Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!

Feel-Good Cookbooks for Women 40+

Purple Star emoji 14 items
Real food, real flavor, zero food guilt. These cookbooks help me eat better (and feel amazing!) in my 40s and beyond — with fun spice combos, smart techniques, and nourishing ingredients that make healthy cooking anything but boring. 🥄Disclosure: So...
Sections
14
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wicked Healthy Cookbook-Chad Sarno, Derek Sarno,David Joachim

Plant-based, bold, and anything but boring! This cookbook brings the flavor with hearty, satisfying meals that just happen to be good for you (and totally animal-free). If you love vibrant veggies, crave comfort food with a healthy twist, or want to ...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
Although I'm not vegan I enjoy eating a good amount of plant forward meals. This cookbook shows some really creative and tasty recipes you won't get bored with.
The Wicked Healthy Cookbook: Free. From. Animals.

Alchemy of Herbs-Rosalee De La Foret

🌿 Alchemy of Herbs by Rosalee de la Forêt A beautiful blend of kitchen wisdom and herbal healing. This book shows you how to turn everyday ingredients like garlic, cinnamon, and ginger into natural remedies and feel-good recipes. Think soups, teas, ...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
This book is more informative but also includes some recipes and simple ways of adding herbs and spices to everyday cooking. Your body will love you for adding them to your everyday dishes.
Alchemy of Herbs: Transform Ingredients into Remedies

Low Fat Soul-Jonell Nash

Low-Fat Soul by Jonell Nash Craving comforting Southern favorites without all the heaviness? This gem lightens up classic soul food dishes — think greens, cornbread, and peach cobbler — without losing the flavor or the feeling. It’s feel-good cooking...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
This is an older cookbook that stays in my collection because I love how the author put a spin on how to lighten up traditional soul food recipes. Feel free to use a little healthier oil in the recipes to adapt to your needs.
Low-Fat Soul: Nash, Jonell: 9780345401564 - Books
placeholder

The Food You Crave-Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life-Ellie Krieger

Healthy meets crave-worthy in this feel-good favorite. Ellie Krieger’s recipes are lightened up but still totally satisfying — with smart swaps, vibrant veggies, and just the right touch of indulgence. Great for anyone who wants to cook more, stress ...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I enjoy this cookbook because of the simplicity and no laundry list of ingredients for the recipes. Ellie Krieger does a wonderful job on recreating comfort food favorites into healthier options.
The Food You Crave: Healthy Recipes

Vegan Soul Kitchen-Bryant Terry

This one’s got flavor, roots, and rhythm. Chef Bryant Terry reimagines African-American and Southern classics with a fresh, plant-based twist — all while keeping the culture and comfort intact. Think collards with attitude, sweet potato mash-ups, and...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I got this cookbook many years ago which was the digital version. This was my actual first vegan cookbook that inspired me to recreate healthier versions of some of my favorite southern foods.
Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh Healthy African-American Cuisine

The Spice Bible-Essential Information and More Than 250 Recipes Using Spices, Spice Mixes, and Spice Pastes-Jane Lawson

Ready to level up your flavor game? This book is like a world tour in your kitchen — packed with tips, history, and recipes using everything from cardamom to za’atar. Whether you’re a spice newbie or a flavor fanatic, it’s a must-have guide for turni...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I like this book as a reference guide and to explore the many spices that are used globally in cuisines. Not all the recipes are super healthy, but many of them are. This cookbook offers plenty of recipes you can experiment at home.
The Spice Bible: 250+ Recipes & Info
2

Ziggy Marley & Family Cookbook

Healthy, vibrant, and full of island soul — this cookbook brings Caribbean flavors into your home with nourishing ingredients and family-style vibes. Think bold spices, fresh produce, and a whole lotta love. If you’re craving feel-good food with rhyt...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I love Jamaican food, and I enjoy making some of the recipes in this cookbook using wholesome ingredients. I especially like the section of healthy drink shot recipes.
Ziggy Marley Family Cookbook: Whole Meals

