By Diana Lamb

Good nutrition is not only about avoiding disease later, but about thriving now. Mark Hyman

Several years ago, Dan Buettner introduced us to the five regions in the world where people lived very long healthy lives in his book, The Blue Zones. These regions are Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica and Loma Linda, California. Buettners latest book, The Blue Zones Kitchen, takes us on a culinary journey into the lives and kitchens of seniors who share their wisdom and traditional recipes that have contributed to their longevity. A sampling of these 100 dishes to try are Okinawan Glazed Greens, Tender Bean, Potato and Onion Stew, Longevity Smoothie Bowl, Black-Eyed Pea Salad with Mint and Onions, One-Pot Lasagna Soup and Chinese Five-Spice Banana Ice Cream with Roasted Pineapple.

In his previous book, Food: What the Heck Should I Eat? Mark Hyman outlined what he believes are the foundations of a healthy diet. He advocates for a plan rich in plant foods, limited grains and dairy, free of refined sugars, fruit in moderation, clean sources of protein and healthy fats. Now, his follow-up book, Food: What the Heck Should I Cook? helps us put this diet into practice with 100 nutrient-rich, whole-food recipes. Here is a sampling of whats in store: Golden Cauliflower Caesar Salad, Seared Scallops with Avocado-Yuzu Sauce, Poached-Egg Power Bowl, Peppered Steaks with Roasted Oyster Mushrooms and Orange-Blackberry Almond Scones. Nutritional Analysis information for each recipe is located toward the back of the book.

Parties and celebrations are some of the sweet joys in life. Laughter, fun, happy conversation and food all contribute to a memorable occasion. However, sometimes party fare can present dietary challenges to both guests and hosts. Author and co-creator of the Whole30, Melissa Hartwig Urban understands this and shares 150 party-worthy recipes in her latest book, The Whole30 Friends and Family. These dishes are free of added sugars, alcohol, grains, legumes and dairy. So whats left? To start, try some Bacon-Wrapped Turkey Jalapeo Poppers, Warm Spiced Olives, BLT Potato Skins and Smoky Roasted Cauliflower-Garlic Dip. Also, Grilled Steak and Peach Salad, Sonoma Chicken Salad, Pork Chili Verde, and Pia Colada Coleslaw. Desserts are fruit-based like Berry-Coconut Cream Shots and Citrusy Watermelon Strawberry Shortcakes. No matter if you are hosting a backyard barbecue, a family brunch or bringing a dish to a baby shower or office potluck, you can relax because these recipes are both healthy and tasty.

If the above books have whetted your appetite for healthy living, you may also want to check out these new titles, too. Fix It with Food by Michael Symon, Ketofast by Joseph Mercola, Michael Gregors How Not to Diet and The Collagen Diet by Josh Axe. Heres to your health!

Diana Lamb is a library specialist at A.K. Smiley Public Library. The library is at 125 W. Vine St., Redlands. Hours vary. Information:akspl.org.

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These 7 books will help you cook your way to better health - Redlands Daily Facts