10 Low-Carb Cooking Books That Experts Trust

Recommended by MD Andreas Eenfeldt, Mark Hyman, and Benjamin Bikman for mastering Low-Carb Cooking

Andreas Eenfeldt
Updated on June 24, 2025
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What if the secret to mastering delicious, health-conscious meals was hidden in the pages of a few expert-approved cookbooks? Low-carb cooking isn't just a trend; it's a culinary approach reshaping how people nourish themselves with flavor and purpose. Experts like Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, founder of Dietdoctor.com, have long championed low-carb diets for their impact on metabolic health, inspiring thousands to rethink their kitchens.

Dr. Eenfeldt, along with Mark Hyman, head of strategy at the Cleveland Clinic's Center for Functional Medicine, and Benjamin Bikman, professor of physiology at Brigham Young University, have each recommended specific cookbooks that combine science with savory dishes. Their endorsements reflect not only expert knowledge but real-world experiences with recipes that simplify low-carb living without sacrificing enjoyment.

While these carefully curated books offer tested frameworks and inspiring recipes, if you're seeking a guide tailored precisely to your dietary preferences, skill level, and goals, consider creating a personalized low-carb cooking book that builds on these insights for an even more customized journey.

Best for managing type 2 diabetes
Andreas Eenfeldt, MD and founder of Dietdoctor.com, brings deep expertise in low-carb nutrition and type 2 diabetes management to his recommendation of this book. After years of guiding thousands through dietary changes, he calls it a "terrific and hopeful" resource that teaches you everything needed to reverse type 2 diabetes. His endorsement reflects how the book helped him embrace a more confident approach to managing insulin through diet. Alongside him, Benjamin Bikman, a physiology professor, highlights the book's scientific rigor and its urgent message for a world facing a diabetes epidemic, underscoring its importance for anyone concerned with metabolic health.
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Recommended by Andreas Eenfeldt

MD, Founder of Dietdoctor.com

In this terrific and hopeful book Dr. Fung teaches you everything you need to know about how to reverse type 2 diabetes. It could change the world.

Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist with a background from the University of Toronto and University of California, applies his clinical expertise to tackle type 2 diabetes through diet in this companion to his bestseller The Diabetes Code. You gain practical insights into managing insulin resistance using intermittent fasting combined with a low-carb, high-fat diet, and the book provides 100 recipes alongside fasting schedules and grocery lists. For example, the inclusion of 16 to 30-hour fasting plans supports understanding how timing impacts insulin and weight. If you're managing or preventing type 2 diabetes and want to integrate dietary changes with clear guidance, this book offers a straightforward, science-informed approach without oversimplifying the complexity of the disease.

New York Times Bestseller
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Best for budget-conscious keto cooks
Michael Silverstein, author of New Keto Cooking, knows the challenges of combining flavor, health, and cost on a ketogenic diet. He praises Wes Shoemaker's guide as a "fantastic book" that makes tasty keto food both easy and accessible, especially for those wanting to save time and money. Silverstein’s endorsement comes from deep expertise in keto cooking, highlighting how this book reshaped his approach to affordable meal prep. Alongside him, Kim Gravel, entrepreneur and certified life coach, admires how the book makes keto fun and affordable, while Sahil Makhija, chef and author, appreciates how it dispels myths about keto being expensive, calling it an "absolute must-have."

Recommended by Michael Silverstein

Author of New Keto Cooking

Fantastic book. Wes always finds a way to make yummy food easy and accessible. If you're looking to save time and money, this is a great book for your collection.

When Wes Shoemaker noticed how often ketogenic diets are dismissed as costly or complicated, he crafted this guide to prove otherwise. You learn how to embrace keto eating without splurging on exotic ingredients, with practical tips on smart shopping, pantry stocking, and batch cooking meals designed to serve families or last through the week. Chapters like "Keto Basics" explain the science behind ketosis clearly, while recipes such as Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings bring flavor within reach. If you want to maintain a low-carb lifestyle while being budget-conscious, this book is tailored for you, though those seeking gourmet culinary techniques might look elsewhere.

