“In Their Expert Opinion” features three bloggers who bring special expertise on living a natural lifestyle to The Clear Conscience Blog. Each month, we’ll share tips and advice on how to live a little greener from a few of our favorite experts.

By Micaela Preston, Mindful Momma

(Image by foodswings via Flickr)

We’ve all been there. It’s 5:00, we’re starving, and we have no idea what to make for dinner. This is when the frozen pizzas or mac-n-cheese usually come out. If eating healthier is on your list of New Year’s resolutions this year, you are probably going to have to put a bit more planning into mealtime. It doesn’t have to be painful though. I try to sit down with a cookbook or two over the weekend to plan for the week ahead. Not only does this help with my grocery shopping, but it puts my mind at ease, knowing that I have healthy meals planned for my family.

Check out some of my favorite resources for healthy recipes and meal ideas:

Cookbooks:

• The Family Dinner by Laurie David – My copy of this book is tabbed with recipes I want to make like Moroccan Chicken Tagine and Slooooow Cooker Curry.


• The EarthBound Cook by Myra Goodman – Filled with planet-friendly, healthy recipes, this cookbook is a great addition to any kitchen. We love the Whole Wheat Crepes recipe because it is easily customizable to both kids and adults.


• The Homesteader’s Kitchen by Robin Burnside – The emphasis of this book is on using fresh, local and organic ingredients to create nourishing meals like winter vegetable stew and vegetarian enchiladas.


• Power Foods from the editors of Whole Living Magazine – My newest cookbook purchase boasts “150 recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients”. So far, the soba noodle, tofu & veggie stir-fry and the chicken with fennel & carrots have been big hits around here.


• The New Basics by Julee Rosso and Sheila Lukins – An oldie but a goody, I refer to this book for everything from basic tomato sauce to polenta casserole (and they have some awesome cake recipes too!) 

Blogs and Websites:

• Dinner A Love Story – This sweet blog by veteran food magazine editor, Jenny Rosenstrach, is a wonderful resource for dinner inspiration. Not only does it give you the inside scoop on cooking for a family, but it has excellent, family-friendly recipes too. My fav? Chicken Curry with Apples.


• Food for My Family – Minnesota mom Shaina Olmanson serves up healthy homemade recipes with enticing photography and a side of humor.


• EatingWell.com – A searchable database of healthy recipes from the publisher of Eating Well magazine. 

What are your go-to resources for healthy recipes?

Disclosure: The bloggers featured in the Clear Conscience Blog “In Their Expert Opinion” series have received product samples and compensation from Watkins, Inc.