Healthy eating is a big part of the Slow Movement. You are what you eat, and how you do it, too.

Smart cooking doesn’t come naturally to all of us so that’s why I breathed a sigh of relief when Camilla V. Saulsbury’s 5 Steps to Healthy Cooking: 500 Recipes for Lifelong Wellness arrived in my mailbox (You remember her, don’t you? I blogged about her fabu Piece of Cake cookbook that has been my baker’s secret ever since!). I tore open the envelope and started reading right away.

The neat thing about her recipe book is how it’s organized. Unlike many cookbooks that ignore breakfast altogether, she actually starts there. As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. So why do most cookbooks avoid it?

The truth is Camilla takes a holistic approach. So while you might be perusing the cookbook for some in-law impressing meals, you’re actually getting health tips along the way too. Did you know that mushrooms contain potassium, a mineral that can actually lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of a stroke? Or that cherries (much like blueberries) contain antioxidants to help prevent many diseases related to aging? Who knew?

Instead of having to get that information elsewhere, it’s right there while you make your shopping list.

Every recipe includes a nutrients section so you know how many calories, amounts of fat, protein, etc. you’re ingesting. Along with the enticing recipe names (I mean who can resist the sound of “Southeast Asian Roast Beef Wraps” or “Whole-Grain Blueberry Maple Muffins”?), she sprinkles in a few great images too.

The cheery front cover gives you the sense that you can do this. You really can. There is nothing intimidating or condescending about her book. If anything, it offers just the right array of amazing meals to make your mother-in-law wonder “Just how does s/he do it?”

With mindful shopping, cooking and a touch of Camilla’s grace! But that’ll be our little secret, okay?

Now, what’s on your meal plan today?