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Best for custom cooking plans
This AI-created book on low-carb cooking is crafted based on your background, skill level, and specific cooking goals. By sharing which aspects of low-carb cuisine interest you most, this personalized guide focuses precisely on what you want to learn. It makes sense for low-carb cooking, as everyone’s tastes and nutritional needs differ, and this book provides a clear path tailored just for you to confidently master this culinary style.
2025·50-300 pages·Low-Carb Cooking, Low-Carb Basics, Macronutrient Balance, Ingredient Selection, Recipe Adaptation

This tailored book explores low-carb cooking with a focus on your unique culinary preferences and dietary goals. It examines essential techniques for preparing flavorful, health-conscious meals while addressing individual ingredient choices and cooking methods that fit your lifestyle. The content reveals how to balance macronutrients and incorporate diverse recipes that resonate with your background and skill level. By providing a personalized pathway through the complexities of low-carb cuisine, this book matches your interests and helps you build confidence in the kitchen. It covers both foundational concepts and practical applications, ensuring a rich, engaging learning experience crafted just for you.

Tailored Guide
Nutritional Personalization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for tech-savvy keto meal planning
Collin Morgan, founder of Hip2Keto, champions this cookbook as a go-to resource for anyone serious about keto. His team relies on it to maximize ketogenic lifestyle results, noting the seamless integration with Carb Manager’s app. "Our team at Hip2Keto loves Carb Manager. Trust us, if you’re trying to maximize the effectiveness of your ketogenic lifestyle, Carb Manager is the best tool to help you!" This endorsement highlights how the book combines accessible recipes with technology to simplify tracking and meal prep. Maria Emmerich, an international bestselling author, also praises the focus on nutrient-dense whole foods and easy tracking. Their insights show how this cookbook supports a sustainable, enjoyable keto lifestyle.

Recommended by Collin Morgan

Founder of Hip2Keto

Our team at Hip2Keto loves Carb Manager. Trust us, if you’re trying to maximize the effectiveness of your ketogenic lifestyle, Carb Manager is the best tool to help you!

When Mandy Davis, co-founder of Carb Manager and a Seattle Culinary Academy graduate, helped develop this cookbook, the goal was to simplify keto cooking for everyone. You gain access to 101 recipes tailored for low-carb and keto lifestyles, each paired with a QR code linking directly to Carb Manager’s app for seamless macro tracking. From quick dinners like Charred Steak Lettuce Wraps to indulgent treats such as Chocolate Celebration Cake, this book covers meal planning with practical variety and ease. It’s especially useful if you want to integrate technology into your diet routine without sacrificing flavor or convenience.

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Best for flavorful keto comfort foods
Leanne Vogel, creator of HealthfulPursuit.com and a respected voice in keto nutrition, recommends this book for its simplicity and accessibility. She highlights how it "perfectly portrays how easy it is to eat this way every day," emphasizing quick meal prep with common ingredients. Vogel’s endorsement comes from her extensive experience helping people adopt ketogenic lifestyles, making her insight especially relevant. Alongside her, Carolyn Ketchum, an international bestselling author, praises the recipes for satisfying cravings without sacrificing health goals, underscoring the book’s balance of enjoyment and diet adherence.

Recommended by Leanne Vogel

Creator of HealthfulPursuit.com

It’s rare to find a ketogenic book that so perfectly portrays how easy it is to eat this way every day. Craveable Keto Cookbook shows you how to spend less than fifteen minutes preparing your next high-fat meal with simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. This book is great for anyone who wants to streamline their standard ketogenic approach with uncomplicated recipe instruction, classic keto ingredients, and no-fuss food prep.

When Kyndra Holley developed Craveable Keto, she drew directly from her experience running Peace, Love and Low Carb, a blog that transformed from a personal weight-loss journal into a resource reaching millions. This book teaches you how to create flavorful, low-carb versions of comfort foods, like Everything Bagel Dogs and Dill Pickle Brined Fish and Chips, while emphasizing accessible ingredients and quick preparation. You'll gain practical skills in stocking a keto pantry and mastering low-carb baking secrets, all laid out with meal plans and shopping lists. It's especially useful if you want to maintain a keto lifestyle without sacrificing taste or spending hours in the kitchen, though those seeking strict clinical diet protocols may find it less detailed.

