We live in hectic times, and Quick-Fix Healthy Mix can help us eat healthier and save money despite our busy schedules and tight budgets. The authors, Casey Kellar and Nicole Kellar-Munoz, possess a heritage of natural living. The book’s recipes for bulk mixes include: baking mixes, soup and bean mixes, seasoning mix, cereals and granolas, and more. The authors even provide meal entrée recipes using the prepared mixes. Included as well are recipes for making your own condiments: mayonnaise, mustard, barbecue sauce, and basting sauces—even butter and cream cheese! Some food-on-the-run ideas include: instructions for cooking and freezing prepared eggs, pancakes, and waffles. Throw them in the toaster oven for a nutritious, quick and easy breakfast. Quick-Fix Healthy Mix even has chai tea and smoothie recipes. Popping up occasionally are helpful lists of quick-fixes, food substitutions, and money saving ideas.

None of these recipes require exotic or expensive ingredients, or big investments of time or special equipment. Admittedly, I was disappointed that more emphasis wasn’t laid on eating organic, which is inherent in eating healthy. On the other hand, the authors seem focused on enticing unhealthy eaters—refined white flour, saturated fats, empty calories—to give healthier natural foods an honest effort. And they make it easy to do so. The warm tone of the book, and its easy-on-the-eyes layout, makes it a joy to explore. With obesity, heart disease, and cancer rates skyrocketing, I commend their efforts, and I heartily recommend this book.