Book recommendations
This is a list of my 8 favorite books for a thoughtful, inclusive look at fitness, exercise, and food! Over the last three years, I've learned loads from these authors and their often personal stories.
I've included Bookshop links because independent bookstores (American Booksellers Association) receive ⅓ of profits, and I receive 10% commission to support my fitness coaching. This is a great way to purchase new books without using Am*z*n.
If you prefer not to purchase before you read, I've also included buttons to borrow each book from Cleveland Public Library's CLEVNET system (100+ libraries across northern Ohio)!
Deconstructing the Fitness-Industrial Complex
Edited by Justice Roe Williams, Roc Rochon, and Lawrence Koval
A deeply inspiring book of essays by Black, Trans, and/or queer leaders who are untangling the meaning of fitness from profit and whiteness. I've written a longer reflection here.
The Plant-Based Athlete: A Game-Changing Approach to Peak Performance
by Matt Frazier and Robert Cheeke
A fun and easy read by two pioneers in athletic training. I found lots of great tips for eating and exercising to feel my best.
What We Don't Talk about When We Talk about Fat
by Aubrey Gordon
Our society has a myth that being fat is a personal choice and deserves shame and discrimination. Aubrey's book is helping me understand and uninstall that bias.
Rust Belt Vegan Kitchen
Edited by Meredith Pangrace
Homestyle and professional recipes by fellow Clevelanders and vegans around the Midwest.
Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep at a Time
by Laura Khoudari
An extremely thoughtful how-to guide for building your training practice with a mental health focus.
Fit Nation: The Gains and Pains of America's Exercise Obsession
by Natalia Mehlman Petrzela
I learned so much about the last 100 years of influences on how we exercise: capitalism, celebrity, fatphobia, homophobia, and individualism.
Veganize It! Easy DIY Recipes for a Plant-Based Kitchen
by Robin Robertson
Really comprehensive, with recipes that actually work! This book taught me how to tweak my favorite recipes with common ingredients.
