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"Coach D's" 12-Favourite Health Books EVERYONE Would Benefit Reading at Least Once

Updated: 4 days ago




Let me start by saying, I'm a firm believer in the fact that there is NO "one-size-fits all" in health (or most things in life). In health, we're all the same, yet different, and there are MANY ways we can achieve health and happiness.



That being said, this recommended reading list I DO NOT believe is a "magic bullet", nor is ANY book. None of these books will be some "withheld secret information that will instantly transform your life". I'm a believer in taking bits of GOOD information (info that makes sense to you AND may work for you) and experimenting with them to see how it will positively impact your overall lifestyle, and from that creating YOUR OWN health practices. As much as I'd be very happy to hear one of these books changed your life, I'm truly hoping you can take some of their advice and information and put it to positive use in a way that works for YOU.


Below is my list of some of my absolute favourite health books, and go-to recommendations for clients, friends and family who are trying to help better their own health and daily lifestyle practices. If I could get everyone to be open to read these books, that would be the ideal situation. 👇

Coach D's Recommended Reads List




Dr Wells is an Exercise Physiologist from Toronto, ON. I've been fortunate enough to meet him in person, and his personality and demeanor are as fantastic as his books and information. Both of these books are packed full of excellent, simple and practical advice that anyone can put into action immediately to improve their health and wellbeing.




Another wonderful book, by another Canadian! Robin Sharma is an international motivational speaker who has some fantastic practical information and advice to better yourself personally and professionally. This book tells a story that teaches us so much about the power of simplicity and gratitude, and it's profound effects on us.






This excellent book (10% Happier) is written by former news anchor/journalist, Dan Harris and tells the story of his journey from his on-air panic attack, to discovering the power of meditation (but in a realistic way). Dan's humour is fantastic, and he has really made the practice of meditation something that the everyday person can do (to whatever extent they prefer). His follow up book (Meditation for fidgety skeptics) takes his outlook, story and practice and shares his story/experiences about bringing meditation to the general public as he and one of his meditation teachers, Jeff Warren (Canadian!) travel the USA bringing meditation to the general population. This is also a "how-to" book to help you with your own practice.



Katy Bowman is a biomechanist and author. I love her work, and this book is among several of hers I have on my shelf. I will say, this is the heaviest book on this list and (may) be a bit too much for some people (in way of physiology type stuff). However, I will also say it is packed full of practical advice and great information that everyone will be able to understand.

Katy really helps us to better understand the difference between "exercise" and "movement" in our daily lives. So much great advice and insight!





It's quite clear when you read this book that, Cal Newport was ahead of his time when he wrote this in 2016. Fast forward years later and I feel this book is even more relevant now for people to read, which is a scary thought! This well thought out book, is truly something I feel everyone should read at least once!






This one is powerful in my opinion, in regards to the mindset and approach to health that, Pilar is presenting. It not only reiterates my belief and approach with small practices and the power of little wins, but it reminds us that our modern world is NOT a healthy place and that "normal" is not where health lies. It's such a refreshing, satisfying and inspirational notion in my opinion; "If we want to be healthy in this modern unhealthy world, we really need to do the opposite of what we're led to believe "is healthy"".


*This is not like a diet or exercise book where she's pushing something on you. On the contrary, Pilar does a wonderful job at reminding her readers that health is different to us all, and an open book as to how you go about it!



I first heard of Michael Easter on the Dan Harris podcast and immediately had his books on my wishlist. I was very excited when a client lent me this book and I became an instant fan right away. Michael blends personal experiences and story telling with research and facts, all the while creating thoughts about how you approach your own lifestyle and wellbeing.


In a world that is comfort at every turn, this is a necessary read in my opinion. It reminds us that although we don't need to go to any extremes of discomfort, working in doses of it is part of what makes us a healthy human.




Before I was finished the "Comfort Crisis", that same client had Michael's most recent book "Scarcity Brain" in my hands. This read just made me an even bigger fan of his work.


In both books, Michael's points are not shunning how us modern humans live today; on the contrary. He points out often how we actually have it better than ANY humans in history. However, we cannot ignore our physiology as it is still the same as it was when our ancestors lived in nature and when survival was a daily reality.


"Scarcity Brain" helps you connect the dots to see why we become addicted to our phones, substances, gambling etc all the while open the possibilities of change for us as we learn to live with the modern way of life.



Had I not heard Bronnie on Dan Harris' podcast, I most likely never would have given this book a thought. We naturally avoid the topic of death in today's society, yet as I'm learning, thinking and talking about death can actually allow us to live better, healthier, happier lives by giving us perspective.


This powerful book is an incredible read. Bronnie shares her life story, intertwined with her years of caring for people at the end of their life. She shares the main regrets of people who know, the end is near and it will really open your mind and heart reading this as to what really matters for you, your health and your life.



This book frustrates me. Why would I have it on my list then, you ask? My frustration is that this approach to our eating habits has been around since the 1990's. Yet despite working in the Health & Wellness industry since 2001, I only learned about it when doing my Nutrition Coaching Certification in 2021.


This is a refreshing and real approach to nutrition that helps people filter through all the "noise" that's out there regarding nutrtion and nutrition science. This 4th edition is my recommendation because research has caught up (over the decades since this was put out there) to prove it works for people.


Intuitive eating in my opinion is an integral part of learning / re-learning how to eat healthy, while also enjoying your life at the same time. It helps dive into aspects of food and human nutrition that diets, strict food rules and well marketed gurus drive us away from.

For clients present and future, feel free to chat about any of these with me!! Thoughts and ideas here may open doors to your deep health that you may not have realized prior to reading them. Together we can sort out a plan of action that works for you.



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Zenergy Health & Wellness ~ Healing the Body, Mind & Spirit one session at a time ~ 67 Mill St. Frankford, On ~ 613-438-8939

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