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You gotta like a guy whose bio says that he took home economics classes in high school so he could eat in class and meet girls! And better still, his mother made him take the class over again when he earned only a "D" the first time. Mom knows best.

That's Cary Neff, Executive Chef at Miraval Life in Balance Resort in Catalina, Arizona (near Tucson). He's a family man (wife and two kids) and a chef and somewhat of a culinary philosopher. Since most of us have lives that revolve around food, mostly in unconscious ways, Cary wants to help show us that making better decisions on food can lead to a healthier life. Thus his book: "Conscious Cuisine" (Sourcebooks).

The book is "Coffee Table" quality. Colorfully presented and wonderfully laid out. The basics, all the specialty shopping items and sauces, are up front as opposed to being relegated to an appendix in the back. Probably a nod to Cary's classic training, "get your stuff in order before you cook" (the French call this mis en place).

These sauces are where the flavor begins as well. Cary's Mayonnaise Nouvelle is a good example. This is really where Cary's book shines, since most flavor of a dish is in the sauce, he shows right up front how to cut the fat and boost the flavor. You can see that conscious decisions were made in these recipes to eliminate fat and calories and boost flavor.

I also tried his Roasted Garlic-Ricotta sauce. Using fat-free ricotta, you can create a sauce that is a heckuva good replacement for Alfredo sauce that is just 60 calories per serving. The other thing I liked about all the sauce and seasonings right at the beginning is the chance to try other variations. Like adding a tablespoon or two of tomato paste to make a creamy tomato sauce.

Oh sure, there are all of the numbers with each recipe: calories, carbs, fats etc. But, Cary and I both know that the numbers won't always help in the real world where you are face with things like cheesecake. (I can hear Homer Simpson in my head, "MMM Cheesecake!") Cary's philosophy is one of conscious decision. You do have choices with that cheesecake. Maybe a smaller portion, maybe share it with a friend, maybe eat it just once a week instead of everyday. Lot's of choices, and that is the road to eating consciously.