The Food You Crave by Ellie Krieger is a great way to learn how to cook healthy nutritious food that you'll actually want to eat. Ellie Krieger registered dietician, professor, author, and host of the Food Network show Healthy Appetite truly understands that eating healthy to maintain a healthy weight has nothing to do with food restrictions or tasteless processed "health foods" that provide zero nutrients and leave you feeling hungry, unsatisfied, and frustrated. Follow her simple philosophy and 3 rules for balanced meals listed below and you'll be eating healthy the delicious way.

The Usually-Sometimes-Rarely Philosphy
Ellie Krieger recipes follow her "Usually-Sometimes-Rarely" philosophy so that foods you should eat usually (like veggies, fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats) are sometimes combined with foods you should eat rarely (processed carbs like pasta or white rice, butter, and sugar). This way you get maximum flavor and satisfaction but you still eat healthy and you never have to ban anything from your diet. A great example of this philosphy is her Jambalaya made with white rice (a rarely food) mixed with shrimp and loads of veggies (usually foods). Her 3 rules below give you the blueprint for building meals like this all the time.

Ellie Krieger 3 Rules for Balanced Meals
Krieger explains that if you "ask 10 people what a balanced meal is and you will probably get 10 different answers. Some experts describe it as specific percentages of fat protein and carbohydrate. Our grandmas might say it is a meat a starch and two vegetables.

Here are three basic rules for perfectly balanced meals.

1. Contains at least 2-3 food groups, including a vegetable or fruit and a protein. A grain (preferably whole grain) is recommended, but optional. Don�t forget the protein doesn�t have to be meat. It can be fish, beans, nuts, egg, or dairy too.

2. Is moderate in added sugar and saturated fat? Sorry, even though it has fruit and dairy, a banana split does not count as a balanced meal. A little sugar and saturated fat is fine, but too much throws it off balance.

3. Is sensibly portioned? Balance is not just what you eat, it�s how much. Eat appropriate portions to leave the table satisfied but not stuffed."

Get The Food You Crave: Luscious Recipes for a Healthy Life and get healthy recipes that taste great and healthy eating tips that are simple and easy to follow.