My Reading List from 2011

I don’t know about you, but 2011 was a busy year for me!

We welcomed a new baby, took a 16 hour (each way) roadtrip with four kids when the baby was a month old, started a business, adopted a dog and two cats, homeschooled the two older kids, and began work on some even bigger projects (coming next year).

Somewhere in the midst of that, I managed to squeeze in time to read a few books. When I saw that Sean at Underground Wellness had posted his reading list from the year, I thought it would be a fun idea. Please weigh in below with your reading list!

The list below is a list of all the books (that I can remember) that I read this year… not counting kids books. Some I had read before and just re-read this year.

Health and Wellness Related:

Wheat Belly: Lose the Wheat, Lose the Weight and Find Your Bath Back To Health by William Davis (Dr. Davis is a great guy and even agreed to do an interview with me!)

Everyday Paleo by Sarah Fragoso – This is a great book full of great recipes and fun workouts. Sarah is an inspirational woman and I was also honored to guest post at Everyday Paleo, Sarah’s Blog. Check it out if you haven’t already!

Why We Get Fat and What To Do About It by Gary Taubes – A well researched critique of conventional wisdom on diet and nutrition. (Pssssttt… just noticed that on Amazon, it is only $7.99 for the new version and is part of the 4 for 3 promotion for a limited time!)

Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes- A more in-depth version of “Why We Get Fat.” It was actually written first, and then simplified in “Why We Get Fat” but it is a great read and it will indulge the inner scientist in you

Lights Out by T.S. Wiley- Though I don’t agree with everything in this book, it cites some good studies about the importance of sleep and is good encouragement to start getting enough!

The Vegetarian Myth by Lierre Keith- A great read, especially for anyone on the fence about vegetarianism.

Perfect Health Diet by Paul Jaminet- Don’t agree with all of his ideas (like safe starches) but he makes some good points.

Protein Power by The Drs. Eades- A great read by a great husband and wife team.

Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Dr. Weston Price- A little dense at times but I highly recommend this book! He was one of the first to suggest many health ideas that are becoming mainstream today and this book is often referenced within the health community.

Cure Tooth Decay  by Ramiel Nagel- An informative book that follows many of the ideas of Weston Price. It was influential in my own reversal of several cavities and in my tooth remineralization.

Gut and Psychology Syndrome  by Dr. Campbell-McBride-The book behind the GAPS diet and a good read. Especially important if you struggle with any kind of mood disorders, mental health difficulties or autism.

The Coconut Oil Miracle by Bruce Fife- As if you needed more reasons to consume coconut oil… if you do, check this book out!

Power to the People by Pavel- A fitness book about kettlebells from the master himself.

The 4 Hour Body by Tim Ferriss- I loved some of the strength protocols in this book and the promotion and way the book were written are as fascinating as the content!

The China Study by T. Colin Campbell –  I won’t link to this one because I don’t recommend it, but I read because I disagreed with the premise and wanted to be able to cite specific problems with the book and the original study. If you are interested, check out Denise Minger and the China Study on Google…

Food and Cookbooks:

Paleo Comfort Foods by Julie and Charles Mayfield- Some fun and easy recipes.

Make It Paleo by Bill Stanley and Hayley Mason- More good recipes!

 The Gluten Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elana Amsterdam- The definitive guide to almond flour baking! Not all are low-carb, and I wouldn’t suggest using the agave (use honey or omit) but some great recipes overall.

Primal Blueprint Quick and Easy Meals by Mark Sisson- The quality of the recipes in his original cookbooks but in much less time.

Wild Fermentation by Sandor Ellix Katz – An interesting read and some fun recipes and ideas for natural fermentation.

Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon- A highly comprehensive cookbook of traditional foods. I just ignore the sprouted grains part…

Other:

The Surrendered Wife by Laura Doyle- A book I read every few months that is a great reminder to be loving and respectful to the amazing many I was blessed to marry!

A Mother’s Rule of Life by Holly Pierlot- Another book I re-read every few months. I occasionally get asked how I am able to keep up with blog, kids, etc and this book is a large part of it. It is definitely geared toward at-home moms but is a great encouragement to keeping structure and order in your schedule and life.

The 4 Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss- While motherhood can never be a four hour a week job (and who would want it to!) this book helped me keep business work in its proper place and keep deadlines from taking over family time!

The Thank You Economy by Gary Vaynerchuk- A guy who made his name in the wine industry reminds of the importance of giving back and offering quality product and service.

I also read a lot of parenting and natural childbirth books, but will list that reading list in a separate post soon!

 

Your turn! What books did I miss? What do your recommend and what did your read this year? Let me know in the comments!