Recent books – The Fitnessista

Sharing a roundup of books I’ve read recently and whether they’re worth adding to your collection.

Hello friends! How are you doing? I hope you are having a lovely morning. The kids and I go hiking, then come home to continue cleaning out their closets. We make so much damage in the process but it’s worth it!

For today’s post, I wanted to share some of the books I’ve read recently. Since the kids went back to school, I haven’t made reading a priority. I missed it, and it feels good to get back into it! I tried listening to books while doing household chores and it helped me this month. Also.

Here’s a roundup of recent reads and whether I recommend adding them to your list!

Books of recent times

Lies I Taught in Medical School

In Lies I taught in medical school, Dr. Robert Lufkin challenges many of the long-held assumptions of conventional medicine, particularly regarding nutrition, chronic disease, and preventative care. Drawing on his own medical training and clinical experience, he exposes how outdated guidelines, pharmaceutical influence, and limited nutrition education can lead to ineffective and even harmful health advice.

Dr. Robert Lufkin explains how many doctors are trained with outdated nutritional guidelines and limited tools to prevent chronic disease, then explains how his own opinions have changed after years of practice and teaching. It’s revealing without being preachy, and stimulating in the sense that it reminds you that your health is not something you give up blindly. You are allowed to ask questions, look for root causes, and advocate for what actually makes you feel better. 10/10

From Amazon:

For the first time in history, chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension and obesity are hitting our population on a global scale. Written by a seasoned physician, this groundbreaking book comprehensively explains the related causes of chronic disease and exposes common misconceptions in modern medicine.

In Lies I taught in medical school, Robert Lufkin, MD, explains that metabolic dysfunction is the common underlying cause of most chronic diseases that have been neglected for decades, providing the tools needed to prevent and reverse them in us. It is based on extensive peer-reviewed evidence that standard medical recommendations are killing us.

Over the course of twelve illustrated chapters, Lies I Taught in Medical School tells the story of how Dr. Lufkin reversed four chronic illnesses within himself and expertly provides the strategies needed to:

Reduce chronic disease risk factors, such as inflammation and insulin resistance

Stabilizing mental health through nutrition and lifestyle

Improve diet and metabolism

Treat obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease and other common chronic illnesses

Stop taking unnecessary medications, including many medications for diabetes and high blood pressure.

Additionally, Dr. Lufkin offers practical advice to show how lifestyle factors, such as nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management, can target the root cause of chronic disease. Lies I Taught in Medical School is a revolutionary, holistic guide that will help you take control of your health – before it’s too late.

The millionaire next door

This book completely reframes what wealth actually looks like. Instead of flashy cars and big houses, The millionaire next door shows that most financially successful people lead fairly normal, even modest, lives. They are consistent, disciplined, and focused on long-term stability rather than appearances. It’s not about deprivation; these are intentional choices. I found it grounding and motivating, particularly as a reminder that quiet consistency usually trumps quick, flashy success. We really cut back on our spending this year and this book really helped my mindset about everything. 10/10

From Amazon:

The incredible national bestseller that changes people’s lives and increases their net worth!

Can you spot the millionaire next door?

Who are the rich in this country?

What are they doing?

Where do they shop?

What do they drive?

How do they invest?

How did they become rich?

Can I even become one of them?

Get the answers in The Millionaire Next Door, the untold story about America’s weather. You will be surprised at what you discover….

Personomics

I was so excited to read Dr. Cabral’s latest book and it exceeded my high expectations. Personomics by Dr. Stephen Cabral includes a personalized approach to health focused on root causes that recognizes that no two bodies are the same. Instead of generic protocols, Cabral emphasizes understanding individual biochemistry, genetics, lifestyle, stress levels and environmental exposures. The book teaches readers how functional laboratory testing, targeted nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle changes can be used together to restore balance and prevent chronic disease. This is a powerful book for anyone seeking a more individualized, systems-based path to healing. 10/10

From Amazon:

The future of health is personal. Don’t guess, test. Personomics is your guide to unlocking energy, health, longevity and an end to all disease throughout life.

Why do some people chow down on foods that leave others bloated, tired, or inflamed? Why can two people follow the same workout, diet or supplement plan and get completely different results?

Because there is no universal answer when it comes to health. The truth is that your body operates according to its own code. When you learn to read it, you hold the key to reversing fatigue, balancing hormones, improving sleep, eliminating brain fog, and extending your life expectancy and lifespan.

In Personomics, board-certified naturopathic doctor Dr. Stephen Cabral reveals the hidden signals your body sends every day, clues that conventional medicine often overlooks. You’ll learn how simple assessments, at-home labs, and natural protocols can help you identify foods, nutritional deficiencies, and toxicities that cause inflammation, rebalance your hormones and metabolism, and design a personalized plan to restore your energy, burn more body fat, and optimize your health.

“Hidden inside your body is a code more powerful than any medical diagnosis. Personomics reveals how to unlock it and transform the entire trajectory of your health and longevity.”

Good spirits

This one was pure vacation comfort. Good spirits by BK Borison reads like a Christmas romantic comedy that you want to snuggle up with on the sofa, preferably with a blanket and something warm to drink. It’s light-hearted but still heartfelt, with lovable characters and that familiar reminder that healing, love, and new beginnings often appear when you least expect them. It’s perfect if you want something feel-good and escapist, and it’s a quick read so you can still enjoy it before the 12 Days of Christmas are over! 7/10 just because it’s pure fluff.
From Amazon:

It’s the ghost of Christmas past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday like any other: in, out, back to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost waiting for the afterlife. But when he comes face to face with Harriet York, the sweetest mission he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she is haunted. She’s a good person – or at least she tries to be. A people pleaser at heart, she always does what is expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover that there are threads that unite them and realize that there may be more to it than expected.

With the Christmas Eve deadline fast approaching, will they find the key to their future in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, chaos and cozy holiday charm, this swooning romance is BK Borison’s best yet!

So tell me, friends: any 10/10 reads lately? What’s on your to-read list right now?

I can’t wait to start this one.

xo

Gina