From Huffington Post to MuscleandFitness.com, Dr. Oz to esteemed universities, when the pros want science-backed nutrition advice and smart recipes, they turn to Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND. Toby is an award-winning nutrition expert and Wall Street Journal best-selling cookbook author who believes that healthy and wholesome can also be appetizing and delicious. She is a regular contributor to numerous publications and often appears on television. Toby is an adjunct professor at Teachers College, Columbia University and Hunter College in New York City.

So, how did Toby become a media expert on food? “I started blogging when no one knew what blogging was!,” she says. “I went to the FoodNetwork.com offices and was asked to become the first writer for their Healthy Eats blog. Eleven years later, I still contribute to Healthy Eats and I am the nutrition expert at FoodNetwork.com. I also have my own blog on my website, www.tobyamidornutrition.com.”

Toby is driven to share her knowledge with the world by helping people make the best food choices for their nutritional needs. “Food is a topic that everyone is so passionate about, and everyone wants to know what food does to your body,” she says. “There are many myths that swirl around, and I find it very important as a nutrition professional to debunk these myths.”

One food that Toby backs is dry beans. “Dry beans are not only tasty, but they also provide an array of nutrients including fiber, protein, carbs, iron, folate, and B-vitamins,” she explains. “Research also links bean consumption to a reduced risk of numerous diseases. So, between the taste, nutrition and health benefits — it’s a triple win!”

Toby’s recipe for Root Vegetable and Bean Soup is from her best-selling book, The Healthy Meal Prep Cookbook. Cook up a big batch on Sunday for delicious dinners or grab-and-go lunches all week. Or have some now and freeze the rest to enjoy on a chilly evening.

Check Toby out at her website, and on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.