Do you know what’s even better than resolutions? Tools to make the resolutions come true. It’s a cliché that we all have “lose weight” on our list of New Year’s resolutions, so I approach this topic with some trepidation, especially since I spent 25 years as a therapist helping people overcome eating disorders. Resolutions have a way of backfiring. So in that spirit, I offer ideas for good food that you will want to eat.

America’s Test Kitchen does as its name implies – tests many variations on a theme before putting its stamp of approval on a given recipe. (Rather like Consumer Reports, in that sense). In addition to its dictionary-sized main cookbook, ATK offers a companion volume of “light” versions.

I also love The 30-Day Vegan Challenge, by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. Everything in this cookbook that I’ve tried is a winner, such as this one:

Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Spread
Put through a blender or food processor all the following:
2-3 whole roasted red peppers (fresh or from a jar)
2/3 cup bread crumbs
1 cup walnuts
4 large whole garlic clovers
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp agave nectar
1 tsp ground cumin
¼ tsp red pepper flakes

This is luscious on bread, crackers, or raw veggies.

Where to buy. If you’ve never been to Berkeley Bowl or Monterey Market (also in Berkeley), do yourself a favor and spend an hour there. The glorious smorgasbord of nature’s bounty is displayed in full color. Diablo Foods in Lafayette is another goldmine of delicious produce.