If you’re looking to be empowered, motivated and inspired these are the only books you’ll ever need

I said I’d be back! 😉

As we explored in my last post, I believe it is the sheer volume of diet/fitness books available to us today, that is in fact having the opposite effect on the nation’s levels of health and wellness.

There is such a range of often conflicting information, it is all too easy to end up confused and frustrated about who to listen to and what to follow, which is the case for many of the wonderful people I meet today who are looking to improve their lifestyles.

If this sounds like you too, and you’re not sure where to start, I am extremely excited to share with you four of the books that transformed my life, contributing massively to who I am today. I sincerely hope at least one of them has the same results for you.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff by Richard Carlson 

First on my list because I believe this is best book I have ever read. If I had to choose a ‘desert island’ book, this would undoubtedly be it. It’s the only guide you’ll ever need, to start changing the way you view and think about things.

If you are looking to transform your lifestyle, this little book will be your most effective tool and will also help you to understand what stopped you succeeding in the past.

The genius (and sadly departed) Richard Carlson explains how, in each short and easily digestible chapter, in a gentle and encouraging style that will leave you feeling this book has been written just for you.

I have not met a single person who has read it (including many of my personal training clients and friends) and hasn’t reported starting to feel different about the things that once hurt/upset them, as well as how they approach life. Our attitude determines our altitude, so this book is unquestionably the best place to start if you want to experience permanent results and an improvement in all aspects of your life.

The Sleep Book: how to sleep well every night by Dr Guy Meadows 

If you struggle with sleeping, whether it’s long term insomnia or feeling you’re not getting enough quality zzz’s, this book is for you.

As a one-time insomniac (and sleeping pill addict) I used to experience a very up and down sleep pattern, often yoyo-ing between good and not so good; even after changing my diet and lifestyle. It was this book that helped me to understand where I was going wrong and has enabled me to experience the best sleep I have ever had!

Out of the millions of sleep improvement books out there, this is only one I recommend. It explains and addresses the problem with so many traditional sleep therapies/methods, which helps us to understand why so many people end up frustrated when they find they don’t work.

And even if you’re a good sleeper, there’s still a huge amount of useful info and exercises on mindfulness and living in the moment, which anyone will benefit from if you’re looking to live a rich fulfilled life.

A Lotus Grows in the Mud by Goldie Hawn

I LOVE autobiographies, especially those that are inspiring and uplifting and teach us something. This one by the beautiful and legendary Ms Hawn is certainly my favourite.

Each chapter draws on a specific experience from her interesting life, that has taught her something of value, and is explored in a reflective, non-judgemental and engaging tone.

This lovely book really made me think about how we perceive things, how we treat the people around us, how we can all live more mindfully and in the moment and what will really make us happy. It’s therefore probably more of a self-help book, rather than an autobiography as it’s so much more than the story of how a Hollywood actress reached the top!

Goldie makes you feel like you’re the only person in the world reading it, and by the time you’re done you’ll feel wiser, happier, more positive and (if you’re anything like me) want to be her friend!

Nourish with Aimie by Aimie Smith

Last but by no means least, is what I believe is the only recipe book anyone looking to improve their lifestyle will ever need.

The incredible Aimie rebuilt her life through harnessing the power of healing, restoring and life-changing foods, after previously living with numerous debilitating and life-limiting illnesses.

Not only has this amazing lady transformed herself into a beacon of health and happiness, she also happens to be a very dear friend who has played an insurmountable role in helping me change my own life. She continues to inspire me each day with her continued research and creativity when it comes to doing stuff with food, that I previously was not aware you could do.

So many of my own thought processes, ideas and knowledge that I use and apply today both with myself and my personal trainer clients has come as a result of knowing Aimie. She also introduced me to the benefits of Yoga and meditation, purely from being such a great example of the benefits! I’m so grateful to have these as part of my daily life, as well as to have Aimie in my life.

This book merely scratches the surface of what this amazing lady has to offer, but owning your own copy is certainly the next best thing to knowing her and it’ll leave you feeling inspired and empowered.

Happy reading folks!

Gen x