Eating healthier needs to happen in a realistic fashion. Remember to be realistic in your expectations. Some of the recipes may call for ingredients like butter or salt. You may need to make substitutions according to your own health needs.

Recipes are generally just guidelines to follow. (Unless you are baking!) Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients. Fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices can bring so much flavor and excitement to your meals. You can begin today to use

Both of us grew up in the family kitchen and we love to cook together as a family of our own now. We are looking forward to sharing what we've learned and finding out what you can teach us about food. We would like everyone who visits, to share his or her favorite simple, fresh healthful ingredient recipes with us. We would love the chance to try out your faves as well so please send them to us at support@therealisticcook.com. We would like to showcase some of them by combining several in a menu of the month feature for all to enjoy.

Most of us have had experience with counting calories, etc. We know what the numbers are. Let's not dwell on them. This isn't some new "diet program". It's just a few simple, realistic, fresh healthful ingredient changes.