The 15 Best Healthy Weight-Loss Cookbooks, According to Dietitians

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The best weight-loss cookbooks include healthy recipes with lots of fiber and protein and encourage you to take pleasure in your food.
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While it requires a little extra effort, cooking at home is a smart habit to invest in if you're trying to lose weight.

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Eating in can lighten both your waistline and your wallet: People who cook at home not only eat a healthier diet, but also eat fewer calories and are less likely to have obesity or develop type 2 diabetes, per Harvard Health Publishing.

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Plus, with the right recipes, cooking can be a great source of stress relief and a lot of fun. The only question is: Because there are so many weight-loss cookbooks out there, how do you choose one?

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The Best Weight-Loss Cookbooks

How We Chose

We tapped a couple of body-positive dietitians to share what they consider to be the best healthy weight-loss cookbooks. We've included their top picks below, which are broken into categories and based on the following criteria:

  • Focus on healthy eating rather than quick weight loss
  • Include recipes with plenty of fiber and protein
  • Spotlight a variety of nutritious foods
  • Provide accessible recipes for all cooking levels

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For more information on how we choose and cover products, click here.

Best for Reducing Disease Risk

How to Eat to Beat Disease Cookbook

Learn high-fiber recipes to help reduce your risk of disease.

Pros

  • High-fiber recipe
  • Includes two weeks of pre-planned meals
  • Includes grocery shopping lists

Cons

  • Not enough vegetarian options, per some reviewers

"This book is all about optimizing your nutrition to reduce disease risk. It's packed full of high-fiber whole grain and vegetable recipes, which can increase metabolism and help with weight loss," says Cassie Christopher, RD, a body-positive registered dietitian and founder of the Stress Less Weight Mastery. "This is a great choice for anyone looking to improve the quality of their diet."

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The book includes two weeks of pre-planned meals and grocery shopping lists to help get you started.

Recipes to Try

  • Sheet Pan Citrus Chicken with Brussels Sprouts
  • Herb Stuffed Mushrooms
  • Cinnamon-Pecan Baked Apples

Best for People With Allergies

Nourishing Meals

Gluten-and dairy-free recipes fill this book for those with food allergies.

Pros

  • Gluten-free, dairy-free and soy-free dishes
  • Co-written by a registered dietitian
  • Good for family-sized meals

Cons

  • One reviewer says there are not enough pictures

Cooking at home can be particularly challenging if you or your family members have any allergies.

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"In my experience, it can be hard to find gluten-free or dairy-free recipes that both taste good and have the right texture," Christopher says.

Luckily, this comprehensive cookbook — which was co-written by a registered dietitian — features 365 recipes that are specifically targeted to people with food sensitivities or allergies.

"I have personally cooked most recipes in this book and can vouch for them," Christopher says. Her favorite? The Zucchini and Pine Nut Lasagna.

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Recipes to Try

  • Quinoa Salmon Burgers
  • Sweet Potato Falafels
  • Raw Blueberry Cheesecake
  • Zucchini and Pine Nut Lasagna

Best for Vegans/Vegetarians

3. 'Wild About Greens' by Nava Atlas

Wild About Greens

Easy veggie-rich recipes are abound in this book.

Pros

  • Recipes include spices and many flavors options
  • Contains a lot of vegan recipes
  • Contains 125 unique recipes

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the recipes are too bland

We all know veggies are good for you. One November 2018 Nutrients study found eating more vegetables helps you lose weight and prevents weight gain. The problem is that a lot of vegetable recipes can be a bit bland.

Christopher says this book is a "good option for vegetable experimentation as the recipes have a lot of spice and flavorings."

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Recipes to Try

  • Sautéed Sweet and Citrusy Beets With Greens
  • Hoisin-Glazed Bok Choy With Tofu and Soba Noodles

Best for People On-the-Go

Healthyish

If you're looking for easy and convenient recipes, this book is for you.

Pros

  • Great recipes for meal planning
  • Comes with a diverse menu
  • Recipes are full of fiber and whole grains

Cons

  • Some recipe ingredients may be hard to find, per some reviewers

When life gets busy, it can be hard to commit to making a three-hour meal.

Christopher says that "the recipes in this book are full of satisfying fiber and whole grains, which will keep you full for longer." Plus, they leave you with a little extra time on your hands.

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This book is also perfect for anyone pressed for time, because it has many options for meals you can make in advance.

Recipes to Try

  • Red Lentil Soup
  • Cauliflower Frittata
  • Buckwheat Bars

5 Ingredients: Quick & Easy Food

This book is great for cooking beginners.

Pros

  • Simple recipes
  • Instructions are easy to follow
  • Great for beginners

Cons

  • Some reviewers say certain ingredients may be hard to find
  • Some reviewers say the recipes are on the bland side

"This healthy cookbook elevates fresh, whole foods with simple recipes for busy people," says dietitian Kayla Girgen, RD, founder of Nutrition Untapped.

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The book's premise is that each recipe only contains five ingredients, so it's great for anyone who doesn't want to complicate the cooking process. It also includes some wonderful imagery that will delight visual learners.

