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Dieting is so pre-pandemic.
The proof is in the bestselling book list. Every January, like clockwork, diet books would dominate, flying off shelves as self-conscious dieters desperately try to shed holiday pounds and stick to New Year’s resolutions.
This January, however, diet books are conspicuously absent from the USA TODAY Best-Selling Books list. Out are the keto cookbooks, in are self-help books that focus on more pressing concerns than the number on the scale as we enter our third pandemic year.
In that spirit, here are five recently released books that will help you reach self-improvement goals that have nothing to do with the size of your clothes. These books encourage a healthier mindset, a more confident self-image and a better worldview.
More: Our appetite for diet books is shrinking. Here’s why they are missing from bestseller lists
‘Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today’ by Valerie Bertinelli
What it’s about: Bertinelli’s journey to self-acceptance inspired her new book, a collection of essays giving insight into her self-doubt, relationship with late rocker Eddie Van Halen and the troubles plaguing her second marriage. The actress and Food Network star also documents her preoccupation with her size. At 13, she started weighing herself twice daily “without ever being happy or satisfied with the number I see.” Bertinelli takes an honest look at being a woman in midlife, offering fellow women a blueprint for aging into loving oneself.
The buzz: In her interview with USA TODAY, Bertinelli said that shedding her old ways of thinking is a process, as a connection between weight and worth was formed early on. “I’m doing my best to get that and scrape it all out of me. But it takes time,” she said.
‘How to Be Perfect: The Correct Answer to Every Moral Question’ by Michael Schur
What it’s about: For those who want to get philosophical with their self-improvement, there’s this charming, thought-provoking guide to living a more ethical life from the creator of TV’s “The Good Place” and “Parks and Recreation.” The ethical questions start out easy (“Should I punch my friend in the face for no reason?”) and get thornier as the book progresses (“Why bother being good at all when there are no consequences for being bad?”) Schur draws from 2,400 years of deep, philosophical thinking to tackle tough issues and produce maximal moral good in the world.
The buzz: “Like ‘The Good Place,’ this is a humorous and thought-provoking journey into some of life’s hardest questions,” says a starred review from Kirkus Reviews.
‘Already Enough: A Path to Self-Acceptance’ by Lisa Olivera
What it’s about: Olivera is a respected writer, therapist and creator of a popular and empowering Instagram account. But she began life as a baby abandoned by her birth mother near California’s Muir Woods. As she grew up, she came to believe something must be wrong with her, that she wasn’t enough or worthy of love. With the help of a therapist, Olivera reframed her story. Now, she guides readers to reframe their own stories on the path to leading healthier, more meaningful lives.
The buzz: “It’s a brave and welcoming guide that will resonate with those who may have questioned whether they deserve to be loved,” says Publishers Weekly.
‘Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience’ by Brené Brown
What it’s about: Brown takes readers on a researched journey through more than 80 emotions and experiences that define what it is to be human, drawing a map of the skills necessary for meaningful connection to one another.
The buzz: “I want this book to be an atlas for all of us because I believe that with an adventurous heart and the right maps, we can travel anywhere and never fear losing ourselves,” says Brown.
‘The Sleep Fix: Practical, Proven, and Surprising Solutions for Insomnia, Snoring, Shift Work, and More’ by Diane Macedo
What it’s about: The science is clear: One of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health is get a good night’s rest. Good sleep is crucial for improving memory, tolerating stress and regulating our mood throughout the day. ABC News anchor and former insomniac Macedo offers a practical guide to getting better sleep full of expert advice, the latest research and actionable advice for the sleep-deprived.
The buzz: “Those struggling with sleep are sure to find this a valuable resource,” says Publishers Weekly.
More: ‘Ramón and Julieta’ and ‘Black Love Matters’ top USA TODAY’s February rom-com reading list
More: In provocative ‘Vladimir,’ a husband’s sex scandal paves the way for a wife’s dangerous fantasy
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