I have to tell you, I love to cook. When I was in high school, my parents used to tease me that I probably couldn't even make macaroni and cheese from a box because it was too complicated, but I really showed them. Just a few short years later, I am lauded as the best cook in my neighborhood.

But I have to tell you that in today's society, it can be tempting to skip the hearty meal and go back to the macaroni and cheese or the canned soups of my high school days. Even when I do cook, I have to be mindful of what I am actually including and how it is nutritionally functional for each member of my family.

One thing you should remember as you are cooking is that protein and complex carbohydrates are the most desirable sources of energy to our bodies because it takes longer for our bodies to break them down, making them last much longer than sugar.

However, fat is not necessarily the enemy. In fact, fat also breaks down slower; the only trouble is that when all of the fat from food is not used as an energy source, it ends up being stored in our bodies, so if we consume too much, the product is undesirable excess weight.

You may consider using heart-healthy oils, like olive oil, in moderation, particularly if you want to fry something or give it a crispy texture.

You might try sauteing some fresh garlic with your favorite vegetables and some lean steak, boneless pork chops, or seasoned chicken breast. This makes for quick and easy cooking that's heart-healthy, too!

If you are hoping to "lighten up," some old favorite recipes, then first do some careful studying. If you are an experienced cook, you will be able to see some areas where you can make healthier substitutions or even removing certain ingredients. For example, if a recipe calls for eggs, you can often use just the whites, removing the fattening yolk.

But even if you're not so experienced, then experiment a little! Sure, you might mess up from time to time, but that's how we learn, after all.

If you have a favorite food, then search the internet to find lighter versions of the dish. Even loaded cheeseburgers can be done right if you find just the right recipe.

Try to limit the salt included in your food. Salt makes you retain water, giving you a bloated feeling on top of a few excess pounds and nobody likes that! I have found that using the internet to access recipes has been a golden resource. I don't have to worry about spilling on the recipe, and the possibilities are endless. So don't be afraid to do some clicking around to find new favorites that are "lightened up"!