Hot chilies make you sweat, clear your sinuses, and can help you to burn calories by raising your body temperature. If you can’t take the heat, cut the quantity of chilies by half. But over time, you can develop a tolerance and taste for the magnificent chili!

Salmon is an easy fish to enjoy and most kids love the taste! Try to find wild salmon to be sure you’re getting the omega-3′s for heart health and to help improve your mood. If you prefer the traditional version of this dish, replace the salmon with a fresh tuna steak.

Fresh pear adds a juicy sweet component to this Asian-style lunch classic. Mix in a cup of whole-wheat pasta to make it a complete meal.

Sweet and naturally creamy, this mash is a great substitute for regular mashed potatoes. I love to serve it along side fish, so you’re cashing in on vitamin E as well as tons of vitamin A from the mash.

I devised this recipe as an alternative to the average, more caloric party appetizer. Compliment the juicy texture of zucchini by combining it with a light layer of salty, flavorful tapenade. It can be assembled ahead and popped in the oven while you are serving your guests drinks.

Za’tar is a dried herb mix that is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. Za’tar is usually made by grinding hyssop leaves into a powder, then mixed with other ingredients such as toasted sesame seeds, sumac, and sometimes cumin.

Cabbage and noodles is an Eastern European staple. This one is high in protein with the addition of cottage cheese. Eat this dish in late fall or winter when cabbage is prevalent. The added fresh lemon will keep away the sniffles!

I tasted this elegant, rich quiche while traveling in France. I’ve lightened this version by substituting with some low-fat dairy products. It’s a healthier option for celebrations or holidays and if you need a change from the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, this is a great substitution.

Korma and Madras curries are different variations of dried Indian spice combinations. Traditionally, all great Indian cooks take whole spices, toast them, and grind their own freshly roasted curry powder. For convenience sake, you can purchase the powder pre-made. Korma usually contains a mixture of spices like coriander, aniseed, cumin, cinnamon, star anise, and cloves. It has a mild, savory flavor with a touch of sweetness. Madras has added heat from dried chilies and usually contains coriander, turmeric, cumin, and fennel.

Traditional fettuccini is oozing with fat from heavy cream, but this version is light and high in protein from the yogurt. Toss in grilled chicken and peas to make it a one-pot meal!

Everyone wants to eat delicious food and be healthy at the same time, right? And who wouldn't want to ditch the diets forever and start making simple, lifelong changes that keep you healthy, satisfied and in shape? I am proud to announce the launch of my first cookbook, a collection of 100 of America's favorite recipes made healthier and tastier!

Valentine's Day is a time to let loose and shower your loved ones with love and tempting treats. But just because you want to spoil them with delicious eats, it doesn't mean you have to spoil their New Year's resolution to eat better - download my free booklet to find out how...