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Best for time-saving keto recipes
Jimmy Moore, a ketogenic health podcaster and bestselling author, highlights Maria Emmerich as "hands down the best ketogenic recipe maker on the planet," praising her latest work for delivering trustworthy information you can apply immediately. His extensive experience in the keto community lends weight to his endorsement, emphasizing how Maria’s recipes and guidance helped clarify the diet’s practical side for him. Following him, Ron Rosedale, an expert in nutritional and metabolic medicine, applauds Maria’s skill in answering the common question, "What’s left to eat?" noting her expertise shines through every page. Their combined perspectives underline the book’s value for those seeking reliable, straightforward ketogenic cooking guidance.

Recommended by Jimmy Moore

Ketogenic health podcaster and bestselling author

Maria Emmerich is hands down the best ketogenic recipe maker on the planet, and Quick & Easy Ketogenic Cooking is the latest example of that. A lot of people pretend to know about keto, but Maria is the real deal. This book arms you with quality information that you can start using right away to change your life forever.

Drawing from her extensive background as a wellness expert and founder of keto-adapted.com, Maria Emmerich crafted this book to simplify ketogenic cooking for busy people. You’ll learn how to shift your body into fat-burning ketosis with over 170 quick, Paleo-inspired recipes that cater to various dietary needs like nut-free, egg-free, and dairy-free options. The book goes beyond recipes, explaining the science behind ketosis and offering meal plans that remove guesswork from your diet. If you want practical ways to embrace ketogenic cooking without spending hours in the kitchen, this book is a solid fit, especially for those following Paleo or managing food sensitivities.

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Best for rapid meal plans
This AI-created book on low-carb cooking is tailored specifically to your skill level, interests, and goals. By focusing on creating a 30-day jumpstart plan, it offers a personal roadmap to help you begin your low-carb journey with confidence. The customization ensures you explore the exact topics you care about, whether it’s mastering meal prep or balancing nutrients. This approach helps you learn efficiently and enjoyably, without wading through irrelevant information.
2025·50-300 pages·Low-Carb Cooking, Low-Carb Basics, Meal Planning, Ingredient Selection, Cooking Techniques

This tailored book explores focused 30-day plans designed to jumpstart your low-carb cooking journey with rapid, customized meal plans aligned with your personal preferences and goals. It delves into essential low-carb ingredients, cooking techniques, and meal timing while addressing your unique background and experience. By synthesizing collective expert insights into a personalized pathway, it reveals how to effortlessly transition to low-carb living, maintain variety, and enjoy flavorful meals that fit your lifestyle. This approach emphasizes practical learning with meals crafted to match your taste and nutritional needs, making the process approachable and inspiring for sustainable change.

Tailored Guide
Custom Meal Synthesis
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for low-carb paleo-inspired meals
Alex Snodgrass, author and creator of The Defined Dish, brings a trusted voice to Low-Carb Cooking with her enthusiastic praise for Kelsey Preciado's work. After exploring numerous paleo and low-carb recipes, she found Kelsey's inventive bowls both satisfying and enjoyable, noting, "I love Kelsey's creative approach to wholesome eating! This book is filled with delicious recipes that make it fun to get into the kitchen and cook." This endorsement reflects how the book breaks the monotony of typical paleo meals, offering fresh ideas that keep the diet exciting. Similarly, Melissa Urban, co-founder and CEO of Whole30, highlights the generous and flavorful nature of the meals, remarking, "You're definitely going to want a bigger bowl for these hearty, flavorful meals!" Their combined perspectives underscore the book's appeal for anyone seeking nourishing, low-carb meals that don't compromise on taste or simplicity.

Recommended by Alex Snodgrass

Author and Creator of The Defined Dish

I love Kelsey's creative approach to wholesome eating! This book is filled with delicious recipes that make it fun to get into the kitchen and cook.

