Photo Credit: …-Wink-… via Compfight cc

I’m not fat but I’m unfit. Mainly because after leading a meatless lifestyle for five years, my eating habits still left a lot to be desired.

Let’s blame it on late-night meals, a weakness for carbs and a sweet tooth (man, I love cupcakes!).

Recently, I created a new formula to curb my crazy eating: one dining-out day per week–if I must; fewer sugary treats; drinking more water; leading a more active lifestyle. Why? Because there’s nothing fabulous about feeling or looking unfit.

So I’ve committed to cooking more, which demands creativity in the kitchen. And let’s face it, I’m no Emeril or Martha Stewart.

Hence today’s post: five of the best sources and websites for healthy recipes I’ve discovered.

1. Epicurious

My first Epicurious experience was through the site’s mobile app. By simply entering the names of ingredients in my kitchen and my preferences (healthy / vegetarian / I can barely cook) I was able to discover exciting, yummy new recipes.

My favorite features:

• a recipe box that allows me to collect my favorites over time
• a shopping list tool, which helps me stay focused during trips to the grocery store
• candid, helpful reviews from users, ranging from complimentary to crass

2. Meatless Monday

I learned about this site on Twitter and it’s a godsend. MeatlessMonday.com, as the name suggests, represents a movement of people who go meatless on Mondays. To help their followers, the founders have included an extensive section featuring creative meat-free recipes.

My favorite features:

• user-friendly recipe sorting by meal type: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, etc.
• vegan and gluten-free icons to help users make better decisions about which recipes to try
• recipe videos that provide great guidance for the non-cooks among us

3. SHAPE

The last time I saw SHAPE magazine was in my doctor’s waiting room sometime in the early 2000’s. Who knew their website had evolved into an amazing collection of meal ideas and healthy recipes? I’m talking skinny mac ‘n’ cheese, sweet potato noodles and vegan pad thai.

My favorite features:

• an easy-to-navigate layout that lends to addictive browsing
• the Fit Foodies blog, which offers great food for thought from experts: from hangover cures to food legislation
• a vegetarian recipes section that helps me click past the meaty entries and get straight to the stuff I like

4. Skinny Bitch in the Kitch

Yes, the name of this recipe source might offend my more conservative readers. (Sorry, guys!) But the truth is, I began my journey to meatless living after I stumbled across the Skinny Bitch book at an airport newsstand. It changed my life. Skinny Bitch in the Kitch is the recipe companion to the New York Times Bestseller, packed with fun vegan recipes.

My favorite features:

• super-easy recipes
• everything is vegan
• there’s a variety of content: recipes for PMS, down home cooking-inspired recipes, desserts, soups, stews, …

5. Whole Living

I googled “butternut squash recipes” one night and stumbled across this website. Can somebody say, “Jackpot”? The recipes section is extensive, mostly featuring videos starring expert chefs.

My favorite features:

• recipes featuring seasonal foods, a great educational tool for someone who once asked the grocery guy for the “pumpkin section” in the produce aisle during Spring (no names mentioned to protect the guilty!)
• health-focused recipes like immunity-boosting food and healing winter drinks
• the Martha Stewart effect: the site is part of the Martha Stewart Living network so there are other tidbits like home décor and presentation tips that make reading WholeLiving.com even more fun