If I had all the time in the world, I would spend a lot of it on this Summer Reading List 2014. I love to read yet don’t have nearly enough time to indulge this passion! Here are some books I have my eye on to read- I have not read ANY of them…..YET!
NUTRITION
Wheat Belly – This book is about the evils of wheat and going completely wheat free. I have known a few people who have embraced this lifestyle with great results. We have all heard about how the wheat we eat nowadays is not like the wheat of years ago with all the GMO’s and what not. I am not sure I could adopt this way 100% but I do want to check out the book!
Why We Get Fat – oh, this looks SO interesting, but it also looks like a book that is going to make my brain hurt. By that, I mean by the time I am able to pick up the book and read it (right before bed), my brain is fried. I will have to work extra hard to concentrate on the science of nutrition, which is something I really want to understand better. “
The Omnivore’s Dilemma (also, there is The Omnivore’s Dilemma for Kids – go check it out!)-
From Amazon:
“Today, buffeted by one food fad after another, America is suffering from what can only be described as a national eating disorder. Will it be fast food tonight, or something organic? Or perhaps something we grew ourselves? The question of what to have for dinner has confronted us since man discovered fire. But as Michael Pollan explains in this revolutionary book, how we answer it now, as the dawn of the twenty-first century, may determine our survival as a species. Packed with profound surprises, The Omnivore’s Dilemma is changing the way Americans thing about the politics, perils, and pleasures of eating.”. I think this book might change my life.
Fast Food Nation – The dark and dirty of fast food restaurants. Are we ready to read this? We probably should ALL read this.
MIND
The Art of Mental Training – From Amazon: “Reach new levels of success and mental toughness with this ultimate guide”. I have heard often that fitness is 90% mental, or some other high number and I buy into that. I do believe that our minds can hold us back but they also have the power to propel us forward. I want to get mentally tougher.
Beyond Training: Mastering Endurance, Health & Life – Getting healthy on the outside AND the inside. Yes, I want to read this one too!
FITNESS
The New Rules of Lifting for Women – “A revolutionary fitness plan for women, focusing on weightlifting to create a lean, strong, feminine physique.” Yes, Please. 
You Are Your Own Gym: The Bible of Bodyweight Exercises. Just like the title of this book proclaims, it is the bible of bodyweight exercises. I go to weight classes at the gym and when I can’t get to those, I have a strength workout or two I do, BUT I would like to know ore. I want to understand my body better and even better, when in a time crunch, be able to do a home workout. 
RUNNING:
Runner’s World Run Less, Run Faster: Become a Faster, Stronger Runner with the Revolutionary 3-Run-a-Week Training Program – It seems too good to be true, doesn’t it? I am so scrunched for time but I want to carve out time to read this book and see if it is indeed for me (and true!). 
Eat and Run: My Unlikely Journey to Ultramarathon Greatness – I really want to explore this book. I love food and can’t imagine cutting out some of my favorite foods. From Amazon: “In Eat and Run, Jurek opens up about his life and career as a champion athlete with a plant-based diet and inspires runners at every level. From his Midwestern childhood hunting, fishing, and cooking for his meat-and-potatoes family to his slow transition to ultrarunning and veganism, Scott’s story shows the power of an iron will and blows apart the stereotypes of what athletes should eat to fuel optimal performance. Full of stories of competition as well as science and practical advice—including his own recipes—Eat and Run will motivate readers and expand their food horizons.”
Marathoning for Mortals: A Regular Person’s Guide to the Joy of Running or Walking a Half-Marathon or Marathon – I am running my first marathon in Feb 15. I need some guidance…..ok, a lot of guidance.
INSPIRATIONAL
One Step at a Time: A Young Marine’s Story of Courage, Hope and a New Life in the NFL – An inspirational story about a soldier who loses his legs (and two friends) while on combat patrol in Iraq. This is story.
4:09:43: Boston 2013 Through the Eyes of the Runners – I would venture to say most of us were riveted to our TV’s during the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings. This book tells the story from the eyes of the runners. 
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings – I look up to an respect Maya Angelou so much. Her words are beautiful, just as she was. No, I haven’t read this book yet but I want to. 
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) – From Amazon: “Sit at the foot of a native elder and listen as great wisdom of days long past is passed down. In The Four Agreements shamanic teacher and healer Don Miguel Ruiz exposes self-limiting beliefs and presents a simple yet effective code of personal conduct learned from his Toltec ancestors. Full of grace and simple truth, this handsomely designed book makes a lovely gift for anyone making an elementary change in life, and it reads in a voice that you would expect from an indigenous shaman. The four agreements are these: Be impeccable with your word. Don’t take anything personally. Don’t make assumptions. Always do your best. It’s the how and why one should do these things that make The Four Agreements worth reading and remembering. “ 
Working on Yourself Doesn’t Work: The 3 Simple Ideas That Will Instantaneously Transform Your Life
– From Amazon: “Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to go through your life without stress or self-doubt? To have a real sense of inner peace and fulfillment? Now you can–through the three simple principles in this book.” 
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are –
From Amazon: “Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we’d no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, What if I can’t keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn’t everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?
In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, Ph.D., a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, shares what she’s learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.
In her ten guideposts, Brown engages our minds, hearts, and spirits as she explores how we can cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection to wake up in the morning and think, No matter what gets done and how much is left undone, I am enough, And to go to bed at night thinking, Yes, I am sometimes afraid, but I am also brave. And, yes, I am imperfect and vulnerable, but that doesn’t change the truth that I am worthy of love and belonging.”
Have you read any of these books? Your thoughts? Do you have any books you would like to recommend/add to this list? Then, please do! Enjoy!!!!
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