In January 2016, we took a poll of members who had read (or were reading) books that they felt were helpful to them in their management or prevention of diabetes. We have listed these books (and more) below the chart, along with comments from group members. The “stars” (asterisks) in front of a book title represent the rating of the book based on member response. Since then, additional book resources have been added.
Low-carb, High-fat, Moderate-protein
A Low Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet Manual: No Sugar, No Starch Diet (May 29, 2013)
Eric C. Westman
http://www.amazon.com/Low-Carbohydrate-Ketogenic-Diet-Manual-ebook/dp/B00D3MSJQ4/
This manual is a simple and effective low-carb diet program, the same one used at the Duke Lifestyle Medicine Clinic. It is the strict 20g total carb ketogenic diet that works for weight loss and diabetes control. It has simple rules and a list of allowed foods in a little booklet format to carry with you. If you have seen Dr. Westman’s YouTube video of his Clinic Introduction Class (https://youtu.be/dSLf4bzAyOM), this is the short manual you should have to go with it.
* Adapt Program: A Low Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet Manual (February 16, 2015)
Eric C. Westman MD MHS
http://www.amazon.com/Adapt-Program-Carbohydrate-Ketogenic-Manual/dp/1508509905/
This manual describes the practical details of how to follow a low carbohydrate ketogenic diet as used by trained professionals in the Adapt Your Life (www.adaptyourlife.com) and HEAL Diabetes & Medical Weight Loss programs (www.healclinics.com). While it was designed for use in combination with the Adapt Your Life or HEAL program, it contains valuable basic information for those wishing to achieve ketosis on their own. Helpful video on YouTube at https://youtu.be/NJ20qBXakyY.
* Cholesterol Clarity: What The HDL Is Wrong With My Numbers? (August 25, 2013)
Jimmy Moore & Eric C. Westman
http://www.amazon.com/Cholesterol-Clarity-What-Wrong-Numbers-ebook/dp/B00ESMDGE8/
Companion book to Keto Clarity (see below). Lots of good information about cholesterol and comments from a host of medical care professionals.
**** Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars (4th Rev edition, November 1, 2011)
Richard K. Bernstein
http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bernsteins-Diabetes-Solution-Achieving-ebook/dp/B004QZ9PC4/
Originally published in 1997, Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution is a unique resource that covers both adult- and childhood-onset diabetes, explains step-by-step how to normalize blood sugar levels and prevent or reverse complications, and offers detailed guidelines for establishing a treatment plan. Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution is the one book every diabetic must own. Covers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diets. You can read selected chapters of this book online at http://www.diabetes-book.com/read-online/.
** Keto Clarity: Your Definitive Guide to the Benefits of a Low-Carb, High-Fat Diet (August 5, 2014)
Jimmy Moore & Eric C. Westman
http://www.amazon.com/Keto-Clarity-Definitive-Benefits-Low-Carb/dp/1628600071/
Leading health blogger Jimmy Moore and researcher and internist Dr. Eric C. Westman join forces again to explain the powerful therapeutic effects of a ketogenic diet—one that combines a customized carbohydrate restriction, moderation of protein intake, and real food-based fats—which is emerging in the scientific literature as a means for improving a wide range of diseases, from Type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer’s and more.
The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting (Paperback – October 18, 2016)
Jimmy Moore and Dr. Jason Fung
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Fasting-Intermittent-Alternate-Day/dp/1628600012
Toronto-based nephrologist Dr. Jason Fung has used a variety of fasting protocols with more than 1,000 patients, with fantastic success. In The Complete Guide to Fasting, he has teamed up with international bestselling author and veteran health podcaster Jimmy Moore to explain what fasting is really about, why it’s so important, and how to fast in a way that improves health. Together, they make fasting as a therapeutic approach both practical and easy to understand. Fasting, as described by Dr. Fung and Jimmy Moore, can be utilized with any dietary protocol.
The Ketogenic Cookbook: Nutritious Low-Carb, High-Fat Paleo Meals to Heal Your Body (Paperback – July 28, 2015)
Jimmy Moore and Maria Emmerich
https://www.amazon.com/Ketogenic-Cookbook-Nutritious-Low-Carb-High-Fat/dp/1628600780
Said to be the ultimate resource for the growing number of people interested in eating a low-carb, moderate-protein, high-fat diet to lose weight, improve their health, and heal their bodies from the inside out.
In this first-of-its-kind collection, Jimmy Moore, leading low-carb diet blogger and podcaster and bestselling author of Keto Clarity, joins forces with fellow keto advocate and nutritionist Maria Emmerich to bring you more than 150 delicious, real food–based, keto-friendly recipes that are ideal for anyone who wants to be in nutritional ketosis or simply wants to eat healthier.
Jacquie says, “There’s a great vegetarian section in it!”
** The New Atkins for a New You: The Ultimate Diet for Shedding Weight and Feeling Great (March 2, 2010)
Dr. Eric C. Westman, Dr. Stephen D. Phinney, and Jeff S. Volek
http://www.amazon.com/New-Atkins-You-Ultimate-Shedding-ebook/dp/B0038NN3B4/
This Atkins plan for weight loss is outlined in four (4) phases; however, Phase I (Induction) would be appropriate as a lifestyle maintenance for diabetics.
