will revolutionize the way you approach your goals. Clear dives deep into the science of habit formation and provides practical strategies to help you build sustainable habits that stick. Whether you want to lose weight, eat healthier, or get in shape, this book is packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice. Clear emphasizes the power of small, incremental changes and shows you how to harness the compounding effect of tiny habits to achieve remarkable results. With his engaging writing style and relatable anecdotes, Clear brings the science of habit formation to life, making it easy to understand and apply to your own life. If you’re ready to transform your health and fitness, this is the ultimate guidebook you’ve been waiting for.

The Obesity Code

by Jason Fung

The Obesity Code by Jason Fung is a groundbreaking book about health and fitness that challenges everything we thought we knew about weight loss. Fung, a renowned nephrologist, dives deep into the science behind obesity, debunking common myths and revealing the true causes behind this epidemic. In a captivating and engaging manner, he argues that obesity is not simply a result of overeating or lack of exercise, but rather a hormonal imbalance in our bodies. Fung presents a revolutionary approach to weight loss, focusing on the importance of insulin and how it affects our metabolism. With practical advice, meal plans, and success stories, this book on health and fitness empowers readers to take control of their health and finally achieve lasting weight loss.

Becoming a Supple Leopard

by Kelly Starrett

Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett is a game-changing book on health and fitness that will revolutionize the way you move and perform. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who just wants to improve their overall well-being, this book is a must-read. Starrett, a renowned physical therapist and strength coach, breaks down the fundamental principles of human movement and provides practical strategies to optimize your mobility, stability, and strength. With a focus on injury prevention and performance enhancement, this book about health and fitness will empower you to move better, feel better, and live a life without limitations. Get ready to unleash your inner beast and become the ultimate supple leopard!

The Plant Paradox

by Steven R. Gundry

The Plant Paradox by Steven R. Gundry is a captivating book about the intricate relationship between our diet and our health. In this thought-provoking book on health and fitness, Gundry explores the concept that some of the foods we consider healthy may actually be harmful to our bodies. He delves into the hidden dangers lurking in certain plants and reveals how they can negatively impact our well-being. With a blend of scientific research and personal anecdotes, Gundry challenges conventional wisdom and provides practical advice on how to improve our health through dietary changes. This book about health and fitness will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about nutrition, and inspire you to make positive changes to your diet for optimal well-being.

The 4-Hour Body

by Timothy Ferriss

The 4-Hour Body by Timothy Ferriss is a revolutionary book on health and fitness that challenges traditional beliefs and offers unconventional strategies for achieving optimal physical performance. Ferriss shares his personal experiments and interviews with world-class athletes, doctors, and scientists, providing readers with a wealth of knowledge and practical tips. This captivating book about health and fitness covers a wide range of topics, including weight loss, muscle gain, improving sleep, and enhancing sexual performance. Ferriss’s approach is based on the principle of minimal effective dose, focusing on the most efficient methods to achieve maximum results. Whether you are an athlete looking to improve performance or someone simply looking to optimize your health, The 4-Hour Body is a must-read health and fitness book that will inspire and empower you to take control of your physical well-being.

The Whole30

by Melissa Hartwig Urban

The Whole30 by Melissa Hartwig Urban is a life-changing book about health and fitness that will revolutionize the way you think about food. This groundbreaking guide offers a 30-day reset that eliminates all processed foods, grains, dairy, and added sugars from your diet. By following the Whole30 program, you will experience increased energy, improved digestion, better sleep, and a stronger immune system. With its easy-to-follow meal plans and delicious recipes, this book will help you develop a healthier relationship with food and transform your body from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your overall well-being, or simply adopt a more nutritious lifestyle, The Whole30 is the ultimate resource for anyone seeking to achieve optimal health.

The Bulletproof Diet

by Dave Asprey

The Bulletproof Diet by Dave Asprey is not just another book on health and fitness. It’s a game-changer, a powerhouse of information that will revolutionize the way you think about your body and how it functions. This book about health and fitness is a treasure trove of cutting-edge research, practical tips, and mind-blowing insights that will empower you to take control of your well-being like never before.

