The Best Wellness Books for 2013

FITNESS

1. Slim for Life
Jillian Michaels

Michaels' new book (which releases on February 12, but you can pre-order now) is an all-in guide to fitness and weight loss.

When it comes to exercise, Michaels tackles every detail—from what to wear when you're working out to detailed moves and routines.

But mountain climbers and tricep kickbacks are just one tiny piece of the puzzle. She also devotes pages to nutrition, motivation, how to stay healthy when you're "on the go," and, most importantly, how to avoid common pitfalls—like time and budget constraints, stress, cravings, and more.

And she rates every tip on an importance scale from 1 to 3, so you can focus on fitting in the essential elements first, and then move to the helpful add-ons when you're ready.

2. The MELT Method
Sue Hitzmann

Sue Hitzmann is bringing her unique self-treatment system to the masses with her first book, a manual for stimulating and "rehydrating" the body's connective tissue using special foam rollers and small balls.

"Most people don't know that there is tissue in their body that provides support that diet or exercise don’t address," Hitzmann says. In fact, intense exercise often equals more stress on the body that could lead to pain and injuries if not addressed, she explains.

"If you are looking for a solution to stay out of pain, then MELT can become something you do for 10 minutes a day so your body functions more efficiently. If you already have pain, then MELT can be a tool to address it."

SEX

3. Sex Again
Jill Blakeway

This get-sexy manual from Yinova Center founder Jill Blakeway offers modern ways to apply ancient wisdom and practices to your life between the sheets, whether you're looking for a full recharging of your libido or would simply benefit from more pleasure during sex (who wouldn't?).

Mindfulness and meditation are a big part of the six-week plan for sex-life boosting.

"Just keeping your head in the game means you’re going to enjoy it more, and some of the techniques allow you to circulate energy throughout the body, which means that orgasms become a much more full-body experience," Blakeway says. Sold.

 

NUTRITION

4. The New You (and Improved) Diet
Keri Glassman

The Slim, Calm, Sexy Diet author's newest book is about food, sure, but it's also about how your diet is affected by more than what you eat.

“I focus on all of the other pillars of a nutritious life, really going into the eight rules and how all of these things affect each other," she says. "You need to focus on all of them."

So in addition to setting you up with a meal plan based on high-fiber, high-antioxidant whole foods, she also tells you to stay hydrated, sleep more, and stress less. If you can come combine all of the elements, she says, "the weight will come off naturally."

5. Eat to Lose, Eat to Win
Rachel Beller

Beverly Hills RD Rachel Beller, known for her role on "The Biggest Loser," shares her step-by-step plan for healthy eating in this guide-cookbook combo.

Her approach is based on what she calls the "Flip It Method," which is basically flipping the focus of your plate to veggies and relegating proteins and carbs to side-dish status.

And Beller's practical advice—like fiber in the morning and what to pick off each shelf at the grocery store—is accompanied by pages of easy, healthy recipes, with big, beautiful photos that inspire you to get cooking. Yes, cooking.

SPIRITUALITY

7. May Cause Miracles
Gabrielle Bernstein

As a spiritual guru for young, urban professionals, Gabby Bernstein's popularity has been seriously peaking, as has her publishing rate. It's been just a little over a year since she released Spirit Junkie, and while that tome was a glimpse into her personal journey, May Cause Miracles is a guidebook for the journeys of her followers.

The book offers a detailed six-week plan, with each day involving a morning reflection  and evening exercise on issues like forgiveness and gratitude.

Bernstein says that these simple shifts will set you up for radical changes, or "miracles" in your daily life.

 MIND-BODY WELLNESS

8. Integrative Wellness Rules: A Simple Guide to Healthy Living
Dr. Jim Nicolai

What are the top wellness rules that every health-seeking person should live by? Jim Nicolai, M.D., medical director of the Integrative Wellness Program at Miraval Spa, has the answers in his new book, which covers total mind-body wellness. (It includes a forward from integrative superstar, and Nicolai's mentor, Dr. Andrew Weil.)

Some wellness rules are general, i.e., getting in touch with nature and surrounding yourself with positive people. Solid reminders of things we should know.

Others are super-specific, like eating until you're 80 percent full, or even surprising, like working tulsi (or holy basil) into your diet, because it's an amazing stress-reducer and can help with mid-section weight gain (or muffin top).