As a busy parent, it can feel like you're constantly juggling a million things at once - from work to school pickups to keeping the house running smoothly. In the midst of all that chaos, it can be easy to let healthy habits fall by the wayside. But the truth is, developing healthy habits is one of the most important things you can do for your family's long-term health and wellbeing. That's why I have put together a list of the best books to help busy parents like us prioritize healthy living, even if you don't have a lot of spare time. From navigating the grocery store and incorporating physical activity into your day, I've got you covered. 

With so many fad diets and contradicting information, it can be challenging to know where to start. So let's jump in and start making positive changes for your family's future. Whether you want to achieve your health goals, unlock the secrets to living a long and healthy life, or eat healthier, these books have got you and your family covered. 

1. Digested - Eating Healthier Made Easy 3 Ways by Natalie Gensits

This is an excellent resource to make healthier choices for the whole family. I love how short, simple and straight to the point it presents its information. The author breaks down the often overwhelming task of eating healthier into actionable steps beginning with establishing a healthier mindset and admitting your motive. These are two important steps that are often overlooked in other health books, yet they are an essential part of the journey. After providing several motives that I'm sure you'll relate to, she dives into the controversy surrounding food labels and the most controversial ingredients, food allergies vs intolerances, a food substitution list, and more. By following her blueprint, readers will understand the importance of eating healthy and can make sustainable changes to their eating habits without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.  

2. The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood: Ten Ways to Get Your Family on the Right Nutritional Track by Dr. William Sears

This is one of my favorite books that dives deeper into the science behind why eating the right food groups is important to growing healthy brains and immune systems and provides practical tips to being successful. 

One of the most rewarding benefits of adopting a healthier lifestyle is the positive impact it can have on those around you. When you prioritize nutritious foods, you set an example for family, friends, and neighbors. In fact, you may even notice that you become the healthiest family around you.   

Children, in particular, can benefit greatly from seeing adults prioritize healthy habits. By modeling good behaviors, you can help them develop a positive relationship with food and physical activity. Encourage them to try new vegetables, pack healthy snacks for school, and join you for a family walk or bike ride.

As they grow, these habits become ingrained in their lifestyle, setting them up for a lifetime of good health. And as your community sees the benefits of your healthy choices, they may be inspired to make changes of their own. 

With small steps, like understanding how food affects your bodies and involving children in making healthy choices, you can create a ripple effect of positive change. 

3. Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World by Dr. Ana-Maria Temple

If you're looking for a great resource you'll always want to keep on hand, but not something you have to read front to back to gain practical knowledge - I love Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World by Dr. Ana-Maria Temple. She breaks the book down into 5 pillars of health that includes the significance of lifestyle changes - more than just nutrition. And most of all, majority of the book is written with the busy mom in mind - many chapters are a max of 3 pages each and written in bullet posts. So it is a great reference for us busy mamas to go back to often! This displays a great example of what our REALLY needs, so we can teach our kids the same, so they grow up healthy also ❤️

4. The Ultimate Anti-Inflammatory Family Health Planner. This 52-Week Planner is Your Step-By-Step Diet and Action Plan to Strengthen Your Family's Immune System and Prevent Disease

For busy parents, finding the time to plan and execute a healthy eating regimen for the family can be a daunting task. Fortunately, there are resources available to help guide you through this process. This planner offers a comprehensive 52-week diet and action plan to help build a strong immune system and prevent disease - so you and your family are experiencing less sick days and more fun days together!

This planner isn't just about what to eat; it's about making healthy choices for the entire family. By involving your children in the meal planning process, grocery shopping, and planning activities, you can get them excited about trying new foods and making healthier choices. Celebrating even small successes along the way can help keep everyone motivated to reach their goals.

What sets this planner apart is its focus on the whole family. All too often, healthy living plans neglect the needs and preferences of children or partners, leading to unsustainable practices or even resentment. The anti-inflammatory family health planner, however, emphasizes the importance of compromising and tailoring the plan to fit the unique needs of everyone involved. By following its practical, holistic approach, families can create a sustainable lifestyle that promotes generational health.

In conclusion, developing healthy habits as a busy parent may seem daunting, but the benefits for your family's well-being are immeasurable. These books provide valuable tools and resources for busy parents to encourage healthy living for the whole family. By making the investment in your family's health today with one of these books, you can start making positive changes for your family's future. Choose wisely and prioritize your family's health.