The Blue Zones Solution

by Dan Buettner

The Blue Zones Solution by Dan Buettner is an eye-opening book about the secrets to living a long and healthy life. Buettner takes readers on a journey to discover the world’s “Blue Zones” – regions where people live significantly longer and healthier lives than the rest of us. Through his research, Buettner identifies the common lifestyle habits and practices in these Blue Zones that contribute to their exceptional health and longevity. This book is not your typical health and fitness guide, but rather a fascinating exploration of the factors that contribute to overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to make small changes to improve your own health or are simply curious about the secrets of longevity, The Blue Zones Solution is a must-read.

The 5 Love Languages

by Gary Chapman

The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman is a captivating book about relationships and emotional connection. It explores the idea that people express and receive love in different ways, which Chapman refers to as “love languages.” These languages include words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. By understanding and speaking their partner’s primary love language, individuals can enhance the connection and intimacy in their relationships. This thought-provoking book on relationships offers invaluable insights on how to communicate love effectively and build stronger bonds. Whether you’re in a romantic relationship or seeking to improve your connections with friends and family, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in nurturing healthy and fulfilling relationships.

The Fast Metabolism Diet

by Haylie Pomroy

The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy is a revolutionary book on health and fitness that offers a unique approach to weight loss and overall wellness. In this groundbreaking guide, Pomroy introduces a three-phase program designed to reset your metabolism and help you shed pounds without deprivation or extreme exercise. With a focus on nourishing your body with nutritious foods, this book about health and fitness provides a wealth of delicious recipes and meal plans that will keep you satisfied and energized. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, increase your energy levels, or improve your overall health, The Fast Metabolism Diet is a must-read health and fitness book that will transform your life.

The End of Alzheimer’s

by Dale Bredesen

The End of Alzheimer’s by Dale Bredesen is a groundbreaking book on brain health and fitness that offers a new approach to understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease. Bredesen, a renowned neurologist and researcher, challenges the conventional wisdom that Alzheimer’s is an irreversible and untreatable condition. He presents a comprehensive program that combines lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and targeted supplements to address the multiple causes of Alzheimer’s and promote brain health. With compelling stories of patients who have reversed cognitive decline using his protocol, Bredesen offers hope to millions of people affected by this devastating disease. This book about brain health and fitness is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding and preventing Alzheimer’s.

The China Study

by T. Colin Campbell

The China Study by T. Colin Campbell is a groundbreaking book on health and fitness that unveils the secrets to a vibrant and disease-free life. Delving into the realm of nutrition and its impact on our well-being, Campbell presents a comprehensive analysis of a 20-year study conducted in China, revealing astonishing correlations between diet and disease. This captivating book about health and fitness challenges conventional wisdom and exposes the truth about the power of plant-based nutrition in preventing and reversing chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Campbell’s meticulous research and compelling storytelling make The China Study a must-read for anyone seeking to optimize their health and unlock the extraordinary potential of their own body.

The 4-Hour Chef

by Timothy Ferriss

The 4-Hour Chef by Timothy Ferriss is not your typical health and fitness book. It is a game-changer, a mind-bender, and a treasure trove of knowledge. Ferriss takes the art of cooking and transforms it into a tool for mastering anything in life. This book is not just about recipes and cooking techniques; it is a roadmap for learning and optimization. Through his unique approach, Ferriss teaches us how to learn anything faster, from languages to musical instruments, by using cooking as a metaphor. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, The 4-Hour Chef will revolutionize the way you think about learning and achieving mastery. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to level up their skills and become a true master of their craft.

The Paleo Solution

by Robb Wolf

The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf is an incredibly insightful and practical book on health and fitness. In this groundbreaking book, Wolf explains the science behind the Paleo diet and how it can transform your life. He delves into the history of human evolution and teaches readers how to optimize their nutrition, exercise, and sleep patterns to achieve optimal health and fitness. This book is not just about losing weight or building muscle, it’s about reclaiming our natural state of vitality and well-being. Wolf’s no-nonsense approach and witty writing style make The Paleo Solution an enjoyable and informative read. Whether you’re a health and fitness enthusiast or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, this book is a must-read.

