User Pick: KathEats.com for Healthy Recipes

The Issue: Too many nights of takeout can lead to too much extra padding on your belly and not enough in your wallet. But with Google searches returning a million cooking sites, where's a novice chef to begin looking for healthy recipes?

The Fix: KathEats.com, a favorite of our user Amy Averell. This blog is a ripe source of healthy recipes, presented with clear instructions, hunger-inducing photographs and a personal touch, all under the theme of "eat real food."

One of the reasons we like Kath Eats, out of all the food blogs out there, is because of its author. Kath is a 27-year-old chick from Charlottseville, Virginia who, due in part to a foot problem, put on an extra 20 pounds while attending Davidson college. Kath ultimately lost 30 pounds by cooking for herself, tracking calories and beginning to run again. Oh, so she took the easy route...

But for those of us who put on the "freshman 15" (or more), Kath isn't just a relatable tale and inspiring example. She's also a registered dietitian, so we trust that her recipes are nutritionally-balanced, smart food choices. She's also able to estimate the appropriate serving size and basic nutritional information for many of the recipes. Note, however, if you're strict about counting calories and need to know the exact amount for every meal, you might be better off with a site like CleanEatingMag.com, a favorite of our user Nicole Shue.

Kath presents a variety of recipes, including breakfasts, lighter fare, dinners, soups, snacks and desserts, sauces and spreads and breads. They all sound pretty delicious, but we're most excited to try Baked Banana Oatmeal (275 calories per serving), Eggplant Parmesan (400 calories per serving) and Chocolate Walnut Banana Bread (150 calories per serving).

We all have a little piglet side to us, but that doesn't mean we can't still look good in skinny jeans. And, this site is amazeballs because it lets us satisfy both.

This is not a product endorsement or recommendation on behalf of ChickRx. Please use your own judgment and consult your physician before using any new product.