Ellie Krieger: Food Network's Breath of Fresh Air

Food Network, famous for employing chefs such as Bobby Flay, Rachel Ray and Emeril Lagasse, has added a new chef to their midst; Ellie Krieger. She hosts Food Network's show, Healthy Appetite which made its debut in April 2006. Ms. Krieger may not have studied at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris or The French Culinary Institute in New York, but one thing is for sure; she will show you how to cook up a healthy and satisfying meal without worrying about how much time you'll need to spend at the gym to work that newly discovered dish off of your thighs.

You may recognize Ellie Krieger because she has been in the public eye for some time. She authored the book Small Changes, Big Rewards in 2005. She was also the host of the TV show Living Better and has appeared as a guest expert on numerous programs such as CNN, NBC's Today , and CBS's The Early Show. She has hosted her own radio talk show, In Balance with Ellie Krieger, as well as contributing regularly to magazines such as Parenting, Woman's Day, American Baby and Running News. She has also been quoted in such magazines as Prevention, GQ, and Self. Additionally, Ellie was a Wilhelmina Model for more than a decade.

On Healthy Appetite, Ellie presents simple and filling meals that meet the body's nutritional needs and the taste bud's desire to savor. Healthy Appetite is filmed on a beautiful, bright and clean set where Ellie not only shows you how to make the meals she is presenting, but also teaches you the nutritional value of each food.

Though she hasn't coined any products like Rachel Ray's EVOO or Emeril's Essence yet, she has definitely created a name for herself on Food Network for special attention to living healthier. Maybe when you think about healthy meals you immediately think of lots of salad, no dressing and fitting in the occasional chickpea for protein; not so with Healthy Appetite. In the most recent episode, Ellie presented a savory recipe for Cowboy Steak with Chili and Coffee rub, garlic "fries", and oven-fried chicken. Cooking time for each was less than 40 minutes with calories per serving ranging from 200 to 270.

With Ellie, you don't have to cut out any foods. There are no bad foods. She focuses on making the preparation of each food healthier, waistline friendly and tries to rid you of "portion distortion" by explaining how much food is equivalent to one serving. She encourages choosing colorful foods as presentation can have just as much to do with a meal as substance. She regularly presents her Top Ten Tips for healthy habits which include tips for drinking enough water, fitting in more exercise, getting more sleep, kicking excessive consumption of sugar and teaching your children about healthy meals by cooking nutritional meals the entire family can enjoy.

Not only does Ellie show you how to make nutritional meals that pack a punch, she also makes sure that you get the nutritional information of each dish so that you know exactly what is going into your mouth. If you're trying to lose weight, this is a helpful tool for keeping track of what you are consuming. She emphasizes a healthy way of eating instead of dieting, and maintaining a healthy weight and self-image instead of striving to be the undernourished, size 2 model adorning the latest fashion magazine.

In addition to Ellie's nutrition expertise and her food prep know-how, she brings her charming disposition, genuine smile, and heartfelt desire to change the way the world eats and enjoys life. She regularly slips little pieces of wisdom she has acquired through the years on how to get off the yo-yo dieting wheel, create good habits and enjoy life more fully.

Though she is not a professional chef by trade, she does have an extensive background in creating healthy meals that meet your body's nutritional needs. Her expertise ranges from nutrition and weight loss to breastfeeding and managing stress. Her philosophies on nutrition and health are backed by years of experience in the field as well as her education.

Ellie is an adjunct professor in the New York University Department of Nutrition, Food Studies and Public Health. She held the position of director of nutritional services at the renowned La Palestra Center for Preventative Medicine in New York, where she was able to collaborate with a team of fitness specialists, psychologists and physicians to construct a comprehensive obesity treatment program. Ellie also maintained a private practice for many years.

Ellie's education consists of a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Nutrition from Cornell University, where she graduated with honors and distinction. She then went on to receive her Masters degree in nutrition education from Columbia University.

If you're ready to change your way of thinking about cooking, food, weight loss, and managing stress, then Ellie Krieger is the girl for you. If you have made a commitment to live healthier this year, you will want to tune in to Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger airing on the Food Network every Saturday at 12pm Central time or catch Healthy Appetite reruns sprinkled throughout the weekly Food Network line-up.

Additional information can be found at FoodNetwork.com and EllieKrieger.com.