I’m often asked to recommend paleo books, so here are my favorites! I’ll keep this post updated as new ones come out, so if you link here, you’ll get the updated list.
It Starts with Food
This is the guide for the Whole30 way of eating. I did my first Whole30 in March 2013, and have now successfully completed six of them. The Whole30 is basically strict paleo, without any “junk” food. The book gives a great explanation of why paleo is good for most of us, and then provides an action plan for eliminating all of the junk that is kicking you in the gut, both physically and emotionally. It includes a set of rules to follow for 30 days of totally clean eating. You can get a lot of the information from the Whole30 web site, but the book goes more in-depth, and I think anybody that wants to do a Whole30 should read it at least once, preferably before starting the Whole30.
Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans
You might have already seen the web site, but did you know there’s also a Nom Nom Paleo book? Now you do! Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans is basically a hardcover version of the web site, complete with many of the amazing recipes in printed format. Plus there are cartoons! The cartoons are pretty awesome. It’s a visually stunning book, but you’ll want it because the recipes are just so good.
Practical Paleo
Practical Paleo is divided into three sections: The Why, Meal Plans, and Recipes. In “The Why” section, Diane Sanfilippo explains the basics of paleo, and why it’s good for you. The Meal Plans include 30-day menus for everyone. Have an autoimmune condition or digestive issues? There’s a meal plan for you! The third part includes all of the recipes that are included in the meal plans. The book is a fabulous resource, and one I always recommend to anybody that is just getting started with paleo.
The 21-Day Sugar Detox
This book, by Diane San Filippo, is a guide for following the 21-Day Sugar Detox (21DSD). Level 3 of the 21DSD is paleo. If you follow my blog, you’ll know that I tend to stick with the 21DSD Level 3 food list much of the time. I love the book because it gives a great explanation of how and why sugar can cause so many problems for people, along with a plan for eliminating it and several other inflammation-causing food items from your diet. The author includes three levels of food lists, ranging from pretty close to a “standard” American diet (SAD) to strict paleo. My husband often does level 1, so he can continue to include dairy, legumes, and rice in his diet, and I usually stick with level 3, which is the strict paleo level. In addition to the food lists, the author provides meal plans, recipes, and modifications for special populations, such as athletes, breastfeeding moms, people with autoimmune issues. You can join monthly Facebook groups for support doing the program, but they do require to you actually read the book to participate. The author also offers an online version of the program, with an active support forum and lots more resources, for an additional cost.
The 21-Day Sugar Detox Cookbook
Diane Sanfilippo’s follow-up to The 21-Day Sugar Detox includes a condensed version of the plan, along with the yes/no food lists and modifications. Best of all, it also contains more than 100 recipes for use during the 21-Day Sugar Detox (21DSD) and beyond.
Well Fed
Well Fed was one of the first paleo cookbooks I purchased, and I ended up also buying the Kindle version of it because my paperback copy got gnarly from using it so much in the kitchen. It is a great book, with some amazingly delicious recipes. My favorites are the carnitas and pad thai! There are also a lot of great tips for doing a weekly cook-up, to help save some time throughout the week by throwing stuff you’ve already prepared together to make a whole meal.
Well Fed 2
This is a follow-up to the popular Well Fed, and has even more fabulous recipes. I will admit that I don’t use this one as much as the first one, but it really is just as good. There are more recipes, as well as many of the tips for meal prep and stocking your kitchen from the first book. My favorite recipe from this book is the Cincinnati Chili.