Cook Your Way to Better Health
If you’ve feeling stuck trying to figure out how to eat healthier or make mealtime more enjoyable, you’re not alone. The good news? Learning to cook with the right guidance can completely transform your relationship with food—and your health. Cooking at home isn’t just about making meals; it’s about creating a lifestyle that prioritizes nourishment, creativity, and connection.
In this post, I’m sharing five incredible cookbooks (plus a fun bonus!) that have inspired me, improved my health, and become staples in my kitchen. Whether you’re a beginner, an experienced cook, or just looking for fresh ideas, these books will help you whip up delicious, nutrient-packed meals that fuel your body and mind.
From mastering the basics to exploring specialized diets like grain-free or blood sugar-friendly eating, these cookbooks are here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s dive in and discover the essential cookbooks that can turn your kitchen into the ultimate wellness hub!
Against All Grain: Reinventing Comfort Food Without Grains
Danielle Walker’s Against All Grain is more than just a cookbook—it’s a roadmap to healthier living, especially for those exploring gluten-free and grain-free diets. As someone who regularly incorporates grain-free meals into my routine, this book has been an invaluable resource.
Why Go Gluten-Free or Grain-Free?
Going gluten-free or grain-free isn’t just about following a trend. For many, it’s a way to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and better blood sugar balance. For those that have received a diagnosis of Celiac disease, it is imperative to stay away from gluten.
Digestive Health: Gluten, found in wheat and other grains, can be hard to digest, especially for those with sensitivities or celiac disease.
Blood Sugar Management: Grains, particularly refined ones, can cause blood sugar spikes. Cutting them out or reducing intake helps with energy stability.
Inflammation Reduction: Many grains can trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals. A grain-free diet often alleviates symptoms like joint pain and bloating.
A Personal Favourite: Banana Bread
If you try one recipe, let it be her banana bread—it’s an absolute game-changer. It’s moist, flavourful, and surprisingly easy to whip up. Pair it with a dollop of almond butter or a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got the perfect snack or breakfast treat.
Joyous Health: A Family Favourite in My Kitchen
When it comes to nourishing, delicious recipes, Joy McCarthy’s Joyous Health (and all her other cookbooks!) are some of my most-used resources in the kitchen. Whether I’m cooking for myself or my family, Joy’s recipes always hit the spot.
Why I Love All Her Cookbooks
They’re approachable and packed with vibrant, whole-food recipes.
Joy’s passion for holistic nutrition shines through in every dish.
Her recipes strike the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent, making them family-friendly and satisfying.
Weekly Staples in My Home
Brownies: These are a non-negotiable weekly bake in my house. They’re fudgy, rich, and made with better-for-you ingredients that I feel good about serving my family. The recipe can be found here from my previous blog post!
Turkey Burgers: A dinnertime favourite that my entire family loves. Juicy, flavourful, and easy to prepare, they’ve become a go-to on busy weeknights.
Mandy’s Salads: Elevate Your Greens
Who says salads have to be boring? Mandy’s Gourmet Salads transforms leafy greens into gourmet meals that’ll leave you craving your next bowl.
The Secret Behind Great Salads: Homemade Dressing
One of the biggest pitfalls of store-bought salad dressings is their high sugar content and the additives used to preserve freshness. Even seemingly “healthy” options can be loaded with ingredients you don’t want in your body, like artificial flavours or cheap oils.
The good news? Making your own dressing at home is incredibly easy, and it makes all the difference. Mandy’s House Dressing, for example, is a simple yet flavourful staple that takes minutes to prepare and completely transforms your salads.
My Weekly Routine
I make Mandy’s House Dressing weekly and store it in a squeeze bottle. It’s always ready to drizzle over salads, roasted veggies, or even as a quick dip for raw veggies. Knowing exactly what’s in it—not to mention how fresh it is—makes me feel good about what I’m serving.
Top Salad Recipes to Pair It With
Mediterranean Bowl: Loaded with fresh veggies and feta.
Warm Kale and Sweet Potato Salad: Comforting and nutrient-packed.
The Ministry of Food by Jamie Oliver: Fantastic for Beginners
Jamie Oliver’s The Ministry of Food is not just a cookbook—it’s a movement. Based on Jamie’s popular TV series, this book teaches people how to cook simple, wholesome meals at home. Learning to cook is one of the most empowering things you can do for your health, and this book breaks it down in a way that’s approachable for everyone.
Why This Book Is a Must-Have
Basic Recipes with Endless Variations: Jamie provides foundational recipes and shows you how to adapt them with different ingredients, so you never get bored.
Approachable and Relatable: This book is designed for beginners, with clear instructions, accessible ingredients, and lots of encouragement.
A Gateway to Better Health: Cooking at home puts you in control of what’s on your plate, allowing you to avoid unnecessary sugars, fats, and additives found in processed foods.
Who Should Read It?
I’ve recommended The Ministry of Food to countless people who don’t know where to start when it comes to cooking. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to build confidence in the kitchen, this book is the perfect resource. It’s especially useful for teaching kids and teens basic cooking skills that will serve them for a lifetime.
Recipes to Try First
Simple Pasta Bake: A comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s easy to customize with your favourite ingredients.
Roast Chicken with Veggies: Master this recipe, and you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen.
Homemade Burgers: A healthier, tastier alternative to fast food that’s sure to become a family favourite.
Jamie’s focus on the basics makes this cookbook an invaluable tool for anyone starting their cooking journey or looking to eat healthier without overcomplicating things.
