it seems like all of us are focusing on eating healthier these days. Our doctors and nutritionists are always preaching about the benefits and results of a healthy diet. If we eat healthily now it can prevent numerous unwanted health conditions as we age, it also keeps us looking younger and we feel better being trim and fit. It’s hard to argue their points. Of course, you will also want the food to taste as good as it looks. Is it possible to have all this in each meal you serve? Of course! So where can we find these great recipes for these healthy marvelous meals? Here are two excellent sources in which you’ll find a number of free, healthy recipes your family and friends will enjoy.

The first source is your local neighborhood market. I’m sure you’ve walked by those racks of recipe cards, conveniently placed in the produce section and meat counters. There are generally dozens and dozens of free healthy recipes for the taking as you determine how to answer the age-old question “What’s for dinner tonight?” The question then becomes how do you know the recipes are healthy and good for you? Just as long as the ingredients don’t contain major amounts of fat or rich buttery sauces, it’s a safe bet that these recipes are in general good for you. Obviously if the dish calls for deep frying you will likely want to avoid it. These indexed-sized, free, healthy recipes usually have a picture of the completed dish on the front side with the recipe printed on the back. The supermarket personnel are generally up to date on the current trend towards healthy eating. After all, they would love for you to purchase their products that make that recipe, so rarely you’ll find recipes that your doctor would disapprove.

With such a wide array of dishes to choose from, it would be wise to go through the entire rack, time permitting, taking a copy of the recipes which appeal to you. You can store and sort them in your recipe box at home for future meal ideas. The picture on the card will help you while planning meals and creating your shopping list. The racks of free, healthy recipes essentially provide you with an ongoing cookbook for free. As the seasons change, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find new recipes utilizing seasonal produce items.

The second source of healthy free recipes is– drum roll please– online!! You guessed that one didn’t you? There are thousands of recipe sites online. The difference between the recipe rack at the supermarket and the online choices are that online, there are many more tantalizing temptations for slightly less than healthy, but very scrumptious treats. From triple fudge cake to a rich Hollandaise sauce, you’ve got to watch the calories! However, there are a great number of other free, healthy recipes from which to choose. Most recipe sites are organized by categories, many have sections just for healthy eating, so it’s easy to navigate around the recipes with too much sugar, fat and other ingredients we should avoid.

Some of the online sites organized by type of dish, such as appetizers, main, side dishes or dessert. Other sites get very specific in their categories like diabetics, heart healthy, Atkins and other special diets. Regardless, you will be able to find a recipe for just about any dish you can dream of, or may have enjoyed at a restaurant which you’re trying to replicate at home. It’s very likely you’ll find several versions of Kung Pao Chicken, as an example. Read through each of the variations of the recipe, noting differing ingredients or amounts and decide which suits your taste best. Mix and match, experiment and you’ll find your own perfect recipe. Print out your favorite free, healthy recipes and store them in your customized cookbook on your desk.

Using both of these three strategies for healthy recipes will help you create your custom cookbook suited precisely to the needs and tastes of your friends and family, along with some great party food for special occasions and events. It’s great to have saved the money that would have been spent on cookbooks! You are free, healthy recipes will pay you back time and time again with delighted taste buds and satisfied tummies, every time. Your doctor will be pleased as well.

Elysse Biaca pursues numerous hobbies and life passions. Elysse thrives