My inspiration Mondays - Healthy Food Guide

I don't often buy magazines because of the cost, but as a special treat I sometimes splash out on a Healthy Food Guide. These compact little monthlies are crammed full of helpful food facts and healthy recipes. Imagine my delight a fortnight ago when my mother-in-law brought around a whole stack of HFGs gifted by the lovely Robyn Pettigrew.

I'm working my way through them and learning loads of helpful food tips that I want to put into use. For example, I just read that stewed apple can be a good replacement for butter in baking, so am going to try this in the Chocolate chunk oat cookie recipe. I'll let you know how it goes.

There are a couple of things I don't like about HFG. Some of their recipes include artificial sweeteners or low-fat margarine spread as HFG's focus is more on preventing weight gain than avoiding chemicals. Many of their recipes also depend on microwave cooking rather than oven or stove. I have some doubts about microwave cooking, so would prefer if they gave alternative instructions for those readers who want to choose a more natural method of cooking.

Apart from that, if you're looking for healthy versions of traditional recipes, or new recipes that are big on flavour but low in fat, salt and sugar, check out the Healthy Food Guide website or pick up a magazine next time you're at the supermarket.

Consider yourself warned though; you'll soon be hooked.

Update: 
After continuing my research into health and nutrition, I'm no longer convinced that Healthy Food Guide is advocating a truly healthy diet. Check out my post on Nourishing Traditions to find out why that is.