My Current Favorite Health & Fitness Resources
Throughout my own journey of developing my knowledge of fitness, health and nutrition, most of my teachers and mentors have been those in the pages of books and the voices of podcast hosts. The information that I have gained from books and experts in the field has been completely transformative for me.
While some have been informative one-time reads, there are a handful that I consistently reference and return to for inspiration, education, and growth. Many of us looking to change our habits, looking to gain more knowledge or looking to add fire to our goals often times don’t know where to look. This list of resources is intended to give you a place to turn to when you are looking for that additional boost. My recommendations here have been greatly influential for my own journey and I hope that they are just as beneficial to you on yours.
Books
The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
While this book is not specifically on fitness or nutrition it is a book that was at the forefront of my whole journey. I read this book at a time when I knew the 9-5, hamster wheel life was not for me and it gave me the reassurance that I could create the life I wanted.
If you have ever thought that the “traditional” way of go to college, get a good job as being ridiculous and not what was meant for you than this is a must read. This book provides real applicable tools, tactics, and resources to guide you to living a life that you truly desire and that you control.
Born To Run by Christopher McDougall
The runners bible, for me at least. When this book first came out all I remember was people talking about barefoot running, but this book is way more than that single idea. This book will make you realize you are more capable than you ever thought possible.
McDougall talks about running in a way that is incredibly inspiring. He explores the history and evolution of running and how as humans we are literally born to run. This book is what motivated me to get into running and has continued to be my inspiration 10 years later.
The Proof Is In The Plants by Simon Hill
Simon Hill was such a great resource for me to find. Everything I have learned has massively expanded my thinking about nutrition. Hill approaches a Whole Food Plant Based diet based on science and data. He shows us, unequivocally, that eating a WFPB diet is the healthiest way to live.
My copy of this book is full of notes, highlights, and bent corners. This book is packed full with research and additional resources outlining the many benefits to a WFPB diet. A great way that I have used this book as a resource is to research further into the articles and resources included as citations and references. It has become my number one reference when looking for information and data on a Whole Food Plant Based Diet.
When reading this book I continued to feel my eyes opening more and more to the knowledge. I couldn’t look away from all the information I was gaining from this book. This is an absolute must read if you already are WFPB, WFPB-curious, or simply interested in your own nutrition practices.
Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller
When I say that this book found my at the exact right moment I couldn’t mean that more sincerely. I was recommended this by one of my friends when I shared that I was feeling lost and unsure of how I got to a certain point in my life. This book changed me.
As someone who historically struggled with unhealthy and hurtful relationships I couldn’t understand why I made my choices and reacted in certain ways. This book helped me realize I wasn’t broken, I just saw the world in a certain way.
I have recommended this book to so many people since reading it and I’m sure it will help you to discover how you show up in the world and the power in that.
The Runner’s Guide To The Meaning of Life by Amby Burfoot
This short book is an absolute gem for any runner. Burfoot shares words of inspiration, motivation and passion all learned through his many years as a runner. It is a short read but packed full of inspiration and motivation.
“And, finally, I run because there's no better way to see the sun rise and set.” ― Amby Burfoot
The Longevity Book by Cameron Diaz and Sandra Bark
I was surprised just how much this book influenced me and the impact it had on how I thought about longevity. A book written by a Hollywood star makes me a bit skeptical but Diaz truly is knowledgeable about the information shared in this book.
The idea of getting older and aging is scary to many of us, I dare to say more so to women. We are scared of what is happening to our bodies. This book, though, celebrates the joy and privilege of aging. The focus of this book is on women’s aging and explored the science and emotions we have with our bodies.
This is a beautiful book that gets us thinking how we can improve our longevity and enjoy the pleasure of growing old.
Paddle Against the Flow
This book is full of life lessons from the adventurers among us. These little nuggets of inspiration and wisdom is sure to fill you with the desire to get out there in the world.
Thug Kitchen Cookbook
I would say that one of the best things to invest in when transitioning to a WFPB diet is a good vegan cookbook. Thug Kitchen is the perfect cookbook for anyone, not just vegan’s.
The tough-love, crude approach in this cookbook is everything I love! I have never had a bad recipe from this book and some I wasn’t sure I would enjoy have become some of my favorite meals. This book is an absolute must in your kitchen.
Podcasts
The Tim Ferriss Show
Tim interviews people from a variety of fields and pulls out their wisdom, insights, life story’s, and so much more. This podcast is a consistent listen of mine (I think I have only skipped 3 episodes) because of the variety of people interviewed. There is something for everyone and I encourage listening even to the topics that don’t come across interesting at first, there is so much hidden wisdom in these episodes.
Some of my favorite episodes:
Jamie Foxx - episode 124/167
Naval Ravikant - multiple episodes all worth the listen
Jocko Willink - episode 187/275/395
Sia - episode 452
Cal Fussman - episode 145/183/259/324
Rainn Wilson - episode 123
Jimmy Chin - episode 114
Rich Roll Podcast
“Rich delves deep into all things wellness with some of the brightest and most forward thinking, paradigm busting minds in health, fitness, nutrition, art, entertainment, entrepreneurship & spirituality. Intimate, deep and often intense, these are not interviews. They are conversations.”
This podcast has been one of the best finds for me this year. I have learned so much incredible information from the guests that Rich has brought on. So many times listening to an episode I think, “this is amazing I want more!” just to have Rich say, “in our last 2/3 conversations…” and there is more! He gets deep and real with his guests which makes you the listener feel truly connected with the conversation.
Rich made his name as a vegan ultra-endurance athlete but he is so so much more and brings so much wisdom to his podcast. This show has made me a more intentional vegan, a more compassionate human, and has inspired me above all.
Some favorite episodes:
The Awakening of Russell Brand - episode 448
Maggie Baird is the World’s Coolest Mom - episode 624
Simon Hill - episode 664
Rip Esselstyn: In Plants We Trust - episode 656
Michael Muller - episode 552
Paul de Gelder - episode 350
The Plant Proof Podcast
Simon explores longevity, health and fitness with experts in a variety of fields. His scientific approach is refreshing in a world where so many people do not take the time to dive into the science behind our health practices. With his guests he talks about a Whole Food Plant Based diet, the science of health and longevity, and how we all can make more educated choices about what and how we eat.
Some favorite episodes:
Episode 28
Episode 44
Episode 77
Episode 13
Websites & People
Forks Over Knives
For new, experienced, on the fence vegans this website has anything and everything you could be looking for.
Dr. Esselstyn
A physician and author of “Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease”
A pioneering doctor who realized the benefits of a plant-based diet on our longevity and health
No Meat Athlete
Matt Frazier
The company and the person behind it have been incredibly knowledgeable and groundbreaking in the area of plant-based eating for athletes
Vegan Creators on TikTok
There is not any one particular person that I follow or even a few, I simply search for vegan recipes or lifestyle and get a ton of ideas from what I find. Many new recipes I try come from TikTok
