Written by Jill Weisenberger, MS, RDN, CDE
My shelves are covered with cookbooks containing better-for-you recipes and nutrition books of various types. I can’t help myself sometimes; if I know of a good book, I just have to have it. I’ve picked out seven books to share with you. Each is a perfect gift for Mother’s Day. It just so happens that I am acquainted with each author. In fact, one of the authors is me! Some of these books were given to me by the author or publisher. Others I purchased. How I came to own the book has not influenced my decision to include it in this list. Rest assured, my opinions are my own.
Weeknight Wonders by Ellie Krieger
You can prepare each recipe fairly quickly – perfect for busy weeknights. I am crazy for several recipes in the book, but there are two that have found their way onto my regular rotation. They are Chicken Paprikash, a slightly spicy recipe reminiscent to one my Hungarian grandmother made and Savory Red Lentil, Quinoa and Vegetable Stew.
The Greek Yogurt Kitchen by Toby Amidor
Where to start? Whole Grain Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes? Spicy Indian Lentils and Rice? Roasted Salmon with Dill Yogurt Sauce and Creamed Spinach? If someone would like to make any of these for me for Mother’s Day, I will be quite happy.
Disease Proof by David L. Katz
I teach my patients to rely on skill, strategies and planning to get them to their health goals and to forget about willpower, which surely fails everyone eventually. Dr. Katz talks about skillpower in much the same way. His book is packed with information and tips to employ in your everyday life. You want Mom to be around for a long time enjoying each day, right? This book can help her find the way to long, energetic, healthful life.
101 Foods That Could Save Your Life by David Grotto
This handy book lists 101 health-boosting foods. Grotto explains why they are healthful and how to purchase and prepare them. A recipe goes with each food. Such a great way to focus on the wonderful things to eat instead of reading a list of foods to avoid.
The Plant-Powered Diet by Sharon Palmer
If Mom wants to learn more about healthful plant-based diets, this is the book. It’s not written to convert omnivores to vegetarian or vegan diets. Rather Palmer takes a gentle approach and encourages the reader to add more and more healthful plant foods into the diet and remove at least a little meat. She explains why and how and packs the book with recipes.
Eating Expectantly by Bridget Swinney
This is for the mom-to-be. Swinney gives easy-to-understand advice for women from the time they start thinking about getting pregnant to the first weeks after delivery. Chapters include eating for fertility, keeping food safe for the baby, food for each trimester, and more.
Diabetes Weight Loss – Week by Week by Jill Weisenberger
This, my first book, came out in 2012. Two more are on their way!! Diabetes Weight Loss is written for the person with diabetes, but is appropriate for anyone who wants to lose weight. I do not give readers a long list of rules to follow or categorize food as good or bad. Instead, I help the reader build skills and rely on strategies. It’s more of a healthy lifestyle book, not a diet book. If mom wants to lose weight, feel more energetic and stay away from “dieting,” she can learn how here.