Cookbooks That Nourish: Healing Cuisine for Gut Health and Graceful Aging
When it comes to aging with grace and feeling our best, what we eat is one of the most powerful tools we have. A well-balanced, plant-based diet rich in whole foods can enhance digestion, reduce inflammation, and support a joyful, vibrant life—especially as we move into our 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond.
That’s why I’m thrilled to share three brilliant cookbooks by my longtime friend and fellow wellness educator, Meredith McCarty, founder of Healing Cuisine. Meredith’s recipes are rooted in macrobiotic principles and vegan nutrition, offering everything from gut-friendly meals to naturally sweetened desserts—all designed to help you thrive.
These books are not only nourishing, the recipes are absolutely delicious—and a wonderful way to support your healthy aging journey.
Click the titles or book covers below to learn more and purchase through my Amazon affiliate links (thank you for supporting our work!).
🍰 Sweet and Natural: More than 120 Sugar-Free and Dairy-Free Desserts
You can have your dessert and your health too!
This award-winning cookbook—recipient of the Versailles World Cookbook Fair Award—proves that desserts can be both indulgent and health-supportive.
Meredith uses:
- Seasonal fruits
- Whole grain flours (including gluten-free options)
- Natural sweeteners (no refined sugar)
- Dairy-free “milks” and healthy oils
These satisfying treats are ideal for anyone avoiding sugar and dairy while nurturing gut health, hormonal balance, and anti-inflammatory eating.
🥗 Fresh from a Vegetarian Kitchen
A feast of everyday plant-based cooking, this book features over 450 vegan recipes and 75 seasonal menus. Whether you’re planning a quick lunch or an elegant dinner, these dishes are simple, nourishing, and full of vibrant flavor.
You’ll love:
- Everyday meals and global vegan cuisine
- Meal plans for digestive balance and energy
- Dishes that support your immune system and metabolism
Perfect for those looking to boost their vitality through whole food, plant-based meals that are gentle on digestion and packed with nutrients.
🍲 American Macrobiotic Cuisine
Meredith’s first cookbook remains a foundational classic. Inspired by both Eastern and Western traditions, these 100 original recipes are ideal for cultivating balance, resilience, and digestive harmony.
This book features:
- Nourishing grains, beans, and seasonal vegetables
- Easy-to-follow macrobiotic guidelines
- Meals that support gut microbiome health, low inflammation, and whole-body wellness
Whether you’re brand new to macrobiotics or returning to its wisdom, this book is a wonderful guide to food as healing.
Eating well is essential—and so is joyful movement!
Nourishing your body with healing, plant-based foods is a powerful foundation for healthy aging, but true vitality also includes gentle, consistent movement. Join me for LIVE Online Yoga classes designed especially for adults 50+, to support your strength, flexibility, balance, and peace of mind—right from home.
🧘♀️ Click the series to learn more and choose what fits you best:
🌹 Aging with Grace Yoga Series – Gentle yet effective practices for building resilience and vitality over time.
🪑 Chair Yoga for Seniors – Perfect if you prefer or need seated and standing support.
🔄 Yoga Reboot for Adults 50+ – Midweek sessions to refresh your body and mind.
Your mat (or chair!) is waiting for you. Let’s move and feel better—together.
Patricia