6 Best Nonfiction Books for Healthy Living and Wellness
Many of us want to live healthier lives, but finding the right resources can feel overwhelming. Books can be a grounding guide, offering not just facts but also encouragement and real-life stories. These nonfiction titles cover everything from nutrition and fitness to mindfulness and building better habits. These are perfect for anyone looking to make sustainable, positive changes.
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Outlive: The Science & Art of Longevity by Peter Attia
Why it’s worth reading: Longevity is about adding healthy years to your life. Peter Attia, a physician focused on preventive medicine, argues that many chronic diseases (like diabetes and heart disease) can be avoided or delayed with the right daily practices. He covers nutrition, exercise, sleep, and emotional health with both science and actionable advice. For anyone who wants to feel strong and capable well into older age, this book is a roadmap for building a longer, healthier life.
Book cover image courtesy of Harmony, ©2023
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Why it’s worth reading: James Clear breaks down the science of habit formation into approachable, actionable steps. He explains why willpower alone often fails, and how simple strategies like habit stacking, environment design, and tracking progress can create lasting results. Readers love this book because it’s easy to understand and even easier to apply. If you want to finally make exercise, meal prep, or mindfulness part of your routine, Atomic Habits gives you the tools to do it.
Book cover image courtesy of Avery, ©2018
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
Why it’s worth reading: Sometimes healthy living isn’t about tracking steps or eating more vegetables, it’s about taking care of your heart and mind. The Comfort Book is a collection of gentle reflections, affirmations, and reminders that it’s okay to pause and breathe. Matt Haig blends personal stories with timeless wisdom, offering reassurance during difficult times and encouragement when you need it most. It’s the kind of book you can keep on your nightstand and return to whenever life feels overwhelming.
Book cover image courtesy of Penguin Life, ©2021
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Why it’s worth reading: Sleep is often the most overlooked part of healthy living, yet it’s one of the most powerful. Neuroscientist Matthew Walker unpacks decades of research showing how sleep impacts everything from learning and memory to immune health, appetite, and emotional resilience. He also shares tips for improving sleep quality (hint: bedtime routines and light exposure matter more than you think). This book has a way of making you rethink the value of a good night’s sleep: a foundation for a healthier life.
Book cover image courtesy of Scribner, ©2017
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Why it’s worth reading: True wellness isn’t just physical, it’s emotional and mental as well. Psychiatrist Bessel van der Kolk explores how trauma and stress can become “stored” in the body, often surfacing as chronic pain, anxiety, or illness. The book blends scientific research with stories from patients, showing how therapies like mindfulness, yoga, EMDR, and community connection can help people heal. It’s a powerful reminder that caring for mental health is inseparable from caring for physical health.
Book cover image courtesy of Viking, ©2014
In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan
Why it’s worth reading: With so many diets and fads competing for attention, Michael Pollan cuts through the noise with a simple mantra: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” In this book, he explores how the Western diet has strayed from whole foods to processed products, and what that shift means for our health. Pollan’s approach is refreshingly straightforward: it’s not about counting calories or eliminating entire food groups, but about eating real, recognizable food. This book is a great reset for anyone feeling overwhelmed by modern nutrition advice.
Book cover image courtesy of Penguin Press, ©2008
Whether you’re hoping to eat better, sleep more deeply, move your body, or create healthier habits, these nonfiction books provide science, stories, and strategies you can use in daily life. Pick one that resonates with you, grab a cozy reading spot, and let it inspire your wellness journey.
Want to explore even more Healthy Living and Wellness books? These titles are also available on Audible and Kindle and some are included with with Kindle Unlimited.