Recipes to Try

  • Easy Sausage Carbonara
  • Sticky Pork Stir Fry
  • Nutty Kale Salad

Best for Post-Bariatric Surgery

The Gastric Sleeve Bariatric Cookbook

The high-protein recipes in this book are great for those recovering from bariatric surgery.

Pros

  • Offers advice surrounding mental barriers of weight loss
  • Includes high-protein recipes
  • Helps readers slowly get back into solid foods post-surgery

Cons

  • No single-person meals
  • Some reviewers say there aren't enough pictures

This one is written by a registered dietitian — which gets major bonus points — and it's much more than a cookbook, Girgen says. "It includes high-protein recipes with nutritional information, along with various texture progressions following surgery."

She especially recommends it for anyone who's undergone bariatric surgery, as "Kent does a wonderful job of addressing the mental barriers of self-compassion and eating healthfully."

Recipes to Try

  • Baked Halibut with Tomatoes and White Wine
  • Baker Potato Soup
  • Pumpkin Spice Latte Protein Shake

Best for Instant Pots

The Ultimate Instant Pot Healthy Cookbook

Learn how to make delicious, healthy meals with instant pot.

Pros

  • Teaches you instant pot settings and shortcts
  • Offers substitutions for people who are dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian
  • Recipes include nutrition information

Cons

  • The index of the book is not very helpful, per some reviewers
  • Doesn't include pictures

"An Instant Pot can be an intimidating appliance to master, but this cookbook removes all the mystery," Girgen says.

This book tells you all about the specific settings and gives you shortcuts for quick and healthy meals like Tomatillo Chicken Chili and Seafood Risotto.

"This cookbook includes easy reference charts to help determine Instant Pot cooking times as well as dietary preferences such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free, recommending substitutions when appropriate" she says. "Each recipe includes nutritional information and clear instructions on which setting(s) to use."

Recipes to Try

  • Tomato Red-Pepper Bisque
  • Southern Smothered Chicken
  • Glazed Honey Lemon Cake

Best for Low-Carb Lovers

Carb Manager's Keto Diet Cookbook

This book is based off the popular Carb Manager app, which easily helps you track your food choices.

Pros

  • Comes with 100 low-carb and keto recipes
  • Includes QR codes to track your food intake
  • Includes nutritional information

Cons

  • The text is small and may be hard to read, according to some reviews

"Filled with over 100 low-carb and keto recipes, this cookbook includes QR codes so you can quickly track your food intake using the Carb Manager app," Girgen says.

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If you want to kick it old-school, there's nutritional information included for all of the recipes, including net carbohydrates as well as dairy-free and gluten-free identifiers.

Recipes to Try

  • Cream of Cauliflower Soup
  • Buttermilk Biscuits
  • Crab Cakes with Spinach and Artichokes

Best for a Healthier Relationship With Food

9. 'Good Food, Bad Diet' by Abby Langer

Good Food, Bad Diet

Learn how to ditch diet culture and focus on overall health with this book.

Pros

  • Written by a registered dietitian
  • Science-backed information
  • Includes some basic recipes

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the advice is not the best for weight loss

Registered dietitian Abby Langer takes her experiences working with clients to explore some of the deeper issues behind our eating habits. Girgen says the book is "science-based yet light-hearted and easy to read" and provides "a refreshingly realistic approach to ditching diet culture and establishing healthy habits to serve you for the long haul."

Recipes to Try

  • The Best One Pan Roasted Chicken and Gravy
  • My Mom's Classic Chili Recipe
  • The Best 30-Second Mug Brownies

10. 'The Fiber Fueled Cookbook' by Will Bulsiewicz

The Fiber Fueled Cookbook

This pick is great for people with food sensitivities.

Pros

  • Written by a doctor
  • Focuses on gut health
  • Plant-based recipes

Cons

  • Does not include nutritional information

"This is a great general healthy-eating lifestyle cookbook, especially if you think you have food sensitivies," Christopher says. "Even when Dr. Bulsiewicz discusses food sensitivities, his goal is to heal and repair the gut so foods can be added back in, which is important for a healthy relationship with food."

The leading gastroenterologist shares over 100 delicious, plant-based recipes, including hearty soups, refreshing salads and nutritious desserts.

Recipes to Try

  • Lemon Lentil Salad
  • Cheezy Broccoli Potato Soup
  • Maple Peanut Granola
  • Chocolate Cookie Milk

Best for People With Thyroid Conditions

11. 'The Thyroid Connection' by Amy Myers

The Thyroid Connection

The author of this book shares her first-hand experience and tips.

Pros

  • Includes a 28-day plan to reverse thyroid conditions
  • Information on how your thyroid works
  • Includes lab tests and supplements you need

Cons

  • Not great for those with food allergies, per some reviewers
  • Not great if you are vegetarian, per some reviewers

Author of the New York Times bestseller ‌The Autoimmune Solution‌, Amy Myers, MD, knows the struggle of a thyroid dysfunction firsthand, a condition that can cause weight gain and weight fluctuations, per the American Thyroid Association.

Myers has the scoop on all the lab tests you need and supplements that are recommended in a 28-day plan to reverse the condition. Plus, there are recipes, additional resources and the best tool of all: knowledge.

