If you’re anything like me, your shelves are already lined with recipe books—dog-eared pages, splashes of olive oil, little notes in the margins. I love a good cookbook. They’re my companions in the kitchen, where creativity meets nourishment. But every once in a while, I reach for a different kind of book—one that nourishes not just the body, but the relationship with the body.

This summer, I want to invite you to do the same.

Whether you’re lounging in the backyard with a cold herbal tea, escaping to the coast, or simply craving a moment of stillness between errands, these books are here to ground you. They’re not about what to eat as much as how and why. They’re about presence, patterns, and reclaiming peace at the table.

Here’s what’s on my mindful summer reading list—and maybe it’ll inspire your own.

🍽 How to Eat by Thich Nhat Hanh
A small, powerful gem. This book is as gentle and grounding as a deep breath. Thich Nhat Hanh reminds us to slow down and truly be with our food. It’s less a book and more a spiritual whisper, guiding you back to the present moment with every bite. Keep it on your nightstand, your kitchen table, or in your bag. It’s perfect for those quick pauses that reset your nervous system.

🧘‍♀️ Well Nourished by Andrea Lieberstein
This one blends mindfulness with practical tools and a whole lot of compassion. Lieberstein, a mindfulness-based registered dietitian, as well as one of my teachers – gives you journal prompts, guided meditations, and tools to build a more empowered, intuitive relationship with food and yourself. It’s not preachy—it’s invitational. She meets you where you are and offers a path forward.

🥄 Mindful Eating by Jan Chozen Bays
This was one of the first books that helped me understand the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger. Dr. Bays takes you through simple practices (yes, even the famous raisin exercise that I use in my courses!) that gently wake you up to how, when, and why you eat. It’s not about shaming—it’s about noticing. This is one I recommend often to my clients in our Craving Breakthrough program.

💬 Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers
Albers gets into the psychology of eating, especially the compulsive patterns that sneak in when we’re overwhelmed, distracted, or emotionally tapped out. This book gives you insight and strategies. It’s like a wise friend who sees through the chaos and hands you a warm mug of tea and a new perspective.

🌿 Intuitive Eating by Evelyn Tribole & Elyse Resch
If you’re tired of the diet roller coaster, this one’s for you. This is a foundational text in the intuitive eating world and beautifully weaves science, self-compassion, and practicality. It’s especially supportive during times of transition—whether that’s menopause, a new season of life, or simply a shift in priorities.

📖 Big Girl: How I Gave Up Dieting and Got a Life by Kelsey Miller
This memoir is both real and relatable. Kelsey’s voice is raw, humorous, and deeply human. She chronicles her journey from diet culture burnout to body trust and freedom. It’s a great reminder that healing your relationship with food doesn’t always start with a plan—it can start with a story.

I’m all for recipe inspiration (you know that!)—especially when you’re looking to create meals that feel like a hug from the inside. But sometimes, the most nourishing thing isn’t a new recipe. It’s a new mindset. A new moment of reflection. A new pause.

So this summer, give yourself permission to read something that doesn’t tell you what to eat—but instead, reminds you how to be while you eat.
Which one will you start with? Let me know, and if you have a favorite that’s not on this list, I’d love to hear it.

With presence and peace,


Cat
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P.S. Want support in making these practices stick? My 30-Day Craving Breakthrough program starts in September—come join us and discover how food can become a source of grounding, not guilt. 💛

Note: Some of the links shared are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase—at no additional cost to you. I only recommend what I truly trust and use myself. Your support helps me continue to share helpful content—thank you!