Sometimes the best way to get into a healthy habit is to read about it. These eight book recommendations are rooted in science — based medical knowledge to help the body — and the person that occupies it — live well.
‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear
Clear breaks down how tiny changes compound into remarkable results, drawing on behavioral psychology and habit research. The book teaches practical systems for building lasting habits — from exercise and nutrition to sleep and stress management — grounded in science on cue — routine — reward loops and environmental design.
While not solely a health book, its behavior-change framework is foundational to long-term wellness.
‘Good Energy’ by Dr. Casey Means (with Calley Means)
Good Energy reframes health through the lens of metabolic function, arguing that many chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, depression, infertility and more share a common root: poor cellular energy production. Means explains how modern lifestyles disrupt mitochondrial health, blood sugar regulation, inflammation and hormonal balance.
Blending medical science with practical guidance, the book emphasizes nutrition quality, glucose stability, sleep, movement, stress management and environmental awareness.
‘Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging’
Mayo Clinic’s book on healthy aging is an evidence-based guide to maintaining physical, cognitive and emotional well-being as the body ages. Drawing on decades of clinical research and expertise, Mayo Clinic physicians explain how aging affects the body and what can be done to preserve mobility, brain health, cardiovascular function and independence.
The book emphasizes preventive care, strength and balance training, nutrition, sleep, social connection and proactive management of chronic conditions. Practical, medically-grounded advice empowers readers to extend health span, remain active and age with confidence.
‘Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest’ by Dan Buettner
Dan Buettner examines regions with the highest concentrations of centenarian, or “Blue Zones,” to extract evidence-based lifestyle factors linked to longer lives.
Through demographic research and interviews, he identifies shared habits: plant-slanted diets, regular natural movement, strong social ties, and purposeful living. Although sociological in approach, the insights are grounded in population health studies linking behavior patterns with reduced chronic disease risk.
‘Why We Sleep’ by Matthew Walker
Neuroscientist Matthew Walker consolidates decades of sleep research to illustrate how sleep affects brain function, immune health, metabolic regulation and aging. Drawing on cross-disciplinary studies, he explains why sleep is nonnegotiable for cognitive performance and disease prevention, and offers evidence-based strategies to improve sleep hygiene.
The book is both informative and grounded in peer-reviewed science, making it a staple for readers interested in biological wellness.
‘How Not to Die’ by Dr. Michael Greger
Greger presents an extensive review of nutrition science and epidemiological evidence linking diet to disease prevention and reversal. Covering major causes of death (heart disease, diabetes, cancer), he offers practical, plant-forward dietary recommendations grounded in peer-reviewed research.
The book is structured around specific foods and their effects on common health outcomes, encouraging readers to adopt whole-food, nutrient-dense eating patterns supported by clinical trials and long-term population studies.
‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
A modern classic in trauma science, this book explains how traumatic experiences are literally stored in the body and brain, affecting physical health, mood, memory and behavior. Van der Kolk integrates decades of clinical research with neuroscience to show how trauma reshapes the nervous system and informs effective therapies (such as EMDR, neurofeedback and mindfulness).
It’s widely respected in psychiatry and psychology for bridging mental health and somatic science, helping clinicians and laypeople understand healing beyond talk therapy.
‘Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity’ by Dr. Peter Attia
Dr. Peter Attia blends cutting-edge medical research with practical lifestyle strategies to help prevent the “Four Horsemen” of aging: heart disease, cancer, neurodegenerative disease and type 2 diabetes. He emphasizes prevention through individualized health management and deep dives into exercise, nutrition, sleep, emotional health and advanced screening techniques.
Rather than quick fixes, “Outlive” presents a long-term “Medicine 3.0” mindset focused on health span, the portion of life lived free of disease or disability, backed by scientific evidence and real clinical insights.