Jacquie says, “The misconception that most people have about Atkins is that it’s ‘high protein’ or ‘too much meat.’ Not true! Vegetarians and even vegans can follow the Atkins approach. I was impressed that they give comprehensive vegetarian/vegan food lists in the book! The Atkins emphasis is on what they call ‘foundation vegetables’ (lots of leafy green and non-starchy vegetables), with adequate protein and high healthy fats.”
* The Rosedale Diet (October 13, 2009)
Ron Rosedale M.D. and Carol Colman
http://www.amazon.com/Rosedale-Diet-Ron-M-D-ebook/dp/B000FC2826/
Dr. Ron Rosedale is an internationally known expert in nutritional and metabolic medicine whose work with diabetics is truly groundbreaking. His research interests include diabetes and the aging process and correlation between diet and the aging process, particularly leptin, insulin, and the quality of metabolism. This book outlines two (2) levels: Level 1 (low-carb) for all patients and Level 2 (with judicious addition of some carbs) for non-diabetics.
* The Vegetarian Low-Carb Diet: The Fast, No-Hunger Weightloss Diet for Vegetarians (December 1, 2006)
Rose Elliot
http://www.amazon.com/Vegetarian-Low-Carb-Diet-Weightloss-Vegetarians/dp/074992649X/
This book is touted as “an easy-to-follow, meat-free answer to the Atkins diet,” which presumes that the Atkins diet is just all about meat (which it isn’t!). While Ms. Elliot’s approach is definitely lower carb than many other plant-based diets, it is not particularly ketogenic. Still, some may find it helpful.
Standard ADA, Low-fat, Moderate-carb
American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes: The Ultimate Home Reference from the Diabetes Experts
American Diabetes Association
http://www.amazon.com/American-Diabetes-Association-Complete-Guide/dp/1580403301/
Most of the information in the book is readily available on the ADA website, but newly diagnosed diabetics may want an information source in hard copy as well.
The American Diabetes Association Vegetarian Cookbook: Satisfying, Bold, and Flavorful Recipes from the Garden
Steven Petusevsky
http://www.amazon.com/American-Diabetes-Association-Vegetarian-Cookbook-ebook/dp/B00H128FWU/
I haven’t seen this, but I would imagine it is pretty much middle-of-the-road. Might be useful for someone wanting to go vegetarian and are not concerned about the finer points of low-carb eating or a vegan approach.
High-carb, Low- or No-fat, Vegan (no meat, eggs, or dairy)
Dr. Neal Barnard’s Program for Reversing Diabetes: The Scientifically Proven System for Reversing Diabetes without Drugs (April 1, 2008)
Neal Barnard
http://www.amazon.com/Neal-Barnards-Program-Reversing-Diabetes/dp/1594868107
Dr. Barnard claims that his approach, which is based on a low-fat vegan diet, can control blood sugar, repair insulin function, and minimize medication within weeks. One critic in New Zealand says, “The book also states that there is no limit on how much you can eat and you don’t have to count calories or carbohydrate. This could lead to deterioration of HbA1c (which is a measure of blood glucose levels) if taken to extreme. Very restrictive diets are very hard to follow and are often only followed for a short period of time.” To date, none of our group members have reported reading/following Dr. Barnard; however, NEWSTART® (at Weimar) strongly supports him.
*** Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health (June 28, 2011)
Gene Stone (Editor), T. Colin Campbell (Foreword), and Caldwell B. Esselstyn (Foreword)
http://www.amazon.com/Forks-Over-Knives-Plant-Based-Health-ebook/dp/B005ARRA9W/
Focus is on a whole-food, plant-based diet centered on whole, unrefined, or minimally refined plants. It’s a diet based on fruits, vegetables, tubers, whole grains, and legumes; and it excludes or minimizes meat (including chicken and fish), dairy products, and eggs, as well as highly refined foods like bleached flour, refined sugar, and oil. It is the epitome of high-carb low-fat vegan. Based on the well-known film by the same name.
Casey says, “Our favorites are Forks Over Knives and Eat to Live [Joel Fuhrman]. Eating with their recommendations equals health and weight loss for David and me.”
From Plant to Plate, Diabetes Edition (Paperback, 2016)
Life and Health Network and Tami Bivens
https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Diabetes-Health-Network-Bivens/dp/B01GGPKBZQ/
I have not seen this new edition of yet another vegan cookbook, which claims, “The healthy lifestyle outlined in this book can rapidly lower blood sugars, cholesterol, and triglycerides.” This edition was edited specifically for diabetics.
* Nutrition for Vegetarians (June 1982)
Agatha Thrash and Calvin Thrash
http://www.amazon.com/Nutrition-Vegetarians-Agatha-Thrash/dp/0942658035/
Learn how to be well and live long from this classic book on nutrition. Is there a diet that can actually slow down the aging process? Can individuals and families get the nutrition they need from a vegetarian diet? Doctors Agatha and Calvin Thrash confront these and other issues.