Kelsey Preciado leverages her experience as founder of the Paleo blog Little Bits of Real Food to craft this collection of satisfying, wholesome one-dish meals. You'll find recipes that combine lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and inventive sauces to create balanced bowls that fit a low-carb, dairy- and gluten-free lifestyle. The book offers everything from energizing breakfasts like Chunky Paleo Granola & Fruit Bowl to reimagined comfort foods such as Perfect Meatloaf and Mashed Potato Bowl, making it accessible for both Paleo devotees and those reducing dairy and gluten. While the focus is on clean eating, the recipes don’t sacrifice flavor or variety, ensuring you stay full and energized without feeling restricted.

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Best for flexible, realistic keto
Chris Guillebeau, author of The $100 Startup and The Art of Non-Conformity, emphasizes how Stephanie Laska’s personal success with keto makes this book a vital resource. He points out, "Stephanie Laska’s results speak for themselves. If you’re ready to ‘go keto’ but need help along the way (and who doesn’t), this book is your go-to guide." His endorsement reflects the book’s approachable, flexible method that helped him rethink keto’s rigidity. Similarly, Nordine Zouareg, a fitness expert and former Mr. Universe, praises the book for cutting through confusion and making keto enjoyable, showing how it can truly support weight loss journeys.

Recommended by Chris Guillebeau

Author of The $100 Startup and The Art of Non-Conformity

Stephanie Laska’s results speak for themselves. If you’re ready to ‘go keto’ but need help along the way (and who doesn’t), this book is your go-to guide.

When Stephanie Laska discovered that strict keto rules weren't sustainable for her, she crafted a flexible approach that reshapes how you think about low-carb diets. Drawing from her personal journey of losing 140 pounds and maintaining that loss for years, she offers 100 recipes under 10 net carbs, designed for accessible ingredients and simple preparation. You’ll learn how to integrate keto-friendly meals into everyday life without sacrificing flavor or dealing with complicated techniques, including options for picky eaters and vegetarian-ish dishes. This book suits anyone who wants a realistic, enjoyable way to adopt keto principles without obsessing over perfection.

USA Today Bestseller
Over 100,000 Copies Sold
Featured on Today Show
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Best for eco-friendly low-carb beginners
Emma Thompson, a nutrition expert and diet consultant, values this book for its accessible mix of nutritional guidance and environmental mindfulness. She highlights how 'Super Easy Organic Low Carb Diet for Beginners' offers a unique blend of nutritional advice, environmental care, and delicious recipes. For someone looking to make healthy eating manageable and sustainable, her endorsement speaks to the book's practical appeal. Olympic champion and performance coach Michael Johnson also praises the detailed 28-day meal plan, noting it as an effective and tasty way to begin a low-carb lifestyle with an eco-conscious focus.

Recommended by Emma Thompson

Nutrition expert and diet consultant

'Super Easy Organic Low Carb Diet for Beginners' offers a unique blend of nutritional advice, environmental care, and delicious recipes. Ferraldeschi's approach is accessible, making healthy eating achievable for everyone.

Fabio Ferraldeschi draws on his expertise in sustainable agriculture and organic food to craft a low-carb diet guide that balances nutrition with environmental responsibility. You’ll find over 1200 days of easy, organic recipes designed to support both weight management and muscle gain, with clear instructions suited for any skill level. The book also offers a detailed 28-day meal plan and five bonus sections that explore keto desserts, high-protein meals, superfoods, and organic farming's impact. This is ideal if you want to integrate eco-friendly choices into a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste or simplicity.

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Best for low-carb social drinking
Tasha Metcalf is a renowned keto expert and recipe developer celebrated for crafting innovative low-carb recipes. Motivated by a passion for healthy living and helping others sustain a ketogenic lifestyle, she created this book to blend enjoyment with dietary compliance. Her expertise shines through in recipes that make keto drinking accessible and flavorful, making this a valuable resource for anyone looking to enjoy cocktails without breaking ketosis.

