Tis the time of the season, to start eating lighter. And for restaurants to change from heavy/cold weather dishes to lighter, fresher and more colorful dishes. With the numbers of health conscious people on the rise, more restaurants are offering these lighter low-fat items.

The health food and nutrition boom is more then a trend. Techniques used for healthy cooking are still pretty much the same as they always were, just published more now since the USA has high numbers of over-weight people.

A garden is an excellent way to get exercise, fresh veggies and herbs. You can't get any fresher then your own garden! Most veggies cook quick, therefore you spend less time in the heat of the kitchen. Lighter is better when it's hot outside. If you can't have a garden yourself then visit a farmers market. But do yourself a favor and take the veggies out of the plastic bags and dry them before storing in the fridge. It helps them retain vitamins and minerals and not rot so fast.

There are hundreds of books out there dealing with healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. So get out there, get planting, and get healthier.

Lightin' up America!