Marsha wrote, “Many years ago Dr. Thrash’s book Nutrition for Vegetarians helped me stabilize my blood sugar. I’ve been symptom-free ever since.”
* The 30-Day Diabetes Miracle (January 1, 2009)
Franklin House, Stuart A. Seale, and Ian Blake Newman
http://www.amazon.com/Thirty-Day-Diabetes-Miracle/dp/0399534768/
Lifestyle Center of America’s Complete Program for Overcoming Diabetes, Restoring Health, and Rebuilding Natural Vitality. An accompanying cookbook is available with more than 200 vegetarian and vegan dishes and an emphasis on “good carbs,” plus menus.
Kathy recommends this book. She says, “It gives four weeks of menus plans and all the recipes, plus a lot more. It’s all broken down for you on how much to eat and carb total for each meal plan.”
The End of Diabetes: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Diabetes (December 26, 2012)
Joel Fuhrman MD
http://www.amazon.com/End-Diabetes-Live-Prevent-Reverse/dp/0062219987/
Dr. Fuhrman is the bestselling author of Eat to Live. He calls his approach “nutritarian” (rather than vegetarian or vegan), though he does recommend a plant-based diet. His is definitely a counter attack to the low-carb high-fat ketogenic approach.
Robin says, “I have read most of Joel Fuhrman’s books, although not The End of Diabetes. Dr. Fuhrman is my favorite.”
The New Laurel’s Kitchen (October 1, 1986)
Laurel Robertson, Carol L. Flinders, Brian Ruppenthal
https://www.amazon.com/New-Laurels-Kitchen-Laurel-Robertson/dp/089815166X/
The complete cookbook and reference center for the whole-foods kitchen. The New Laurel’s Kitchen is everything that made the first edition loved and trusted, with hundreds of new recipes and the latest nutritional information.Over 500 recipes, ideas, menus, and suggestions, each tested and perfected for satisfying, wholesome home cooking. Earlier editions published in 1976 and 1981 are still available as used books on Amazon.
Marsha writes, “I have a book called Laurel’s Kitchen which has a great food analysis section in the back including fiber, calories, vitamins, minerals, etc. There are probably many other publications with this information and maybe even on the internet. Laurel’s Kitchen is an old title, but it has a great deal of information. It may still be available on Amazon.”
The Starch Solution: Eat the Foods You Love, Regain Your Health, and Lose the Weight for Good! (June 4, 2013)
John & Mary McDougall
http://www.amazon.com/Starch-Solution-Regain-Health-Weight-ebook/dp/B007PF7MGS/
No one reported having read this book. It’s not specifically for diabetics, anyway. Dr. McDougall has not published anything specific for diabetics that I could find.
Weimar Institute’s NEWSTART® Lifestyle Cookbook (July 2, 1997)
Frances Piper de Vries and Sally J. Christensen
https://www.amazon.com/Weimar-Institutes-NEWSTART%C2%AE-Lifestyle-Cookbook/dp/0785271406/
NEWSTART® stands for the eight elements that give you health, vigor, and healing: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest, and Trust in Divine Power. Full of delicious and nutritious recipes that can make a meaningful difference in your life, the Newstart Lifestyle Cookbook is more than a diet plan–it is a new way to live.
New and used copies available.
Other
The Ministry of Healing
Ellen G. White
https://www.amazon.com/Ministry-Healing-Ellen-G-White/dp/1910121711/
This book emphasizes the link between diet and spiritual growth. It’s a diet book, a self-help book, and a Christian spiritual guide all rolled into one, and it continues to be read widely to this day.
Plant-Based Paleo: Protein-rich vegan recipes for well-being and vitality (Hardcover – February 12, 2015)
Jenna Zoe
https://www.amazon.com/Plant-Based-Paleo-Protein-rich-well-being-vitality/dp/1849756120
When eating a raw diet, nuts, sprouts, seeds, sprouted grains and leafy greens are examples of foods that are especially protein-rich. Recommended calcium intake is more healthfully achieved by eating leafy green vegetables like kale, and other calcium-rich non-dairy foods like broccoli, seaweed, sesame seeds, and sprouted quinoa.
Books to Read Online
American Diabetes Association Complete Guide to Diabetes [PDF]
Blood Sugar 101
Jenny Ruhl
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/
Read selected sections of Dr. Bernstein’s Books Online
Richard K. Bertstein, MD
Dr. Bernstein’s Diabetes Solution, A Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars – Dr. Richard Bernstein’s groundbreaking approach to diabetes care enables you to take control of the disease by normalizing your blood sugars.
The Diabetes Diet, Dr. Berntein’s Low-Carbohydrate Solution – A revolutionary new low-carb diet for diabetics by the doctor who pioneered a successful new approach to the disease — with 100 original mouth-watering recipes.
The Ministry of Healing
Ellen G. White
http://www.whiteestate.org/books/mh/mh.asp
The sections dealing with nutrition and temperance are Chapters 23. Diet and Health, 24. Flesh as Food, 25. Extremes in Diet, and 26. Stimulants and Narcotics.
Adventist Vegetarian Diabetics 