Over the past five years, I have read many wellness-related books and most have had a positive impact on my view of health and fitness.

There is no end to great books which address amazing nutrition, awesome workout regimens and wonderfully motivational spirituality. But every so often, we read a book here or there that really sticks with us.

This week, I wanted to share five books which profoundly influenced me to move from the shadows of processed foods, leave the ranks of the chronically sedentary and embrace a balanced life of mindfulness.

Here are my five recommended must-reads:

• "The Book of Secrets" by Deepak Chopra

This book comes from Chopra's strong understanding of eastern philosophy blended with his deep understanding of the human mind. Chopra does a great job of balancing western thinking with what some may see as eastern mysticism.

"The Book of Secrets" transcends old and outdated beliefs and gives you a new set of thought-provoking ideas and concepts. The book is divided into 15 "secrets" of spirituality, or perhaps better described as levels of consciousness. Chopra does a great job diving into the 15 aspects and gives good examples of incorporating each into your own life.

The book gives a unique insight into three key areas, mind, body and spirit. It's an amazing read for anyone with a deep interest in elevating their understanding of a higher consciousness. If you are someone needing to reset your views and find your truth in life, I would recommend this book as a great starting point.

• "Wheat Belly" by William Davis

"Wheat Belly" has a lot of answers I was not able to find in other similar books. A few years ago, I was interested in learning more about ancient wheat and how it differs from today's heavily hybridized varieties. It is amazing how dramatically far we have taken some varieties of wheat.

"Wheat Belly" is very informative and connects many health issues directly to our modern hybridized wheat. I have reduced grain intake over the past few years and have seen inches drop off and weight gains stabilize. This book takes a positive scientific look at grains and why they are linked to the many health-related problems many of us deal with.

This book is not without controversy and many people do not believe grains are as problematic as the book suggests. As you read the book, there are many claims too extreme to believe. On the other side of the extreme claims are factual data showing weight loss and autoimmune issues stopped, and health improvements after dropping grain.

One of the more interesting points in the book is how stopping grains affects food cravings. I found this to be true in my own diet; after dropping grains, my cravings pretty much stopped. There is no doubt that removing grains from your diet is a very difficult thing to do, but reading this book certainly motivated me to make the effort.

• "Chi Running" by Danny Dreyer

For runners or those thinking about adding running to their exercise regimen, this book is a must-read. "Chi Running" does a very good job explaining the most important mechanics of proper running. Mastering the efficiencies you gain from the book will help keep you running well into your old age. Dreyer puts a laser focus on improving your running form, leading to fewer injuries, an increase to your overall health and a more enjoyable running experience.

Dreyer takes a very philosophical approach in his unique and informational style of writing. Each chapter breaks down aspects of running. He starts by comparing power running to Chi Running, then takes you into the five principles where he brings Tai Chi together with running for the basis of Chi Running. The book continues building on a philosophical foundation which helps you establish specific techniques to bring form and function into focus. Dreyer pulls in proper performance training and diet to make this book well-rounded for any level of runner.

Finally, the book goes into some of the more problematic and common injuries such as cramping and plantar fasciitis and other injuries.

• "Healthy Eating Healthy World" by J. Morris Hicks

This book is extremely easy to read and easy to understand. Hicks does a good job giving solid information so you can start to make a serious, positive and lasting change in your life through plant-based nutrition.

The book's message is simple and easy to understand: a plant-based diet is a natural and needed nutritional approach important for all of us and our planet. Nutrition is the keystone to any lifestyle shift into health and wellness.

This book gives a very good understanding of what good nutrition really is. The one aspect of the book that I really liked was its balanced approach to nutrition, making it more than just another vegetarian or a vegan mandate for eating healthy. The focus is much more about eating a balanced diet and less about listing what you shouldn't eat. If you want a deeper understanding of nutrition from an interesting perspective, I would recommend this book as a must-read.

• "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

What can I say about "The Alchemist?" This simple book was a joy to read and had a great message we could all take to heart. Coelho takes this story down a simple, yet thought-provoking path.

The story teaches the importance of living life fully, following your dreams and finding your truth. The message in this small, wonderful book is about dreams, taking risks and letting the universe guide your journey.

After reading the book, I found myself refreshed and taking a new view, making sure I filled my life with new adventures often.

I hope you find these books helpful in taking your health and fitness to the next level.

Judd Jones is a director for the Hagadone Corporation.