A Healthy Christmas Gift List: My Top 10 Guide for Books on Plant-Based Nutrition for Health and Fasting

The joy of giving is enhanced when the gifts we choose bless others in practical and meaningful ways. For Orthodox women and families striving to embrace fasting seasons yet facing health challenges, plant-based nutrition can offer a path forward—one that aligns with Orthodox traditions while addressing specific health conditions.

If you or someone you love struggles with fasting due to dietary restrictions or health concerns like diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune conditions, the following books are invaluable. They provide well-researched, practical tools to make informed food choices that respect both the body and the ascetic call of fasting.

Before diving into the list, a gentle reminder: These resources are for educational purposes only. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making dietary changes, as individual needs vary.

I would also like to add that I am not affiliated with them in any way. I have read them and have used them with clients with much success and now I want to share them with you.

A must-read for those managing diabetes or prediabetes, this book focuses on reversing insulin resistance through a low-fat, plant-based diet. It provides clear guidance backed by science, along with practical tips and recipes to help you thrive. The author Cyrus Khambatta has a doctorate in nutritional biochemistry and has his own struggles with Type 1 Diabetes. After following the guidance of this book one of my pre-diabetic clients told me that when she went back for labs her doctor thought he had the wrong file because her numbers had improved so dramatically.

Gift Pairing: The Mastering Diabetes Cookbook for delicious meal ideas to implement the principles.

You may laugh at the title, but often we take this part of our anatomy for granted or are overcome by modesty to discuss it openly. With breast cancer the second leading cause of death among women this empowering guide is a must to help women lower their risk of breast cancer—or thrive after a diagnosis. Dr. Funk, a breast cancer surgeon, champions a plant-based diet as part of a comprehensive approach to breast health. She makes it easy to understand this part of women’s anatomy in a friendly approachable way.

Gift Pairing: The Breast Health Cookbook, featuring recipes that nourish the body and support long-term wellness.

For anyone dealing with cardiovascular concerns, Dr. Esselstyn, director of the Heart Disease Reversal Program at the Cleveland Clinic, provides compelling evidence that a plant-based diet can halt and even reverse heart disease. His practical tips and inspiring patient stories make this book a life-changer. I had the pleasure of attending one of his lectures a few years ago and it was fascinating to see the changes in the blood vessels in some of his clinical work.

Gift Pairing: The Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease Cookbook for recipes to support heart health without sacrificing flavor.

This book shares Dr. Goldner's own recovery from lupus and her work helping others reverse autoimmune conditions. She uses hyper-nourishment with a plant-based approach as a key feature to successfully reverse pain and inflammation. It’s a beacon of hope for those navigating these challenges. Her protocol is one of the reasons I’ve been able to overcome uveitis (an auto-immune condition of the eye) and osteoarthritis.

Gift Pairing: Goodbye Lupus, Hello Delicious: Hyper-Nourishing Recipes to Reverse Autoimmune Diseases With Supermarket Foods featuring nourishing recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, tasty dressings and sauces, as well as sweet treats for desserts to help reverse diseases, optimize health.

Gut health is foundational to overall well-being, and gastroenterologist Dr. Bulsiewicz’s evidence-based book shows how fiber-rich, plant-based foods can transform digestive and systemic health. This is a fantastic read for those with IBS, leaky gut, or other gut issues. If beans and legumes have been the bane of your fasting experience, this is the book that will put them back on the menu.

Gift Pairing: The Fiber Fueled Cookbook for gut-friendly, plant-based recipes.

This insightful and practical guide empowers women with PCOS to take control of their symptoms through a whole-food, plant-based diet and lifestyle. Written by gynaecologist, Dr. Nitu Bajekal, and her daughter, it blends medical expertise with compassionate guidance.

It’s not all in the head! Mental health is deeply intertwined with physical well-being, and Dr. Amen explores how nutrition and lifestyle choices can significantly impact brain health. This book offers practical tools to support a healthy mind while inspiring hope for recovery.

Dr. Greger examines the 15 top causes of premature death and offers practical dietary advice to prevent and reverse these conditions. His engaging writing and humor make this an enjoyable and enlightening read, but don’t let the tone fool you - this is a thoroughly research book with about 3,000 scientific citations.

Gift Pairing: The How Not to Die Cookbook to put the principles into practice.

Having been a triathlete myself, I understand the challenges of fuelling for training while fasting. For active families, athletes or anyone looking to improve fitness, this book provides tips on thriving as an athlete on a plant-based diet. Matt Frazier is an endurance runner and Robert Cheeke is a bodybuilder. Both athletes have achieved success on a plant-based diet. The book is full of inspiration and practical advice for fueling performance.

Gift Pairing: The No Meat Athlete Cookbook: Whole Food, Plant-Based Recipes to Fuel Your Workouts—and the Rest of Your Life features 125 delicious plant-based recipes with foods from around the world.

Under $30 a week and less than 30 minutes a meal! What’s not to love, especially during the

fast, which can sometimes feel financially daunting, especially for large families. This book dispels the myth that healthy, plant-based eating has to be expensive, offering budget-friendly recipes and strategies.

During fasting seasons, the call to simplify our eating habits can feel overwhelming for those managing health conditions. Often, low-carb or keto diets are prescribed, but they can conflict with the spirit of fasting. These books provide a different perspective—one that aligns with Orthodox ascetic practice and opens the door to plant-based eating as a viable option.

For priests ministering to parishioners with dietary challenges, these resources can be a valuable tool to support their flock with love and wisdom.

As you prepare for the Nativity, consider these books not just as gifts for others, but as invitations to embrace the fullness of life and health God desires for us.

Plant-based nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but it offers hope for many. Prayerfully discern what’s best for you and your family, and let these resources inspire you to approach fasting and eating with greater intention and joy.

“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

A blessed Nativity fast to you and your family!