Where would we be without the Internet? I find it hard to remember how I used to do research for my writing, or how I ever kept in touch with my friends and family without email. And my Scrabble game has gotten infinitely better thanks to the multiple Scrabulous games I've usually got going on.

But best of all, as someone who wants to eat healthfully, responsibly and deliciously, I owe so much to my trusty Google search engine and a few beloved Web sites. From finding great new recipes, to keeping track of the ever-changing world of agriculture news, to learning about new restaurants in my area, I probably use my Macbook for all things culinary far more than any tool or appliance that's actually in my kitchen.

I'll share with you a few of my favorite bookmarks, if you'll do the same.

Cooking Light: There is no better forum (at least that I've found) than the recipe archives of this popular healthy cooking magazine. There are plenty of ways to search for ingredients, types of dishes and preparation methods, and I am rarely disappointed in the way the finished dishes turn out. Best of all, there is nutritional information on every recipe — essential if you're watching your waistline.

Environmental Working Group: I'm constantly consulting this organization's handy list of produce, ranked from worst to best in terms of the pesticide traces in conventionally grown foods. The web site also has news and data about other toxins and pesticides in our food supply. Check out the tuna calculator to determine how much tuna you can safely eat based on your weight.

Lime (natch): Another great place to keep up with environmental news as it pertains to food and agriculture. The forums are a great place to swap meal ideas or exchange information, and I always learn something from Phil Lempert's podcasts.

Chowhound: I've been a fan of Chowhound since it was a bare-bones message board catering to the food-obsessed. It's still the first place I consult when I'm traveling, to find the best restaurant options for a non-touristy experience. And even in my own city, I'll often post queries when I'm looking for an unusual ingredient or simply want a restaurant recommendation for a certain type of cuisine.

Good Cooking's Conversion Calculators: I'm forever forgetting equivalents — i.e. how many cups are in a 15-ounce can of pumpkin puree, or how many ounces are in a liter. This site does the math for me.

Oldways: A self-professed think tank for food issues, this organization is responsible for developing the Mediterranean Diet Pyramid. I'm particularly a fan of its sub-organization, The Whole Grains Council, whose Web site has cooking instructions for myriad types of unusual whole grains. And with my recent interest in losing weight, Oldways' Managing Sweetness weight-loss program, which acknowledges one's sweet cravings, makes a lot of sense to me.


Now it's your turn. Where do you find the best healthy recipes? Learn about new ingredients? Find ways to do your part in keeping our food supply clean and wholesome?


Photo of Apple (and Apple computer) by Trekkyandy .