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Cooking at home isn’t just about nourishment—it’s about reclaiming your health, reducing stress, and discovering joy in the kitchen. With the right cookbooks, you can create meals that are rich in nutrients, flavor, and creativity, no matter your experience level.
Home-cooked meals are typically higher in vitamins, minerals, and fiber and lower in unhealthy fats, sugar, and sodium. Beyond the nutritional benefits, cooking can also be a mindful act that reduces stress and promotes well-being.
As someone who loves spending time in the kitchen, I rely on a handful of the best cookbooks for healthy eating. Below, I’ve shared my favorites and what makes each one special. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home chef, these cookbooks are filled with recipes to make healthy eating approachable, delicious, and fun.
Plant-Based Cooking for Optimal Wellness
Oh She Glows Every Day by Angela Liddon
Focus:Â Plant-based recipes packed with nutrients.
Why You’ll Love It: Recipes that support energy, brain health, and glowing skin.
Favorite Recipe:Â The loaded sweet potato recipe is a go-to for a cozy, nourishing meal.
Eat Clean, Play Dirty by Sakara
Focus:Â Science-backed, plant-based living.
Why You’ll Love It: Highlights nutrient-dense superfoods for vibrant energy and glowing health.
Bonus:Â Sakara also offers a meal delivery service if you need a break from cooking!
Eat Feel Fresh by Sahara Rose Ketabi
Focus:Â Ayurvedic principles for balance.
Why You’ll Love It: Perfect for holistic eaters looking to boost digestion and energy while creating harmony in meals.
Vegan at Times by Jessica Seinfeld
Focus:Â Easy, flexible plant-based recipes.
Why You’ll Love It: Simplifies plant-based eating with approachable recipes anyone can master.
Favorite Recipe: The banana-nut bread recipe is always a hit in my home!
The Homemade Vegan Pantry by Miyoko Schinner
Focus:Â DIY staples that ditch processed alternatives.
Why You’ll Love It: Learn to craft homemade vegan cheeses, condiments, and more.
Cookbooks That Celebrate Seasonal and Produce-Forward Eating
Sun Kissed Cooking by Brooke Williamson
Focus:Â Seasonal recipes for maximum nutrition.
Why You’ll Love It: Celebrates fresh, local ingredients and the beauty of eating with the seasons.
Yotam Ottolenghi’s Plenty, Flavor, and Simple
Focus:Â Vibrant, vegetable-forward recipes.
Why You’ll Love It: Elevates everyday vegetables with globally inspired flavors and creative use of spices.
Classic Favorites for Healthy Eating
Giada De Laurentiis’ Happy Cooking, Feel Good Food, and Eat Better, Feel Better
Focus:Â Delicious meals with a healthy twist.
Why You’ll Love It: Recipes prioritize gut health, energy, and immune support while staying comforting.
Go-To Dinners by Ina Garten
Focus:Â Simple comfort meals.
Why You’ll Love It: While not all recipes are explicitly "healthy," they’re adaptable.
Favorite Recipe: The Tuscan White Bean Soup can easily be modified for a plant-based version—just skip the prosciutto!
Michael Symon’s Five in Five & Fix It with Food
Focus:Â Quick and anti-inflammatory recipes.
Why You’ll Love It: Five in Five features meals with five ingredients that take around 15 minutes, while Fix It with Food focuses on reducing inflammation and includes a 10-day reset plan.
I’ve done my best to link these books to local and independent bookstores, as shopping small helps support your community. If possible, I encourage you to visit your local bookstore to pick up these gems—they’re worth it!
Tips to Simplify Cooking and Meal Prep
Keep It Simple
Try recipes with five ingredients or fewer during busy weeks, like Michael Symon’s roasted sweet potatoes from Fix It with Food—just olive oil, spices, and 20 minutes in the oven.
Use frozen veggies for quick, nutritious meals.
Focus on Nutrients
Build balanced meals with a mix of carbs, protein, healthy fats, and plenty of color.
Make It Fun
Turn meal prep into self-care time by listening to your favorite podcast or bonding with family in the kitchen.
Repurpose Ingredients
Cook once, eat twice (or more!). Use roasted veggies from Ottolenghi’s Plenty to create soups, wraps, or grain bowls throughout the week.
Your Next Step Toward Healthy Eating
Cooking at home is a powerful way to care for yourself while exploring creativity and joy in the kitchen. Whether you’re following a 10-day reset, incorporating more plant-based meals, or simply looking to enjoy healthier comfort food, these cookbooks are here to inspire and guide you.
Ready to elevate your home cooking? Pick up one of these cookbooks and start experimenting today. Share your creations with me in the comments or on Instagram @abbyhealthcoach — I can’t wait to see what you make! And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more nourishing tips and recipes.