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"Dr. Myers explains not only what you can do to combat thyroid disorders but also covers why," Girgen says. ‌"‌Learn how the thyroid works and is impacted by diet, environmental toxins and more."

Recipes to Try

  • Chocolate Skillet Cookie
  • Healthy Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Best for Mental Health

Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety

Explore the brain-gut connection with this informative read.

Pros

  • Includes a six-week healthy eating plan
  • Includes holistic remedies for anxiety and depression
  • Written by a doctor

Cons

  • Not great if you're allergic to seafood, per some reviews
  • Does not include enough recipes, per some reviews

While some people lose weight when living with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, others may gain weight from stress, emotional eating, lack of exercise or other causes. Some antidepressant medication can also cause weight gain as a side effect, per the Mayo Clinic.

Enter: books that make connections to food and mental health, like ‌Eat to Beat Depression and Anxiety‌ by Drew Ramsey.

"Dr. Ramsey reviews advancements in one of medicine's newest specialties — nutritional psychiatry," Girgen says. "Explore the brain-gut connection and holistic ways to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression sans medication. Informative, yet fun, this book includes a six-week plan to foster a healthy brain and body."

Recipes to Try

  • Honey Soy Wild Salmon Burgers
  • Kale Salads
  • Blueberry Smoothie

Best for Healthy Living

13. 'Fit Men Cook' by Kevin Curry

Fit Men Cook

This book is the ultimate guide for meal prepping, which can aid your weight-loss efforts.

Pros

  • Made after a helpful app called FitMenCook
  • Includes delicious and easy-to-make recipes
  • Offers meal prep advice
  • Bright recipe photos and stylish design

Cons

  • Some reviewers say the recipes are too high-sugar and high-carb for those who underwent bariatric surgery

"Consider this the ultimate meal prep cookbook," Girgen says. "Curry's cooking philosophy centers around three requirements: Each recipe must 1) taste good, 2) be calorie-friendly and 3) be easy to prepare (in terms of cost and technique)."

Author Kevin Curry, fitness influencer and creator of the bestselling app FitMenCook, shares his story of overcoming depression and weight gain to build a successful business and lead a healthy lifestyle.

And don't let the title fool you. "This cookbook is [for everyone] and includes Kevin's 10 Commandments of Meal Prep and many other tips and tricks for navigating your way around the kitchen," Girgen says.

Recipes to Try

  • Chicken Crust Pizza
  • Amazing as Pho Bowl
  • White Mac 'n Cheese

14. 'Eat Happy' by Anna Vocino

Eat Happy

A great purchase for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Pros

  • Includes a list of gluten- and grain-free pantry staples
  • Includes low-carb recipes
  • Includes slow cooker recipes
  • Great choice for those wanting to lose weight

Cons

  • Recipes do not include nutritional information
  • Recipe instructions are not always beginner-friendly, per some reviewers

Author Vocino, who has celiac disease, provides many comfort food variations minus gluten, grains and sugar, Girgen says.

Vocino provides a very helpful list of gluten-free and grain-free pantry and fridge staples, as well as a variety of low-carb and slow-cooker recipes.

Recipes to Try

  • Zucchini Pasta Bolognese
  • Chocolate Coconut Chia Pudding
  • Ahi Tuna Steaks and Lemony Spinach

The Mindful Glow Cookbook

Delicious, dietitian-approved recipes fill this beautifully designed book.

Pros

  • Written by a registered dietitian
  • Great food and recipe descriptions
  • Include protein-rich, often dairy- and nut-free recipes
  • Teaches readers how to listen to their bodies

Cons

  • Some recipe ingredients may be hard to find, per some reviewers
  • Some recipes take too long to make, per some reviews

Abbey Sharp is a registered dietitian and the creator of the popular food blog and YouTube channel Abbey's Kitchen. She's previously been described as "Nigella Lawson in a lab coat," and her vibrant descriptions might be just what you need to get you excited about spending more time in the kitchen.

"Abbey does a nice job of contextualizing how healthy food can be a part of living your best life," Christopher says. "After reading the cookbook, you are left wanting to share a yogurt parfait with her."

Recipes to Try

  • Tasty Breakfast Tacos
  • Brussels Sprouts with Figs and Grapes
  • Zucchini Noodle Pad Thai

How to Choose the Right Book for You

Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a safe, sustainable weight-loss cookbook, according to Christopher:

1. It Doesn't Promise Quick Weight Loss

"Avoid books that are supposed to help you lose large amounts of weight quickly," she says. "A half pound to 2 pounds a week is considered a safe weight-loss amount."

Weight loss should always be primarily about improving your health and should be done over time, so don't go for detoxes or crash diets.

2. The Recipes Have Lots of Fiber and Protein

Look for books that are full of fiber (vegetables, fruits, whole grains) and protein, as that will boost your metabolism and keep you full longer.

3. The Book Includes Food You Like to Eat

"Start your search with the intention of eating that way for the rest of your life, so you can sustain any weight loss you may achieve," she says.

With that in mind: "Only buy books that look like you will enjoy them," she says. "Getting pleasure from your food is an excellent way to enjoy life."

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