Books To Read During Quarantine And Beyond

This week, I wanted to share some incredible books that my friends and colleagues have written that I think would serve you during quarantine and beyond. 

Nicole Jardim is an awesome human in the wellness space and is even a guest teacher in my 6-week digital course, Your Healthiest You. She is someone who really goes deep into the research and her new book, Fix Your Period, covers everything in a simple and clear way. If you’re someone who suffers from PMS, painful periods or even missing your period, Nicole is your gal. She will empower you with science-based information and a step-by-step plan to rebalance your hormones.

One of my best friends, Jenny Sansouci, dove deep into the healing properties of cannabis, CBD and mushrooms when her father was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Jenny learned directly from scientists, doctors, mycologists, herbalists, and so many incredible experts in the cannabis and mushroom fields and she shares it all in her first book, The Rebel’s Apothecary: A Practical Guide To The Healing Magic of Cannabis, CBD and Mushrooms. Plus, I shared a fun gut-healing recipe in the book! When you pre-order, you’ll get access to a chapter in the book immediately as well as a guide to all of Jenny’s favorite CBD and mushroom products that she uses. She’s also an incredible writer, storyteller and researcher. 

Talia Pollock (aka one of the funniest people I know in the best way possible) of Party in my Plants just released her first book, Party in Your Plants: 100+ Plant-Based Recipes and Problem-Solving Strategies to Help You Eat Healthier (Without Hating Your Life). Tara is full of fun and believes that you can create a life worthy of celebrating, and with this book, she shows you how. There are so many great (and simple!) recipes in here and you’ll be inspired to play in the kitchen in no time!

Here’s a yummy recipe from her book called “Dr. Oz Said Everyone in America Should Be Eating This Kale Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, So…”

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups raw, unroasted cashews
• 1.5 cup non-dairy milk (I used almond, peeps can use w/e they like)
• 2 cups fresh kale, washed, rinsed and torn into small pieces (I’d recommend the “Dino” or “Lacinato” kale variety for this, but Curly kale works, too)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup (agave would work, too)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 2 tbsp refined (unflavored) coconut oil, MELTED
• 2 tsp peppermint extract
• 2-4 tbsp chocolate chips, mix-in of your choice

Instructions:

1. First, add your cashews to a mixing bowl and cover them with warm water. Set them aside for at least 1 hour (2 or more hours is awesome but 1 will work, too).
2. After they’ve soaked for at least an hour, strain the water and rinse the cashews and then add them to your high speed blender.
3. Add your non-dairy milk, chopped kale, maple syrup, vanilla extract, peppermint extract and sea salt into your blender and blend everything together until incredibly creamy.
4. Add in your melted coconut oil and blend again for 5-10 seconds.
5. Dump your ice cream mixture into a freezeable container (a loaf pan, tupperware, etc.) and stir in your chocolate chips.
6. Cover with plastic wrap or the proper cover of your tupperware and let freeze for AT LEAST 6 HOURS TO OVERNIGHT.
7. Depending on how long it’s been in the freezer, you might need to let it thaw when removing it. If not, dive in with a spoon!

Last, but certainly not least, Rebekah Borucki of Bex Life wrote a new children’s book in her “Big Messy” series, Zara’s Big Messy Bedtime (a total favorite of Navy and everyone in this house!). Rebekah writes diverse children’s stories that nurture children’s emotional and mental health while providing free books to students in need. Her first book in the series, Zara’s Big Messy Day is a favorite for bedtime in our house! Here’s how you can support getting these books into classrooms that need them most! 

I hope you find these books to read during quarantine (and beyond) as helpful and insightful as I have! It is no small feat putting a book out into the world, especially during this time, and I’m so excited to share about these amazing authors and their book babies.

Comment below and share your favorite books!