While I'm an admitted cookbook junkie and still can't resist a bargain from a garage sale, I've settled into a few basics that I consider essential to healthy eating. I just don't cook with canned soups and processed foods any more, and I've been so grateful to find a few cookbooks that teach me why I need to cook healthier and also give me tasty recipes that my family will like.
Chief on the list is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. Wow, what an eye-opening book. Citing tons of studies, she shows how so much of our nation's diseases and ill health are caused by our diet of processed and chemical-laden foods. Cultures around the world have other methods of preparing food that not only retain nutrients but enhance their nutrition and digestibility. For example, grains, nuts, and seeds need to be pre-soaked to help break down the phytate coating they all have, which prevents our bodies from absorbing important enzymes. You can also prepare many of your own foods that contain naturally-occurring immune-enhancing probiotics.
Every page not only has recipes, but side bars loaded with nutritional information. I've found some recipes not useful because of exotic ingredients needed, but overall, I've loved the ones I've done. I routinely make my own kefir, sourdough breads and waffles, kimchi, dill pickles, etc., using the techniques she recommends. And the proof is in the pudding, as they say--my husband, who has been getting over a gluten-intolerance issue, is able to digest a lot of foods now because I'm preparing them correctly. I'd highly recommend this book if you're serious about changing your diet and your health--even baby steps add up to new habits you can feel good about.
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