- Eat as close to nature as possible - minimally or un-processed, whole foods
- Eat local and in season: It's great to have even a small garden yourself and shop at farmer's markets when possible or join a CSA (community supported agriculture). This is more environmentally friendly, ensures the food is at it's peak nutritional value and you know more about what's gone into it. This article has a fantastic directory for finding grass-fed meat, eggs and dairy near you - some of which will deliver for a minimum order or small fee.
- Eat organic as much as possible. This is better for the environment and minimizes the toxic load on your system. But, as my nutrition teacher says, a conventional apple is better than an oreo. If cost is a concern, follow the EWG's Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen to get the biggest bang for your organic buck. This article has some great practical tips for clean eating on a budget.
- Add in healthy, colorful, nutrient dense foods before you worry about taking things out, especially if you are making a big dietary change. Finding delicious ways to add in more of what you're missing first can help you not miss the less healthy stuff, and you may forgo it naturally!
- Eat what makes you feel good. Now, I don't mean go out and eat a whole bunch of junk food because of the opium-like chemical release you get in your brain. Start to notice what foods make you feel truly on top of the world versus what foods leave you sluggish, wired, "like a stale chip", hungry again in 30 minutes, etc.
- Eat mindfully and savor. How you eat matters just as much for your nutrition and digestion as what you eat. Chewing is an important part of the digestive process and most of us don't chew enough by a long shot (it's still a tough one for me!). Slow down, remove other distractions, enjoy your food and really tune into the process of eating. Pay attention to the preparation process, smells, colors, bringing fork to mouth, physical sensations of the food in your mouth, tastes, and the sensation of swallowing. Cultivate gratitude toward the nourishment in front of you. Turn your meal into a sort of meditation.
- http://myheartbeets.com – Indian food and more. Plenty of quick and easy (but still super tasty) recipes
- http://brittanyangell.com - auto-immune paleo, identifies other allergens such as egg, nut, nightshade
- http://www.healthfulpursuit.com - offers a nice search by dietary needs and cooking time
- http://paleoleap.com - browse by special diets including auto-immune, nut free, egg free, low fodmap, etc.
- http://www.thekitchn.com - filter by dietary concerns including sugar-conscious, peanut-free, shellfish free
- http://againstallgrain.com - wide variety, grain-free remakes of some foods that might be missed
- http://thedomesticman.com - if you like to cook and don’t mind spending a little time in the kitchen, these recipes are fantastic
- http://thehealthyfoodie.com - all sorts of stuff including homemade condaments, organ meats, fermented foods
- http://www.grassfedgirl.com - all sorts of stuff including what to do with organ meats, gelatin and broth
- http://www.foodrenegade.com - again all sorts of stuff, lots of homemade ways to make stuff you’d buy in a package like energy bars, nut milks, kale chips
- http://nourishedkitchen.com - focused on traditional foods, recipes for fermentation and lots of other categories to browse
- http://www.giadadelaurentiis.com - not everything this Italian-American mamma makes is pasta! She has lots of grain free super tasty choices. I've found some fantastic uses for herbs in my garden through her recipes!
- http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/category/books/jamie-s-15-minute-meals - Super quick and super tasty - check each recipe for specific dietary concerns, but most of his recipes are healthier than typical chef recipes. He also has a “special diets” section on his website
- http://www.everydaymaven.com - easier weeknight meals, mostly paleo / whole 30
- http://cookieandkate.com - if you’re vegetarian or looking for a great whole food side dish, she’s got some good ones
- http://www.rebeccakatz.com/recipe-box - Author of several cookbooks including The Healthy Mind Cookbook, The Longevity Kitchen, The Cancer-Fighting Kitchen