Healthy Eating Cookbooks

Bowl + Spoon

Author: Sara Forte
Who is it good for?: A natural food blog lover who eats mostly plant-based vegetarian, but doesn't mind seeing a recipe with occasional fish, turkey, dairy, or wheat in it. Also anyone who likes serving dinner every night in one big bowl.  
My favorite recipes: Lentil Tapenade; Tahini Kale Slaw and Roasted Portobello Bowl
Get it here.

Lucid Food

Author: Louisa Shafia
Who is it good for?: An eco-conscious eater with an urge to eat more seasonally and not purchase too many different ingredients.
My favorite recipes: Roasted Fennel Stuffed with White Beans and Chestnuts; Chickpea Cakes with Cilantro-Jalapeno Sauce
Get it here.

My New Roots

Author: Sarah Britton
Who is it good for?: The elegant vegan or vegetarian who loves to learn about the nutrition behind food
My favorite recipes: Socca with Grilled White and Green Asparagus, Dill and Feta; The Life-Changing Loaf of Bread with Olives and Caraway
Get it here.

Clean Food

Author: Terry Walters
Who is it good for?: The beginner who wants basic whole foods recipes with under 10 ingredients
My favorite recipes: Bok Choy and Chickpeas with Cashews; Cranberry Applesauce; Marinated Tofu with Ginger Cashew Dipping Sauce
Get it here.

Radically Simple

Author: Rozanne Gold
Who is it good for?: The simplicity and science-lover who loves to make a big impact with minimal work.  This is not a "healthy" cookbook per se, but Rozanne is brilliant and elegant simplifications.
My favorite recipe: Chilean Sea Bass with Pistachio-Pesto Crust and Green Bean "Fries"; Steamed Parsnips with Toasted Almonds
Get it here.

The Superfood Swap

Author: Dawn Jackson Blatner
Who is it good for?: Anyone who is looking to improve their health or lose weight by eating more real foods and less processed, pre-made, and takeout foods in an easy and playful way.  Dawn's a registered dietician so she knows her stuff and many of her recipes are ideas that can be understood really simply and don't require too much prep or cooking.  If you love your pizza, BBQ, chips, and cookies, Dawn gives you upgraded versions for everything.  
My favorite recipe: Freezer Fudge; Kale Burgers; and Kombucha Margarita (because obviously).
Get it here.

One Part Plant

Author: Jessica Murnane
Who is it good for?: A person new to a plant-based diet (or curious about one) who just wants to get started.  While Jessica originally changed her diet to help with her endometriosis symptoms, lovers of color, design, and desserts will also enjoy her book.
My favorite recipe: Corn Cake and Black Bean Spread; Easy Spicy Miso Soup; and Chocolate Chunk Cookies
Get it here.

The Thinking Girl's Guide to Drinking

Author: Ariane Resnick and Brittini Rae
Who is it good for?: A cocktail lover who is not in love with sugar, soda, or generally inflammation-promoting foods.  Resnick's book actually includes about 50% mocktails and all are whole foods-based, and she includes interesting explanations of why certain ingredients are used. This would make a perfect gift from one lady friend to another.
My favorite recipe: Fire and Spicy, a ginger, tequila and lime based cocktail
Get it here.

Globally inspired cookbooks

Washoku

Author: Elizabeth Andoh
Who is it good for?: A Japanophile interested in learning more about the relationship between aesthetics, nutrition, and philosophy in Japanese home-cooking.  Washoku means "the harmony of food" and Andoh has been considered the leading English-language expert on Japanese cuisine for decades.  The recipes are for omnivores, but lots can be adapted for vegetarians and pescatarians.  
My favorite recipe: Moon-viewing Noodles in Broth; Mushroom, Lotus Root, and Tofu Chowder
Get it here. 

Ayurveda: A Life of Balance

Author: Maya Tiwari
Who is it good for?: Anyone curious about Ayurveda, whether you have experience with it or not.  Tiwari takes you through the basic principles of Ayurveda with an emphasis on food and herbs.  The 2nd half of the book is full of recipes that are all tagged according to your dosha and season.
My favorite recipe: I like her Ayurvedic takes on Indian staples like dal, sambar and rasam.
Get it here. 

KITCHEN REFERENCE BOOKS

The New Whole Foods Encyclopedia

Author: Rebecca Wood
Who is it good for?: The aspiring nutritionista, herbal remedy-lover, or firm believer in "food as medicine" in your life.  
My favorite feature: While this book contains minimal recipes, it takes you through hundreds of ingredients like ginger, bok choy, and turmeric and explains health benefits, uses in Eastern medicine (like Ayurveda), and tips for using and buying. 
Get it here.

The Flavor Bible

Author: Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
Who is it good for?: The awesome home cook who never follows a recipe
My favorite recipe: This book doesn't contain many recipes. Instead it lists ingredients, flavors and cuisines and lists the top foods and flavors that pair well with them. Amazing for inspiration and putting your own twist on a classic recipe.
Get it here.

The Vegetable Butcher

Author: Cara Mangini (a fellow grad in my culinary school class!)
Who is it good for?: Your friend or family member who lacks knife skills but pines over perfect vegetable dishes in restaurants.
My favorite recipes: Grilled and Smothered Artichokes; Mashed Fava Beans and Mint Crostini
Get it here.

Hello, Wine

Author: Melanie Wagner
Who is it good for?: A wine drinker who wants to learn more, but in a totally approachable and non-snobby way.
My favorite recipes: Does "pour wine in glass" count?  While this book covers different types of grapes, flavor descriptions, and basic food pairings, my favorite section is the wine myth-busting chapter where Melanie explains that you probably aren't allergic to sulfites and that screw top bottles can lead to better wine than corks.  
Get it here.