7 Best DASH Diet Cookbooks for Beginners in 2024

In this blog post, I’ll give you the scoop on the best Dash Diet cookbooks you can get right now.

So, without further ado, here are my top seven best DASH diet cookbooks for beginners:

• #1 – The DASH Diet Action Plan
• #2 – Everyday DASH Diet Cookbook
• #3 – DASH Diet Slow Cooker Cookbook
• #4 – The DASH Diet for Beginners
• #5 – The DASH Diet For Dummies
• #6 – The Quick & Easy DASH Diet
• #7 – 30-Minute DASH Diet Cookbook

Click any link in the list above to see my mini review for that book or read on to read my short introduction to this blog post.

The Best Dash Diet Cookbooks

My doctor suggested the DASH diet for blood pressure management. As a cooking enthusiast, I was eager to try it. DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and emphasizes healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Being new to the DASH diet, I researched and tasted various recipes to find the best beginner cookbooks. If you’re new like me and seeking guidance, these highly-rated cookbooks offer heart-healthy recipes, ingredient adjustments, and explanations of DASH. They include various meal types like fish and low-fat milk options, making meal planning easy.

With a family history of heart disease, I found that following the DASH diet, which is similar to the Mediterranean Diet, helps manage high blood pressure, improves heart health, and offers a flavorful diet. Now, let’s explore the best DASH diet cookbooks available.

#1 – The DASH Diet Action Plan

by Marla Heller, MS, RD

First on my list of the best Dash Diet cookbooks is this comprehensive guide to starting the DASH diet. Marla Heller explains the science behind the diet and provides practical tips for transitioning to a healthier lifestyle. Plus, there are over 100 tasty recipes to kick-start your journey!

“The DASH Diet Action Plan” by Marla Heller, MS, RD, expertly combines a thorough understanding of the DASH diet principles with actionable guidance, empowering readers to confidently embark on their journey towards improved heart health through a wealth of practical advice and over 100 delectable recipes.

#2 – The Everyday DASH Diet Cookbook

by Marla Heller, MS, RD, and Rick Rodgers

Another gem from Marla Heller, this cookbook is filled with straightforward, easy-to-follow recipes that will make your DASH diet journey a breeze. With over 150 delicious options, you’ll never run out of meal ideas!

The subtext of this book is “Over 150 Fresh and Delicious Recipes to Speed Weight Loss, Lower Blood Pressure, and Prevent Diabetes,” which is exactly what Ms. Heller provides.

#3 – DASH Done Slow: The DASH Diet Slow Cooker Cookbook

by Karen Frazier

Do you love your slow cooker as much as I do? Then this next item on my list of the best Dash Diet cookbooks will be perfect for you! Karen Frazier shares scrumptious slow cooker recipes perfect for the DASH diet, making it easy to prepare healthy meals for the whole family.

Karen Frazier’s “DASH Done Slow: The DASH Diet Slow Cooker Cookbook” combines the convenience of a slow cooker with DASH diet principles, offering delicious and effortless heart-healthy meals to delight your taste buds and support your wellness journey.

#4 – The DASH Diet for Beginners: The Guide to Getting Started

by Sonoma Press

This comprehensive beginner’s guide covers everything you need about the DASH diet. With a helpful 28-day meal plan and over 75 mouthwatering recipes, this fourth item on my list of best DASH Diet cookbooks will become your go-to resource for all things DASH.

The DASH Diet for Beginners: The Guide to Getting Started” by Sonoma Press simplifies the transition to a heart-healthy lifestyle, providing expert guidance, practical tips, and delicious recipes to adopt the DASH diet an enjoyable and sustainable journey.

#5 – DASH Diet For Dummies

by Sarah Samaan, MD, FACC, and Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN

As the title suggests, this cookbook is perfect for DASH diet beginners. With its easy-to-follow format, you’ll learn about the benefits of the DASH diet and how to incorporate it into your daily routine. Plus, there are over 40 scrumptious recipes to try out!

“DASH Diet For Dummies” by Sarah Samaan, MD, FACC, and Rosanne Rust, MS, RDN, LDN, demystifies the acclaimed DASH diet, offering essential information, practical advice, and delectable recipes that enable even the most novice of cooks to embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle with ease and confidence.

#6 – The Quick & Easy DASH Diet Cookbook

by Rockridge Press

If you’re short on time and need quick, delicious meal ideas, this cookbook is for you. With 77 DASH-friendly recipes made in minutes, you can whip up healthy meals without breaking a sweat.

“The Quick & Easy DASH Diet Cookbook: 77 DASH Diet Recipes Made in Minutes” by Rockridge Press is the perfect solution for busy individuals striving to embrace a heart-healthy lifestyle, featuring a wide array of delicious and convenient DASH-compliant recipes designed to accommodate even the most hectic schedules.

#7 – The 30-Minute DASH Diet Cookbook

by Christy Ellingsworth

Rounding out my list of best DASH Diet cookbooks for beginners is this cookbook that is perfect for those who are always on the go. With 175 recipes that can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, you’ll never have to sacrifice taste or nutrition, even with a busy schedule.

“The 30-Minute DASH Diet Cookbook: 175 Quick and Easy Recipes to Lower Your Blood Pressure” by Christy Ellingsworth offers a convenient and flavorful solution for time-strapped individuals seeking to prioritize their heart health, featuring a wide variety of delicious, DASH-compliant recipes that seamlessly integrate into any fast-paced lifestyle.

FAQs About Cooking on the Dash Diet

What are the basics of the Dash Diet, and how can it help with weight loss?

The Dash Diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a nutrition expert-recommended diet focused on promoting overall health, managing high blood pressure, and preventing heart attacks. The Dash Diet can also support weight loss by incorporating lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and olive oil into your eating habits.

How can I find the best Dash Diet cookbooks for beginners?

Look for quality Dash Diet cookbooks that include simple recipes, registered dietitian-approved meal plans, and a range of meal types to cater to your favorite cuisine. A comprehensive Dash Diet cookbook will provide useful advice for novice cooks and help you create healthy, delicious meals.

Are there online platforms or communities to help me learn about the Dash Diet?

Many online communities and support groups are dedicated to the Dash Diet. By joining these groups, you can gain unlimited access to new products, noteworthy deals, and knowledge from fellow Dash Diet enthusiasts. Some platforms even offer a free trial or weekly newsletters for added support. The New Dash Diet Group is a Facebook Group that comes highly recommended by Dashers.

How can I use slow cookers best when following the Dash Diet?

Slow cookers are excellent for preparing Dash Diet meals, as they allow for easy, hands-off cooking. Look for recipes that feature lean protein, low sodium intake, and a variety of healthy foods. A quality Dash Diet cookbook or online resource may offer specific guidance on using slow cookers for this diet.

What should I consider when planning my Dash Diet menu?

When planning your menu, consider the difficulty level of different recipes, the meal of the day, and your taste preferences. A menu planner or a comprehensive Dash Diet cookbook can help guide your purchasing decisions and ensure you maintain a balanced, nutritious diet.