Things you might not know about me: I love reading! Reading is my favorite way to unwind right before bed. I consider it a part of my self-care and bedtime routine. Even if I can only make it 5 minutes before falling asleep, something is comforting about cozying up with a good book. Do you agree?
I put together this fun reel highlighting my all-time favorite self-help books. I loved seeing the response on Instagram! Others shared their favorite books and current reads. This response inspired today’s post with books that you can add to your reading list today.
10 Books to Add to Your Reading List
In true Everglow Nutrition form, I had to share my favorite books on intuitive eating and mindfulness first (it’s my jam). After all, I coach ambitious women along their intuitive eating journey, helping them find food freedom and build body confidence. However, read on, and you’ll discover other inspiring reads just for fun!
On Intuitive Eating
1. Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch.
If you are new to this blog or Intuitive Eating, start here. Dietitians Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch are the OG Intuitive Eating professionals. The first edition of the book was published in 1995! Since then, it’s been widely accepted as the go-to framework for making peace with food and body image. Read this to learn about the 10 principles of Intuitive Eating and apply them to improve your relationship with food.
2. Anti-Diet by Christy Harrison.
The book’s subtitle says it all: Reclaim your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating. Think about it. How much money have you wasted on diets that didn’t work? In this book, Christy exposes the multi-billion dollar diet industry, defines diet culture (aka- “The Life Thief”), and teaches readers how to focus on self-care over self-control.
On Mindfulness
3. When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chodron.
This book is near and dear to my heart. I first read it in 2015 during my Yoga Teacher Training in Costa Rica. This was my early introduction to mindfulness and meditation. Since then, I’ve read this book countless times. I refer back to it during difficult times. My copy is coffee-stained, highlighted, and scribbled with notes. There are many golden “nuggets” of truth in Pema’s writing, but one of the common themes I come back to is this: this very moment is the perfect teacher. In other words, take what you’ve been given in this moment & learn from it versus resist it.
4. The Power of Now by Ekhart Tolle.
My reflection on this book can be boiled down to 3 words: presence is power. Presence is the ultimate gift you can give yourself and others. It’s in the present moment where life can be fully experienced. If you catch yourself worrying about the future or brooding on the past, take this book as an invitation to live in the now. “Be here now,” as my brothers would say. Ekhart gives readers clear advice to alleviate inner-suffering, release old stories of the ego, and direct energy towards what matters most.
On Energetic Alignment
5. Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss.
Interested in learning about the chakras? Read this book. The 7 chakras represent energy centers of the spirit. After reading, you’ll begin to see that you are more than just a body. There is an alive energy within you (and all beings), which many call spirit. Call it whatever you want, there’s a magic that occurs when we connect to our innermost being. My favorite quote highlighting the body-spirit connection: “What drains your spirit drains your body. What fuels your spirit fuels your body.”
6. The Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah Adele.
The Yamas & Niyamas are foundational to yogic philosophy. They are nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, non-excess, non-possessiveness, purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender. Do any of these themes stand out to you? Do you want to put these teachings into practice? This book provides questions of exploration around each guideline, which prompts one to spend more time with each chapter versus rushing through the book. I love this feature because too often I find myself rushing through self-help books instead of implementing the principles into my own life. Can you relate?
On Breaking Up with Perfection
7. The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown.
Brene Brown would be on my list of top 5 people I want to meet. I adore her work on self-compassion, vulnerability, and courage. I didn’t realize how much I struggled with perfectionism until I read this book. If you identify yourself as a perfectionist or recovering perfectionist like myself, this recommendation is for you. Brene writes, “to overcome perfectionism, we need to be able to acknowledge our vulnerabilities to the universal experiences of shame, judgment, and blame; develop shame resilience; and practice self-compassion.” Furthermore, Brene provides guideposts on how to do this and live a wholehearted life instead.
8. Letting Go of Leo by Simi Botic.
One word summary for this book: RELATABLE. Simi pulls back the curtain, sharing with readers her journey to ditch diets and perfection. Written with humor and story-telling, this book is an easy read and will have you laughing and thinking, “omg same.” Simi’s story reminds me that when we are brave enough to share our story it can inspire someone on a similar journey.
Current Reads
9. Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown.
You know how we say “binge-watching” a TV series…well I am “binge-reading” this book right now. I haven’t even finished, and I want to recommend it! It’s a true story of the 1936 USA crew team, out of Washington University, and their quest for gold in the Berlin Olympics. This story has me reflecting on grit, unity, and true perseverance. I’m about ¾ of the way through and amazed by the achievements of these young men and feel inspired to work towards my own goals or hop on a rowing machine haha.
10. Journey to The Heart by Melody Beattie.
Meet the book that’s always on my nightstand. Again, this is one of those books that I read year after year. No lie…you can tell by the duck-taped spine. Add this to your reading list for short entries on living a heart-centered life and daily affirmations to free your spirit.
What’s On Your Reading List?
I hope a few of these books find their way onto your reading list. Also, I’d love to hear from you! What are you reading? Add your recs to the comments so we can keep reading together.