When Tasha Metcalf realized how difficult it was to find enjoyable alcoholic drinks that fit the ketogenic lifestyle, she crafted this collection of 75 low-carb cocktail recipes coupled with 25 keto-friendly bar snacks. You’ll learn not only how to prepare classics like Sidecars and Moscow Mules with minimal carbs but also the essential carb counts of various liquors and practical hangover tips tailored to keto dieters. The book breaks down cocktail terminology, appropriate glassware, and even offers inventive new drinks like Frosé Slushies, making it a solid guide for anyone wanting to maintain ketosis without sacrificing social drinking. Whether you're keto-curious or fully committed, this book helps you navigate low-carb drinking with both flavor and confidence.

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Best for vegan ketogenic cooking
Jason Wrobel, a celebrity vegan chef and TV host, brings a nuanced perspective to this cookbook after years of exploring plant-based diets. He notes the initial skepticism many have about combining veganism with keto but praises the book for making this fusion accessible and flavorful. "At first glance, the notion of a vegan ketogenic diet may seem oxymoronic. In this brilliant culinary guide, Whitney and Nicole show that vegan keto is not only healthy and doable: it’s also easy, approachable, and absolutely mouthwatering." His endorsement highlights the book’s success in delivering recipes and guidance that satisfy both dietary principles without compromise.

Recommended by Jason Wrobel

Celebrity vegan chef and TV host

At first glance, the notion of a vegan ketogenic diet may seem oxymoronic. In this brilliant culinary guide, Whitney and Nicole show that vegan keto is not only healthy and doable: it’s also easy, approachable, and absolutely mouthwatering. Whether you’re new to the keto lifestyle or a seasoned pro, you’ll find the plant-based recipes, meal plans, and nutrition guidance in this book to be helpful, inspired, and delicious. Now gimme those matcha doughnuts!

Nicole Derseweh, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef and advocate for plant-based nutrition, co-authors this cookbook to demystify the challenges of combining veganism with ketogenic principles. You’ll learn how to maintain a high-fat, low-carb, dairy-free diet through 75 recipes that cover everything from green smoothie bowls to keto-friendly pizzas, complete with macronutrient breakdowns. The book guides you through meal planning and shopping lists designed to simplify this niche lifestyle. If you want to explore a vegan keto approach without sacrificing flavor or variety, this book offers clear, approachable guidance, but it’s best suited for those already committed to or curious about both vegan and ketogenic diets.

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Conclusion

These 10 books collectively offer a spectrum of low-carb cooking approaches — from budget-friendly keto meals and paleo-inspired bowls to flexible, realistic recipes and specialized options like vegan keto and low-carb cocktails. If you're managing type 2 diabetes, "The Diabetes Code Cookbook" provides actionable guidance, while those short on time will find Maria Emmerich's "Quick & Easy Ketogenic Cooking" invaluable.

For rapid implementation, pairing Wes Shoemaker's budget-conscious strategies with Carb Manager's tech-friendly recipes can streamline your meal planning and preparation. Meanwhile, eco-conscious beginners will appreciate Fabio Ferraldeschi's organic approach.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Low-Carb Cooking book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can accelerate your low-carb cooking skills and help you enjoy flavorful, health-aligned meals every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "The Diabetes Code Cookbook" if managing blood sugar is a priority. For everyday cooking, "Craveable Keto" offers approachable, tasty recipes that build confidence in the kitchen.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Low-Carb Cooking?

Not at all. Books like "Super Easy Organic Low Carb Diet for Beginners" and "The DIRTY, LAZY, KETO Cookbook" provide accessible, flexible recipes perfect for newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with foundational guides like "Ketogenic Diet on a Budget" to understand basics, then explore more specialized cookbooks such as "Keto Cocktails" or "The Vegan Ketogenic Diet Cookbook" based on your interests.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can absolutely pick one that fits your goals. Each book brings unique strengths, so choose based on your priorities—budget, lifestyle, or dietary preferences.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

"The Diabetes Code Cookbook" blends theory with practical recipes, while "Quick & Easy Ketogenic Cooking" emphasizes straightforward, time-saving meals without dense theory.

Can I get personalized low-carb cooking advice instead of reading multiple books?

Yes! While these books provide expert insights, creating a personalized low-carb cooking book can tailor advice specifically to your needs, blending expert knowledge with your unique goals. Explore personalized low-carb cooking books for a focused approach.

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