The books, documentaries, and podcasts recommended by 3 nutrition experts

February 04, 2020 at 12:30AM by CWC

If you’re always reading up on ways to get plant-based protein, or shop more sustainably, it’s because you, like us, love to learn. We’re constantly turning to experts to learn more. And while they know so much about their craft, they also turn to nutrition books, podcasts, and documentaries for new information and inspiration.

At at a recent Well+Good event, one of the attendees asked our panel of food experts to share their recommendations for sources they turn to when they’re hungry to learn more. We’ve got their answers below.

Podcasts

FOOD HEAVEN MADE EASY

Hosted by Wendy Lopez, RD and Jessica Jones, RD, this podcast is a favorite of fellow registered dietitian Maya Feller, RD. “Wendy and Jess have a number of guests on who share information on everything from nutrition to self-care, embracing inclusivity, and diversity,” Feller says.

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Registered dietitian Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, RD, host of Well+Good’s YouTube series You Versus Food, says this podcast by Betches “is a must to help you sift through the noise surrounding health and wellness. They bring on real professionals, like registered dietitians and doctors, to help set the record straight.”

HOW I BUILT THIS

“Guy Raz interviews the CEOs of an array of companies, but spotlights major food and health brands as well,” says Beckerman. “The guests share insight into their journey to success, which offers hope and inspiration.”

Books

CULTIVATING FOOD JUSTICE ($34)

Haile Thomas, a 19-year-old international speaker, health activist, and certified integrative nutrition health coach, says this book by Alison Hope Alkon and Julian Agyeman deepened her knowledge of the systematic deprivation of healthy foods low-income neighborhoods, and some communities of color. “If you’re interested in really learning about the intersectionality of food and environmental/social justice, this book is a great resource that thoroughly highlights the issues communities are facing,” she says.

THE BETTER PERIOD FOOD SOLUTION ($13)

Beckerman, couldn’t not include her own book. “[The book] helps break down the best foods to eat to support a healthier period in a way that is understandable, relatable and most importantly, backed by nutritional science.”

BLACK FOOD GEOGRAPHIES ($23)

This book by Ashanti M. Reese examines the unequal food distribution systems in the majority-Black Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, D.C. Feller says it’s “a powerful look at food justice and health equity.”

THE COOKING GENE ($11)

Feller recommends this food memoir by culinary historian Michael W. Twitty. Twitty traces his family roots and examines the politics surrounding the origins of soul food, barbecue, and all Southern cuisine.

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VEGAN RESET ($12)

“Kim-Julie [Hansen] has been a considerable mentor and inspiration of mine on my vegan journey, and her book makes embarking on one 100 times less daunting,” says Thomas. “It is informative, user-friendly, and has simple yet tasty recipes that anyone looking to go vegan or vegan-ish can enjoy!”

Documentaries

‘FORKS OVER KNIVES’

“This is a classic documentary that I watched when I was around ten years old that planted seeds for embracing a plant-based diet a few years later,” Thomas says. “Through real patient stories, you get a compelling introduction to the power of plant foods.”

‘ROTTEN’ 

This docuseries highlights the unsustainable ways we grow, produce, and consume food, “encouraging us consumers to become engaged in where our food comes from, how it grows, and how to make better and more conscious choices when it comes to our consumption,” says Thomas.

Check out the latest episode of You Versus Food on alternative milks:

Here’s why Feller thinks people should expand their idea of the Mediterranean diet. And these are the books Well+Good readers can’t put down.

Author Kara Jillian Brown | Well and Good
Selected by CWC