“Excuse me,” said the woman staring into my grocery cart. “What are you going to do with those?” She pointed at my squash. “I’m trying to eat healthy and well…I need some new ideas.”

“Believe it or not,” I said with a laugh. “I’m going to make Macaroni and Cheese with that there squash, and I’m going to serve it alongside peppercorn lamb and grilled romaine.”

Honestly, I couldn’t even believe this was coming out of MY mouth. I don’t say things like this. At least I never did until last month. If you didn’t know me, like if you didn’t know that I can’t place a first class meal into the oven for 20 minutes at 275 degrees (the way our manual instructs) without burning it, and you came to my house for dinner tonight, you’d think I was a master chef. Especially if I happened to be preparing Miso Glazed Cod, which I can now cook better than Chef Miyoda who serves the same dish at my favorite local Japanese restaurant. It’s true. I’m not lying.

After I finished telling the woman who had peeked into my grocery cart a few other healthy food ideas, I then told her about the book Cady, my best friend, gave to me for my birthday this year. The book is called THE FOOD YOU CRAVE, by Ellie Krieger, and yes, you really and truly should buy it right this second! It’s the best book I’ve ever owned. Seriously, I’m not exaggerating. What I like about it is how the recipes are healthy and simple, but unique and flavorful, made with ingredients that are fresh AND easy to find at the grocery store. Before this recipe book came into my life, I was lost in the kitchen. I felt handicapped. I was the only person I knew who’d go to the grocery store and couldn’t find a thing to eat. Now I feel confident and creative in the kitchen. And I actually enjoy cooking, which is something I never thought I’d say. Ever. THE FOOD YOU CRAVE should be an Oprah book, if it’s not already, because simply put, the book is life changing. I mean when your husband goes from begging you to NEVER cook again, to eating seconds and moaning the word excellent after each bite…well that says it all, does it not? And did I happen to mention I’ve lost five pounds in the last month? Oh yeah. Trust me when I tell you this is a book you must own.

Check out Ellie Krieger’s website http://www.healthylivingwithellie.com/