Like any significant change, going vegetarian is best done with guidance from seasoned professionals! Old habits die hard, so if you’re used to grabbing hot dogs, hamburgers, or rotisserie chicken at every meal, you’re going to need a solid game plan for going (mostly) green.
Below, we look at some of the best vegetarian books and whole foods cookbooks for beginners or those who just need a fresh perspective on plant-packed plates.
Let’s dig in.
Forks Over Knives—The Cookbook: Over 300 Recipes for Plant-Based Eating All Through the Year
By Del Sroufe
If you’re vegetarian, or even interested in vegetarianism, you’ve probably seen the Netflix documentary Forks Over Knives. If you were inspired or motivated to make a plant-based change, this book is the perfect guide to get you started.
It includes over 300 recipes to ensure no dull dinners, complete with beautiful photographs to inspire and entice. This vegetarian book also makes an excellent gift for anyone embarking on a whole-foods diet or looking to spice things up in the kitchen.

The Wicked Healthy Cookbook: Free. From. Animals.
By Chad & Derek Sarno, David Joachim
Don’t let the cover scare you! That’s bright-red beet juice all over the cooking apron – as if the authors are trying to say, “If you think meat is exciting, wait til you get a load of plants!”
If you’re looking for vegetarian versions of classic comfort foods, you’re going to love this book full of unique, outside-the-box recipes.

How Not To Die: Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease
By Gene Stone and Michael Greger
If you’re on the hunt for a research-rich and scientifically-surprising book, look no further. This book makes a robust and compelling case for adopting a plant-based diet to dramatically improve your quality of life, reverse illness, and even prevent premature death.
This book is written by physicians and nutrition experts and endorsed by the CEO of Whole Foods, the founder of Forks Over Knives, and His Holiness the Dalai Lama himself. If you’ve been wondering about the science, data, and statistics behind a plant-based diet, this book is a must-have addition to your library.

How To Cook Everything Vegetarian
By Mark Bittman
As the title suggests, this is a comprehensive vegetarian cookbook. One of the most harmful misconceptions about plant-based eating is that it’s limited, dull, and boring. Here, the author shows us how we can accomplish vegetarian versions of all our favorite dishes without compromising on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Six Seasons: A New Way with Vegetables
By Joshua McFadden, Martha Holmberg
This book won the award for James Beard Award for Best Book on Vegetable-Focused Cooking. It’s alluring photographs and striking illustrations make this beautiful book worthy of praise and display.
The author created this vegetarian cookbook to be accessible, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. As both a farmer and professional chef, Joshua McFadden focuses on seasons, featuring each vegetable accordingly. His affection for all things plant-based is contagious and will have you singing squash’s praises—and enjoying every bite.
