By Gonul Valiyeva — nutritionist & trainer, London
Book Recommendations for Women Over 35
If you're a woman over 35 and you don't know where to start, start here. I didn't wake up one day with it all figured out, I changed myself over and over: the way I think, the way I look after my health, the way I train, and the way I handle money. Every shift began with a book that made something finally click.
This is my honest reading list, grouped by the areas that rebuilt my life. You don't have to change everything this week, just start with one page. Save it, pick the pillar you most want to shift, and begin there.
Mindset & Drive
Becoming Supernatural — Dr Joe Dispenza
The hook: The book that reshaped how I think about the mind–body connection and the power of daily habits.
What it's about: Dispenza blends ideas from neuroscience and meditation into a practical guide for changing your inner state through mindset, breath-work and intentional daily practice.
Why I recommend it: I share it with any woman who wants her mindset working with her nutrition and training rather than against it. Lasting change starts in how we think.
My favourite takeaway: Your daily thoughts and emotions are a habit, and, like any habit, you can retrain them.
Buy on Amazon UK →
Relentless — Tim Grover
The hook: The mental-toughness read that taught me to stop waiting to feel ready.
What it's about: Grover, who trained some of the greatest athletes in the world, breaks down the mindset of people who perform under pressure and refuse to quit on themselves.
Why I recommend it: It's the perfect companion to any health or life change: motivation fades, but built discipline and self-trust are what carry you. Ideal if you start things and struggle to follow through.
My favourite takeaway: Don't wait to feel confident to act; act, and let the confidence follow.
Buy on Amazon UK →Women's Health & Menopause
The Definitive Guide to the Perimenopause and Menopause — Dr Louise Newson
The hook: The clear, evidence-based guide every woman over 40 should read, before she thinks she needs it.
What it's about: Written by a leading UK menopause specialist, it demystifies perimenopause and menopause: the symptoms, the science and the options, in plain, reassuring language.
Why I recommend it: So many women feel dismissed or confused about this stage. This book hands you the knowledge and confidence to advocate for your own health and make informed choices.
My favourite takeaway: Menopause isn't just hot flushes, understanding it early changes how you protect your energy, mood, bones and long-term health.
Buy on Amazon UK →Money & Financial Confidence
The Intelligent Investor — Benjamin Graham
The hook: The classic that taught me money is a skill women can absolutely learn, no jargon required to start.
What it's about: The definitive book on long-term, sensible investing, focused on patience, discipline and protecting yourself from emotional decisions rather than chasing quick wins.
Why I recommend it: Financial confidence is the pillar no one teaches women, and it changed everything for me. It's a dense classic; take it slowly, chapter by chapter, but the principles are timeless.
My favourite takeaway: Investing success comes from temperament and patience, not from being the smartest person in the room.
Buy on Amazon UK →