1. Practical Paleo: A Customized Approach to Health and a Whole-Foods Lifestyle
This is the book that started it all for me. I recommend this one to anyone who is just starting out and who wants to not only have access to great paleo recipes but who also wants to learn more about the lifestyle in general. The beginning of this book lays out the whys behind this way of eating in an easy to understand format. You will come away with a much better understanding of how important digestion is to your overall health, but you won’t feel like you need to google anything in order to understand what you just read. Basically – it’s not too over your head science-y but it educates you on some pretty important health information. This book is also super fabulous for anyone with specific health issues – autoimmune – diabetes – etc. There are meal plans as well as grocery/ pantry stocking lists to help you get started. And not one of the recipes in this book calls for things you can’t find at your local supermarket – Whole Foods – Trader Joe’s etc.
For more info about the author check her out at Balanced Bites. I’m hoping to get her The 21-Day Sugar Detox Cookbook: Over 100 Recipes for Any Program Level
2. Against All Grain: Delectable Paleo Recipes to Eat Well & Feel Great
If you believe in baked goods this book is a must buy. Her baked goodies are by far the best tasting of all the recipes I’ve tried to date. Muffins, cookies, cakes and even BREAD – she’s got them all in her book and they’re all legit. Basically my kids love her. This book isn’t all about the treats though there are plenty of other great recipes in this book. Her recipe for sesame orange chicken is in constant rotation over here.
Check out the author’s blog for more great recipes – Against All Grain .
If you love to entertain and want to enjoy the holidays and other special occasions and not feel like you’re restricting yourself you need this one. This book is so beautiful too! You could totally leave this one out on your coffee table. The food photography is so good you’ll want to lick the pages – I’m. not. even. kidding. Also the way this cookbook is laid out you will find tons of party and entertaining inspiration as well. Instead of organizing the recipes by breakfast, sides, main course etc. this book is set up by theme fall, spring, winter etc. The apple pie recipe will bring you to your knees.
This is another great one when you’re starting out. There is a great “getting started” section that helps you to make the transition simple and easy. There’s also a great section about transitioning your kids. The recipes are great and they’re easy to follow. As weird as this might sound one of the things I love most about this book is the recipe index in the back which is a picture index and makes finding things so so easy!
5. Everyday Paleo Family Cookbook: Real Food for Real Life
This one is a great one for transitioning kids. It’s really geared toward helping people transition to the paleo lifestyle as a family. It’s filled with lots of simple kid-friendly recipes.
Check the author’s blog for more info – Everyday Paleo.
6. The Paleo Slow Cooker: Healthy, Gluten-free Meals the Easy Way
If you believe in the awesomeness of the slow cooker you will love this book! It is amazing! All of the recipes including desserts are made in a slow cooker. I use my slow cooker quite a bit, so I’m a big fan of this book. The only thing that struck me as a little odd in this book is that each section starts with a picture of the animal. Beef starts with cows, pigs for pork, and so on…..obviously I eat meat and I’m well aware of where it comes from……but it’s still a little funny, or at least it is to me, to see it like that in a cookbook. Other than that little oddity this book is a favorite and the recipes are great for nights when I don’t have the time or really the desire to cook. There’s just nothing easier than throwing it all in a slow cooker and letting it do it’s thang.
So there you go – my personal favorites – the books that have made my first paleo year a great one! Looking forward to all that 2014 will bring as I continue on this journey to improved health and
wellness.
If you’re curious about what other paleo blogs I follow – check out the inspired by tab above and scroll down to the bottom of the page. And check the paleo tab for more of my personal story and recipes I’ve created!
Thanks for sharing the list of the books. I have to admit I have "practical Paleo" and it makes it easier to understand. Merry Christmas. Bette