Good Mood, Good Food by The Living Kitchen: A Holistic Nutritionist’s Dream
When it comes to cookbooks that seamlessly combine delicious recipes with the principles of holistic nutrition, Good Mood, Good Food by the ladies of Living Kitchen is an absolute standout. It’s more than just a collection of recipes—it’s a lifestyle guide for anyone looking to nourish both body and mind.
This cookbook focuses on how food directly impacts energy, mood, and overall health. It takes the guesswork out of creating meals that not only taste amazing but also help balance blood sugar, stabilize energy, and promote mental clarity.
Why This Cookbook Stands Out
The unique appeal of Good Mood, Good Food lies in its thoughtfully crafted recipes that emphasize nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients. Each dish is designed to support stable blood sugar levels while providing long-lasting energy—perfect for busy lifestyles.
Beyond the recipes, the book also includes:
Tips for Mindful Eating: Encouraging you to slow down and savour your meals.
Meal Prep Advice: Helping you make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Ingredient Spotlights: Explaining the health benefits of key ingredients.
A Cookbook That Supports Balanced Energy
If you’ve ever felt sluggish or struggled with energy dips, this book could be your solution. Each recipe is crafted with balanced macronutrients:
Healthy Fats: To keep you satiated and support brain health.
Complex Carbs: For steady, slow-releasing energy.
High-Quality Proteins: To sustain energy and support muscle repair.
My Favourite Recipes from Good Mood, Good Food
I’ve made countless dishes from this book, but a few have become staples in my home:
Sweet Potato and Lentil Curry: This warming, one-pot meal is perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. The combination of spices and creamy lentils makes it an instant favourite.
Berry and Spinach Smoothie Bowl: Vibrant and energizing, this smoothie bowl is packed with antioxidants and can be customized with your favourite toppings.
Dark Chocolate Tahini Bars: A decadent yet healthy treat that’s naturally sweetened and perfect as an afternoon pick-me-up.
Why It’s Personal to Me
I frequently recommend this book to my clients who are working to balance their energy and improve their overall wellness. It’s approachable for cooks of all levels, with recipes that are simple yet impactful. And on a personal note: I had the privilege of contributing to this cookbook! Seeing it align so closely with my philosophy on nutrition makes me proud to recommend it to my clients and anyone looking to improve their relationship with food.
Bonus: Good Energy by Casey Means – Mastering Blood Sugar for Optimal Health
While not a traditional cookbook, Good Energy by Casey Means is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of blood sugar on overall health. This book goes beyond recipes, diving into the science behind energy regulation and providing actionable advice to help you make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle.
Why This Book is a Must-Have
Good Energy blends cutting-edge research with practical, everyday strategies to improve your health. Blood sugar regulation is the cornerstone of sustained energy, mental clarity, and long-term wellness, and Casey Means breaks it all down in a way that’s approachable and inspiring.
Science Meets Real Life: The book simplifies complex concepts about blood sugar into easy-to-understand explanations.
Personal Empowerment: It equips readers with the tools they need to take control of their health, from choosing the right foods to monitoring blood sugar trends effectively.
Practical Tips for Everyday Living: Whether you’re eating out, grocery shopping, or planning meals, the book provides guidance to support your goals.
Key Takeaways from Good Energy
The Role of Blood Sugar in Overall Health Blood sugar doesn’t just impact your energy levels—it also affects your mood, sleep, focus, and even your risk for chronic diseases like diabetes. Casey explains how stabilizing blood sugar can help you feel your best throughout the day.
The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle From the foods we eat to the timing of our meals, Casey explores how these factors influence blood sugar regulation. She highlights nutrient-dense, fibre-rich, and low-glycemic options that work harmoniously with your body.
Actionable Strategies for Success The book doesn’t stop at theory—it gives you concrete steps to implement blood sugar-friendly habits, like:
Pairing carbohydrates with healthy fats and proteins.
Timing meals to avoid spikes and crashes.
Incorporating movement after meals to support glucose management.
Practical Tools for Your Wellness Journey
In addition to the wealth of information, Good Energy includes tools to help you track progress and make lasting changes, such as:
Meal Planning Tips: How to design meals that promote stable blood sugar.
Lifestyle Habits: Tips on incorporating daily movement, stress management, and sleep hygiene to optimize metabolic health.
Self-Monitoring: Guidance on using tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to personalize your approach.
Why Learning to Cook Can Transform Your Health
Cooking isn’t just a skill—it’s a powerful tool for improving your overall well-being. When you learn to cook at home, you gain control over what goes into your food, helping you avoid the hidden sugars, unhealthy fats, and additives often found in processed or takeout meals.
Why Cooking Matters
Nutritional Control: You can ensure your meals are packed with nutrient-dense, whole foods.
Portion Awareness: Home cooking helps you stay mindful of portion sizes and balance.
Creativity and Confidence: Learning the basics allows you to experiment with ingredients and flavours, making mealtime fun and satisfying.
Jamie Oliver’s philosophy in The Ministry of Food captures this beautifully: start with simple, foundational recipes, and build your confidence in the kitchen. Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—it just has to start.
Time to Cook Up Something Amazing
Healthy eating doesn’t have to feel like a chore. These five cookbooks (plus one bonus!) offer the perfect blend of inspiration, practicality, and flavour. Whether you’re looking to balance blood sugar, explore new ingredients, or simply enjoy delicious meals, there’s something here for everyone.
Which cookbook are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts! And don’t forget to share your favourite recipes from these gems.