The Healthy Kitchen-A Cookbook: Andrew Weil, Rosie Daley

When a world-renowned doctor teams up with a health-conscious chef, you get smart, simple recipes that truly support your well-being. This book blends science with soul — using whole foods, smart techniques, and balanced meals that feel good and tast...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I really appreciate cookbooks that have been around for a minute, but timeless. This cookbook has an array of interesting healthy recipes, and I like that Dr. Weil gives you the foundation of adapting a healthier lifestyle.
The Healthy Kitchen Cookbook by Weil & Daley

Ultimate Superfoods-A Complete Guide to Cooking with Kale, Coconut, Chia and Super Seeds-Stephanie Pederson-Wayne Coates, PHD & Kim Lutz

From acai to turmeric, this book is your no-nonsense guide to the world’s most powerful (and delicious) ingredients. Packed with easy recipes, fun facts, and wellness tips, it’s like having a nutritionist and foodie BFF rolled into one. Superfoods = ...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I really like this simplified cookbook that goes beyond just recipes. This cookbook gives you the nutritional information of “why” you should consume these superfoods along with over 300 recipes!
Ultimate Superfoods: Stephanie Pedersen
placeholder

Culinary Tea-More Than 150 Recipes Steeped in Tradition from Around the World-Cynthia Gold & Lise Stern

Not just for sipping! This beautiful book explores the world of tea as a flavorful, aromatic ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. From smoky lapsang-infused sauces to delicate tea-poached pears, it’s a gentle invitation to slow down, savor, an...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
This cookbook really got me to think outside the box when it comes to using ingredients as a chef. There are so many things you can cook with using tea. I made the recipe in this cookbook of this cover photo of eggs, and the taste was exceptional!
Culinary Tea: 150+ Recipes Steeped in Tradition

The Spice Companion-A Guide to the World of Spices-Lior Lev Sercarz

This gorgeous guide is like a passport to global flavor. With stunning photos, practical tips, and chef-level insight, it helps you confidently explore over 100 spices — how to use them, pair them, and bring life to every dish. A must-have for anyone...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I like this cookbook because it really is like having a companion to educate you on the world of spices. The author gives great tips on how to use in practical easy recipes.
The Spice Companion: Guide to Spices & Cookbook

Souping is the New Juicing-The Juice Lady's Healthy Alternative-Cherie Calbom

Warm, comforting, and packed with goodness — this book is all about swapping cold juice cleanses for soul-soothing, nutrient-rich soups. From detox-friendly broths to creamy veggie blends, it’s a gentle, feel-good way to nourish your body without fee... 

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I appreciate the recipes in this cookbook on alternatives with juicing with the nutrient rich soups.
Souping Is The New Juicing: Juice Lady's Alternative

Hormone Intelligence Cookbook-300 Nutritional Recipes Inspired by Aviva Roman, MD

Designed with women’s wellness in mind, this cookbook is all about supporting your hormones through nourishing, anti-inflammatory meals. From energizing breakfasts to mood-balancing dinners, these recipes are rooted in science and made with love. Fee...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I love that this cookbook covers a lot of recipes for the different hormonal stages of women as we age.
Hormone Intelligence Cookbook: 300 Recipes

The Mediterranean Dash Diet Cookbook-Lower Your Blood Pressure and Improve Your Health-Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN

This cookbook brings together two of the most heart-healthy eating styles — Mediterranean and DASH — into simple, delicious recipes anyone can make. Packed with wholesome ingredients, colorful veggies, and easy-to-follow meals, it’s perfect for women...

 
Vanessa LaBranche profile picture
I purchased this book because I love Mediterranean food and I have to be mindful of my salt intake. The recipes are spot on and simple to make. I've made the homemade falafel recipe from scratch multiples times from this book, and it tasted just like...
Mediterranean DASH Diet Cookbook: Lower Blood