5 Health and Wellness books to read in 2023 Pt. 1

Javon Thorpe
Aug 3, 2023
4 min read

In the realm of health and wellness, knowledge is power. The right book can serve as a comprehensive guide, illuminating the path towards a healthier, happier version of yourself. Whether you're seeking to understand nutrition, a sustainable approach to weight loss, or how to perform exercises optimally, there's a plethora of literature available to aid you on your journey. This blog will highlight some of the health and wellness books I have gained a ton of value from and believe you will too!

1. Bigger Leaner Stronger - Mike Matthews

"Bigger Leaner Stronger: The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body" by Michael Matthews is a comprehensive guide aimed at those who want to build a great physique. The book dives into the complexities of bodybuilding giving clear evidence-based advice to help readers build muscle, shed fat and gain strength.

I love how it begins by debunking common myths that have infiltrated the fitness world, like the misconception that one must consume crazy amounts of protein or perform numerous repetitions of exercises to gain muscle. He emphasizes the effectiveness and efficiency of heavy weightlifting, well-planned diet, and consistent work ethic.

I read this book when I was in my beginner stage of the journey, in fact it was the first book I've ever read on fitness, but this book is tailored for newbies and seasoned lifters alike.

2. Sleep Smarter - Shawn Stevenson

"Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to A Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success" by Shawn Stevenson is an awesome guide that sheds light on the pivotal role sleep plays in our health and overall success. The book provides readers with actionable strategies to enhance the quality of their sleep and reap its numerous benefits.

Stevenson starts by highlighting the impact of sleep on various aspects of health, including weight management, brain function, and emotional well-being. He reveals the potential effects of chronic sleep deprivation.

What I enjoy about this book is he delivers 21 actionable strategies to improve sleep. These strategies range from optimizing your bedroom environment and adjusting your diet to incorporating physical activity and mindful practices into your routine. Stevenson emphasizes the importance of consistency and adopting a holistic approach to enhance sleep quality.

This book really illuminated for me the disrupting effects of using devices right before bed, something i participated in frequently. I highly recommend this read!

3. Cant Hurt Me - David Goggins

"Can Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds" is a raw and inspiring memoir by ultra-marathon runner, Navy Seal, and overall bad ass David Goggins. While not a fitness book per se, Goggins shares his incredible life journey, full of hardship and adversity, and how he transformed himself from a depressed, overweight roach sprayer with no future into a military man and one of the world's top endurance athletes.

THIS BOOK IS LITERALLY THE REASON I QUIT MY JOB AND PURSUED MY FITNESS BUSINESS. Not an exaggeration, right after I read this I put my 2 weeks notice in. That is how much of an impact this novel had on me.

Goggins faced numerous challenges and setbacks including poverty, racism, and a heart condition, all of which he overcame with sheer determination and grit. He developed a mindset, which he refers to as the "warrior mentality", to push past physical and mental limits and achieve what many would deem impossible.

"Can't Hurt Me" is a powerful testament to human resilience and the limitless potential of the mind. It serves as an exceptional guide for anyone who aspires to overcome obstacles, defy odds, and push through the limits they've set for themselves. Stay Hard!

4. The Squat Bible - Aaron Horschig

"The Squat Bible, The Ultimate Guide to Mastering the Squat and Finding Your True Strength" penned by Dr. Aaron Horschig, who you may have seen his videos on Squat University, is a comprehensive guide to mastering the squat. Before this book I viewed the squat movement as a simple "Up -Down" motion, but really it can tell you a tremendous amount about a persons weaknesses and injury risk.

This book offers a better understanding of the biomechanics of this exercise and provides a step-by-step approach to rebuilding your squat technique. Horschig's method guarantees to improve strength and performance while reducing the risk of injury. The book delves into the core principles of movement, exploring common myths about squatting, and provides an array of corrective exercises.

"The Squat Bible" is an invaluable resource for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and coaches striving to enhance their squatting skills and overall athletic performance. I give this book a solid 10/10 must read.

5. Fat Loss Forever - Layne Norton and Peter Baker

"Fat Loss Forever: How to Lose Fat and KEEP it Off" by Layne Norton offers ascience-based approach to sustainable weight loss. The book breaks down the complexity of nutrition and exercise science to present a clear, actionable plan to lose fat effectively and more importantly keep it off. Dr Layne Norton not only has the academic credentials, but also has worked with thousands of clients ranging from Olympia competitors to those just looking to get lean for summer.

This book challenges conventional dieting strategies that often lead to yo-yo dieting and emphasizes the importance of a balanced, flexible eating plan.

By debunking common myths about fat loss and dieting, he providing readers with an understanding of the biological and psychological challenges associated with weight loss.

Norton discuses "phasic dieting," a method that incorporates different phases of caloric intake to prevent metabolic adaptation and plateauing.

An integral part of the book is dedicated to understanding your body's metabolic processes and how to manipulate them to achieve fat loss. Such as discusses the role of exercise, particularly resistance training, in augmenting fat loss and maintaining muscle mass.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the quest for health and wellness is a personal, ever-evolving journey. The right book can be a valuable companion, providing insights and clarity on various aspects, from nutrition and exercise to mental resilience and beyond. So, no matter where you are on your path to wellness, these books can offer wisdom, guidance, and inspiration to fuel your journey. Remember, its one thing to read about these concepts, but you really want to make sure you are able to put these philosophies in action.