Are you looking for some reading to elevate your health and wellbeing? Here are my list of favourite reads to get you started on your journey…
Contents:
Period Repair Manual – Lara Briden
This book has been an absolute game changer for me! After coming off birth control I struggled to regulate my body again which I then later found out was due to my undiagnosed Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). The solution I was given by every medical professional was to remain on the pill until I was ready to have children and then come back to them then, I knew that this wasn’t right and there must be more.
There was more and this book became an absolute bible for me. For those that have since borrowed my copy of the book it is covered in scribbled and highlighted sections with tabs all over it. This book breaks down your cycle for you in the most easy to understand terms. Part One is called Understanding your Period. It is sad to think that in the 27 years I have been on this planet through all the health classes, biology classes, chats with friends not one person has explained my cycle to me in this much detail. Its like getting a flat pack without any instructions.
Lara Briden covers all areas in this book from Period Maintenance to restoring regular periods. It also touches on what happens in your fourties, however she has a second book covering this in more depth called Hormone Repair Manual: Every Woman’s Guide to Healthy Hormones After 40 which I am yet to read.
I highly highly recommend this book to everyone that bleeds. Alternatively if you have someone in your life that has a period and you don’t know how to have these conversations with them maybe sharing this book with them is a great place to start.
Come As you Are – Emily Nagoski
This book should be read by everyone! I wish I had read this book earlier in life. Emily Nagoski gives such a liberating insight into women’s sexuality. The book creates a safe space in which everyone is able to realise that though different we are all made just right. Dr Nagoski debunks sexual myths and explains the truth to female sexuality backed by science. Whether you are struggling with self awareness, needing to transform your sex life or not this book is for you!
More Orgasms Please – The Hotbed Collective
Im sure you’ve heard about gender gap or pay gap but have you heard about the term “orgasm gap”? I first heard about The Hotbed Collective through their podcast of the same name. This book breaks down sex in simple easy to understand and relatable terms. It also looks at the reality of sex in long term relationships which I feel like it something that is rarely every discussed in the media and even between friends.
One of the authors from The Hotbed Collective went on to write the book Mind The Gap: The truth about desire and how to futureproof your sex life which is next on my list to read.
Amazing Disgrace: A Book About Shame – Grace Campell
I was given this book by a friend (BTW how good is sharing books with friends) and I really wasn’t sure what to expect. I have never heard of Grace Campell before however you may have heard of her father politician Alistair Campell.
This book is an autobiography of Grace’s life growing up in North London and the shame she felt surrounding rejection and mental health. The way that Grace bluntly but truthfully captures feminine issues is like no other book I have read before. My Favourite chapter “Girls Wank Too and Fanny Farts Don’t Smell” highlights everything Grace wishes she was taught about sex in school and don’t we all. This book is guaranteed to make you chuckle and right now it is my favourite book I have read in 2022!
The Balance Plan: Six Steps to Optimize Your Hormonal Health – Angelique Panagos
Constantly feeling tired? Need to have that daily chocolate fix? As women we have stopped listening to our natural cyclical rhythms. Angelique Panagos explains how your hormones work and then talks you through her six pillars to give your body balance. This guide also also gives you a suggested meal plan as well as hormone friendly recipes.
Burn Out – Emily & Amelia Nagoski
I heard about this book after listening to a podcast with Emily Nagoski. After loving Come As You Are I knew I had to get a copy of this too. Emily and Amelia cover the gender gap of being a woman and why this causes burn out in women.
In the book they talk about Human Giver Syndrome which is term I have only recently become familiar with. Human Giver Syndrome is when you feel a moral obligation to give more, more to your partner, your family and the world around you.
So how do you treat burn out? Well grab yourself a copy and find out!
Eat yourself healthy – Dr Megan Rossi
I came across Dr Megan Rossi on instagram before buying her book/recipe book. This book is less of a recipe book and more of a guide to understanding your gut. Dr Rossi explains how to replenish and improve your gut microbiome as well as explaining the Gut Brain Axis. This guide is great for those struggling with any gut issues, IBS or wanting to improve your diet.
Women don’t owe you pretty – Florence Given
If you’re looking for a beautifully illustrated book that packs an absolute punch this is the book for you!
Florence Given has a large following on social media which she has used to launch her own podcast called Exactly which is absolutely worth a listen to. Floss also has a new book coming out in August 2022 called Girl Crush which I can’t wait to get my hands on.
Fix your period – Nicole Jardim
This was the second book I got myself (after Period Repair Manual) when looking for alternatives to the pill. Nicole Jardim like many others in the health space was on a mission to address her own health issues before becoming a Women’s Health Coach. This book can be read over six weeks as it gives you a break down of what you should be focusing on each week. It allows you to rather than be trying to change your whole diet in one goes it breaks it down slowly for you which was really helpful.
Alongside this book Nicole Jardim hosts an amazing podcast called The Period Party. Each episode Nicole is joined by a different women’s health expert where they dive into the guests niche to give you a further understanding of your body. I would highly recommend the podcast it has taught me so much!
Stronger: Changing Everything I Knew About Women’s Strength – Poorna Bell
Have you ever through back to how horrible Physical Education was in school? Have you wondered now why you are so apprehensive when going to the gym? This book breaks all of that down and encourages you to establish healthy relationships with your body. Poorna’s story of tragedy allows us to remember that we are all stronger than we think!
Have you got any other titles that you love? Please leave your suggestions in the comments below!
Looking for a book to date your other half check out Our Eight Dates to help your Relationship: A Relationship book for couples Pt 1
*Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, that at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission.
