Confession time: I am NOT the world’s best reader. I get easily distracted, my mind wanders and fills with to-do lists, holiday plans and dream home furnishings (so cliché I know). But…there are some key titles I’ve found that have not only changed my approach to tackling life’s biggest challenges but have helped plenty of my NHS patients as well. Maybe reading just one of these might change yours too!
James Clear: ATOMIC HABITS
The ultimate practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones. Emphasis is on the power of small, incremental changes—what he calls “atomic habits”—which, when repeated consistently over time, lead to significant personal growth. The book is packed with real-life actionable strategies based on science and psychology, offering insights on how to rewire your behaviour, overcome obstacles, and design environments that foster positive change. Whether you’re looking to improve productivity, health, or relationships, Atomic Habits is a really good place to start. It can be applied to all sorts!
Steve Magness: DO HARD THINGS
Redefining what it means to be tough, challenging the conventional notions of grit and resilience. We (I) was always taught that ‘toughness’ was about supressing your emotions (the stiff upper lip) and pushing through pain at all costs, but this book explores these notions and shows this is just such an unhealthy and ineffective approach. Instead, it’s about being adaptable, understanding your limits, and approaching challenges with self-awareness and a clear mind. I found after reading this i was able to ‘lean in’ to more challenging situations and embrace them, seeing them as a phase and something temporary that will eventually pass. It really helped me through some challenging circumstances. The book offers a refreshing perspective on how embracing your vulnerability and redefining toughness can lead to greater success and well-being, both physically and mentally.
Davina McCall: Menopausing
For an easy-to-read summary of the menopausing- this book has it all. It’s not hugely detailed, but that’s ok if you feel you know barely anything about the menopause! It’s easy to pick up and put down and you’ll feel like you’ve had a good chat with an informed friend at the end of it, if your baseline level of knowledge of menopause and HRT was on the low side beforehand!
Stacy Sims: Next Level: Your Guide to Kicking Ass, Feeling Great, and Crushing Goals Through Menopause and Beyond and Roar: How to Match Your Food and Fitness to Your Unique Female Physiology for Optimum Performance, Great Health, and a Strong, Lean Body for Life
For the more advanced Menopause Masters out there- these books by Dr. Stacy Sims are ground-breaking guides for women navigating menopause. Dr Stacy Sims doesn’t believe that ageing means slowing down (although I disagree with that part somewhat!!!) and offers science-backed advice on how to train, eat, and optimize performance as your body changes. With a focus on building strength, maintaining energy, and staying resilient, you will feel empowered to take control of your health and well-being during this transitional stage of life.
ROAR is centred around the idea that women are NOT smaller versions of men (a notion I certainly do agree with!) and need training and nutrition plans tailored to their physiology. With detailed insights on menstrual cycles, hormones, and recovery, Roar helps women maximize their performance, whether they’re athletes or just aiming for better health. Both of these books are not for the faint hearted! Recommended if you’re already familiar with training and nutrition and want a bit more direction for a this different phase in your life.
Dr Saira Hameed: The Full Diet
How many diet books have you ever read?? They may work…for a bit, but as soon as you stop them you’re right back to square one within a few months or a couple of years, right? Right. Dr Saira is a NHS weight loss specialist having treated thousands of people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. She offers a science-based approach to sustainable weight loss and better health. Rooted in the latest research on metabolism and appetite, the book encourages a shift away from restrictive dieting toward a nourishing, balanced way of eating. Hameed provides practical strategies for understanding hunger, regulating cravings, and embracing foods that support long-term wellness. With a focus on mindful eating and lifestyle changes, The Full Diet will help you get some balance back to your diet which can be a LIFE LONG change and not just another fad thing for ‘Weight LOSS’ but instead for ‘Health GAIN’.