The Hormone Reset Diet

by Sara Gottfried

The Hormone Reset Diet by Sara Gottfried is a groundbreaking book on health and fitness that offers a refreshing approach to weight loss and well-being. In this eye-opening guide, Gottfried reveals the powerful connection between our hormones and our overall health, and provides practical strategies for resetting and rebalancing these essential chemical messengers.

With her expertise as a Harvard-educated physician, Gottfried presents a comprehensive plan that incorporates nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management to optimize hormone function. She addresses common hormonal imbalances that can hinder weight loss, such as insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, and cortisol imbalance, and offers tailored solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Through The Hormone Reset Diet, readers will gain a deeper understanding of their own bodies and learn how to create lasting changes that promote vibrant health and sustainable weight loss. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to transform their health and fitness from within.

The Mind-Gut Connection

by Emeran Mayer

The Mind-Gut Connection by Emeran Mayer is an illuminating book on the fascinating relationship between our mind and gut. Mayer, a leading expert in the field of gastroenterology, delves into the intricate connection between our emotions, thoughts, and the health of our gut. This thought-provoking book explores how our gut health impacts our mental well-being, and vice versa. Mayer shares groundbreaking research and offers practical advice on how to optimize our gut health to improve our overall well-being. Whether you’re interested in psychology, neuroscience, or simply looking to improve your health and fitness, this book is a must-read. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible mind-gut connection and discover the secrets to achieving optimal health and well-being.

The Sleep Revolution

by Arianna Huffington

Arianna Huffington’s The Sleep Revolution is a groundbreaking book on well-being and vitality. In this captivating exploration, Huffington delves into the often-neglected realm of sleep and its profound impact on our health and fitness. Drawing on scientific research, personal anecdotes, and interviews with experts, she reveals the alarming consequences of our sleep-deprived society and offers practical solutions to reclaim our right to a good night’s sleep. With her signature wit and wisdom, Huffington challenges the prevailing belief that sleep is a luxury and persuades us to prioritize it as a vital component of our overall well-being. This eye-opening health and fitness book is a must-read for anyone seeking to unlock the transformative power of sleep and embrace a more energized and fulfilling life.

The 5 Second Rule

by Mel Robbins

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins is a game-changing book on self-help and personal development. This dynamic and transformative book is not your typical health and fitness book, but it holds the key to unlocking your potential and achieving your goals.

Based on a simple concept, the 5 Second Rule empowers you to take action and make positive changes in your life. By counting down from five and taking action, you will overcome anxiety, hesitation, and self-doubt. This powerful tool can be applied to various aspects of your life, from health and fitness to career and relationships.

The 5 Second Rule is a must-read for anyone looking to break through their limitations and create a life filled with purpose, success, and well-being. Say goodbye to procrastination and hello to a new and improved version of yourself!

The Power of Now

by Eckhart Tolle

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is a transformative book that takes readers on a spiritual journey to discover the true essence of life. This captivating health and fitness book explores the power of living in the present moment and shedding the burdens of the past and worries about the future. Tolle emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and offers practical guidance to help readers achieve a state of inner peace and harmony. Through his profound insights and teachings, Tolle invites readers to release their ego-driven thinking and embrace the transformative power of the present moment. This book on health and fitness is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.

The Whole Brain Child

by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson is a captivating book about the intricate workings of the brain and its impact on a child’s emotional well-being. This enlightening book explores the fascinating field of neuroscience in a way that is accessible and relatable to parents and caregivers. Siegel and Bryson provide practical strategies for nurturing a child’s brain development and promoting emotional intelligence. They delve into the concept of “whole-brain integration,” emphasizing the importance of connecting the logical left hemisphere with the creative right hemisphere. The authors offer valuable insights into how to effectively communicate with children, manage tantrums and meltdowns, and help them navigate challenging situations. This book on brain development and emotional health is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complex world of parenting.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 20 best books about health and fitness are an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their overall well-being. Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, someone looking to lose weight, or simply interested in leading a healthier lifestyle, these books offer a wealth of knowledge and inspiration. From practical exercise routines to expert advice on nutrition and mental well-being, these books cover all aspects of health and fitness. So, grab a copy of these books and embark on a journey towards a healthier and happier you!