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Top 10 Health and Fitness Books for Gifts

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Perhaps you might have noticed an omission from last week's post, my Top 10 Health and Fitness Gifts for 2011.

I purposely left off books. I decided that books deserved their own list. If not, books would have easily been three quarters of my top gifts.  So here’s my top 10 Health and Fitness Books to round out your gift giving this holiday season.

  • Weight Training For Dummies:  You need a basic vocabulary to work with when starting to weight train. This book helped me build mine and it will help you build yours.
  • Tosca Reno’s Eat Clean Cookbook: The first entry on this list from Tosca Reno, this cookbook is gorgeous and full of yummy clean eating snacks and meals.
  • The Body Fat Solution: Tom Venuto is a smart man.This book first works to debunk myths about fat and food. Then he gives you the specifics to clean up your nutrition and kick start your workouts. This book is not for your experienced athlete but perfect for those starting their quest for transformation.
  • The Female Body Breakthrough: Love this book that speaks to women and our unique issues. The circuits will change your definition of cardio forever.
  • Your Best Body Now: The second entry from Tosca Reno. Age is just a number. Let her give you the right strategies for your best body now, no matter what your age.
  • The Best of Clean Eating: If you didn’t catch on to Clean Eating Magazine when it first hit the stands, then catch up with this best of cookbook. All the favorites from issues past plus a collection of new recipes.
  • Diabetic Athlete's Handbook: While this book may be for a very specific audience, it is essential for any diabetic athlete. Written for all diabetics (type 1 and 2), it guides you on eating, medication and recovery for all types of exercise using science and the first hand experience of other diabetic athletes.
  • The Vegetarian Sport’s Nutrition Guide:  Being an athlete and being a vegetarian are not opposites, as many people might think. Tweak your nutrition with tips from Sports Dietician Dr. Nancy Clark.
  • The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Meditation: Stress is the enemy for health and fat loss. Learn tips to bring calm and mindfulness to your life.
  • The Omnivore’s Dilemma: If you care about your body, you need to care about what you put into it. This book explores food at a whole new level, making you question some of those “better” choices you’re making today.

As a bonus, I have a copy of The Body Fat Solution to give away to one lucky reader. All you have to do is leave a comment on the blog, telling me what book I missed you would add to this list. Open to U.S. residents only. All comments must be posted to the blog by 10 p.m. CST Tuesday December 8. One entry per person, although you can post as many comments as you like. Winner will be chosen at random and notified via this post as well as email when possible.  Good luck!

Posted on December 2nd, 2010

Filed under: Reviews
  • http://scoopfit.blogspot.com/ Gina

    Great List!
    I love Tosca Reno and her whole approach to “clean eating”. (Clean Eating Magazine is great too!)
    Two of my fav’s that are not on your list are:
    1-The Tracy Anderson 30-Day Method by Tracy Anderson
    this is a boot camp with a workout dvd and diet plan. It’s hard but the results are AMAZING!

    2-The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone
    Focuses on a plant based diet. Educates you on the advantages of eating locally grown fruits and veggies, how to eliminate processed foods and incorporate being a vegan by “flirting” with the idea and then becoming a “Super-Hero”.

  • http://www.thrivepersonalfitness.com/about-pamela/ Pamela

    I’ve heard great things about the Kind Diet. I need to check it out. Thanks for the recommendations and thanks for entering!

  • KIMBERLY

    Eat this not that..This book provides a reality check out food calories, sodium intake, all the hidden information u really need to know

  • http://www.thrivepersonalfitness.com/about-pamela/ Pamela

    I have that one, you’re right it’s a great resource. I can’t wait to check out the new Cook This Not That.

  • http://www.privatefitnesscenter.com/group_fitness.php Personal Training Los Angeles

    Thanks for sharing this. Health and fitness books seem like a great gift idea for someone planning to begin exercising regularly. Great gift suggestions Keep up the great work.

  • http://www.independent-rhetoric.blogspot.com Amy Metcalf

    I have a few fitness books on my shelves (Hah!), but I have to say that my ultimate favorite – if only for the ABSOLUTELY INTEGRAL message of the text – is Framework for the Lower Back by Dr. Nicholas A. DiNubile. The book is in its second edition and it has ENORMOUS rave reviews (including mine)!

    I bought the book while researching different methods for rehabilitation/recovery after rupturing my L4/L5. This book (in conjunction with my amazingly talented, incredibly intelligent trainer) is a large reason why I am back to running (my doctors told me I’d never run again!) and why I’m living pain free every day.

    I recommend the book for *anyone* regardless of whether or not they’ve had an injury. I know a lot of people just have dull back pain and I’m of the philosophy that if we’re moving and stretching daily, we wouldn’t have that pain. :)

  • http://www.thrivepersonalfitness.com/about-pamela/ Pamela

    Amy, that is a great recommendation. Back pain is one of the most common ailments and you are right, exercise and stretching can help a great deal. Thanks for sharing the great resource.

  • http://www.thrivepersonalfitness.com/about-pamela/ Pamela

    Congrats to Kimberly! You won the copy of the Body Fat Solution by Tom Venuto! Thanks everyone for reading and commenting on the blog.

  • Edwina

    The Galloway Book on Running by Jeff Galloway. Jeff has written books for beginning runners and experienced ones. I read his book before attempting my half marathon race. At the end of the race, I was sprinting to the finish while other runners were limping. Jeff tells you how to run injury free while reaching your time goal.

  • http://www.thrivepersonalfitness.com/about-pamela/ Pamela

    That’s a book for me to check out. Running is not my strength. It sounds like a great book, thanks for the suggestion.