What Textbooks are Best to Keep from Undergrad? Lindsey Tells us her Opinion!

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I know textbooks are expensive, and unfortunately, when you get to grad school you will only have to spend more money to buy even more books. But I do find that having a reliable source of information close by is extremely helpful to look up quick facts, or use as a reference when writing papers.

Introductory Books: I kept two basic introductory nutrition books, and I must say, that was probably not necessary since the level of reading is so basic. However, I think it’s a great idea to have at least one basic level nutrition book on hand for quick DRI references or definitions.
Anatomy and Physiology: This has helped me since the typical dietetics student usually takes only one anatomy and physiology course, and yet, our entire major is based around what happens inside the human body! This book has helped me a lot to get a better understanding of the exact location and function of our organs, bones, muscles, and systems.
Medical Nutrition Therapy: I will not be taking Advanced Medical Nutrition Therapy until next fall, along with my clinical rotations; however I had been given advice from previous interns to keep my MNT book. I know that when taking Advanced MNT, I will be required to buy a different book; but there is always a chance that the book you have is sufficient enough! This book is the most in-depth source I have regarding nutrition and specific diseases and conditions. I have used it multiple times as a reference.
Special Topics: I have also kept books that were of personal interest to me; such as an applied approach to sports nutrition. If you know that you are going to enter into food service management, it would be beneficial to keep a food service management book; if you want to enter into childhood nutrition, you may want to keep a book on nutrition across the lifespan.  I also kept books that I truly felt had great information or were a pleasant read. I can’t say I use them all the time, but I enjoy having them since I know they have valuable information. It is easier to reference a source you already know and trust than trying to find a reliable source from the internet.
Quick References: Over my 4 undergraduate years I acquired multiple reference booklets that are a great way to brush up on knowledge: I have a flip book on food and medicine interactions, a pocket guide to nutrition and diet therapy, an exchange list for diabetes, as well as the Penguin Handbook from freshman year (this has helped with citations, references, and grammar when writing papers).

Notes: I kept my notebooks from nearly all my courses; however I only brought a few of them with me to graduate school. I brought notebooks from courses that were jam-packed with information, or that were of special interest to my field, sports nutrition. This included by MNT notebook, Nutritional Problems in the US, and Energy Metabolism. 
If you are tight on money, remember:  you are studying so that you can eventually get a job and make money. A $200 book seems pricey, but it’s hardly anything in the grand scheme of things!