100 Days of Real Food: Fast & Fabulous Cookbook Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

*Weeknight Dish makes sure to review products fairly and transparently.  The author gave us the product for testing and review, however the opinions are our own.

Before I review the new cookbook, I must admit, I am a HUGE fan of Lisa Leake's first cookbook, 100 Days of Real Food.  I try to follow her "real food" philosophy and was not only super excited for her new cookbook, but that I was chosen to write a review!  

Let's dive in!

Cookbook: 100 Days of Real Food: Fast & Fabulous by Lisa Leakes
Overall Impression: This is the second cookbook in Lisa Leakes' 100 Days of Real Food series. The recipes are quick and easy, targeted specifically for those who want to eat healthy but are on a budget and limited time schedule. The book also contains seasonal meal plans and shopping guides for large chain grocery stores.

For those looking to eat healthy and don't want to fall into relying on "convenience foods" for busy days, this book offers recipes that are simple and easy to make.  Many of the recipes can be made ahead and packed for weekly lunches or snacks for on-the-go.

Recipes I tried:

• Homemade Fish Sticks
• Lentil and Sausage Stew

*I only received the cookbook this week and wanted my review complete by the pre-launch sale of the book.  As I make more of the recipes, I will update the list!

Cooking from 100 Days of Real Food: Fast & Fabulous

The first thing I have to point out...there are pictures for every recipe!! A serious pet peeve of mine is when a cookbook doesn't have a picture to go along with the recipe.  What sells me on a dish is what it looks like...if I can't see the end result I am almost 99% sure I won't be making the recipe. This is one big change from her original book, of which I am a HUGE fan!

The book is laid out similarly to the first with a short review of what foods to "Look For" and which foods to "Avoid". She discusses her "Real-Food Rules" and why she has chosen this way of purchasing and preparing foods for her family.  It is a simple set of rules to follow and has had great benefits for her family, such as, fewer overall illnesses, less picky eating, and increased energy. Lisa has a sweet manner of expressing her views and I loved seeing the involvement of her children in many of the photos and recipes!

The Recipes

Like I stated before, the fact that each recipe has a picture is a HUGE deal for me! The recipes look simple to make with ingredients that can be found at almost any local grocery store.  I also love that many of the pictures show the foods packed as lunches for her daughters which is a huge help for me when I struggle to know what to pack for my own girls!  These are definitely no-frills recipes that can be tackled by cooks of all skill levels.  Many of the pictures show her daughters cooking so I know the recipes are simple enough for my daughters to make, as well.

The recipe for Homemade Fish Sticks was easy to follow, had limited steps, and super yummy. Neither of my girls are big fans of fish but they both ate four and wished there were more! So this recipe will definitely become a regular in our household!

Asian Noodle Salad

Cinnamon Glazed Bananas

What Could Be Better

I have no real complaints about the book or the recipes, however when she is explaining her "Real Food Rules", she often references her first book, 100 Days of Real Food and suggests referring to that book for more information.  While I know her intention is to not go into as much detail with those steps in this book, it felt some what like a plug for her first book.  As a blogger, this technique is helpful for linking readers to more/past information but that didn't translate well, for me personally, in the cookbook.

Final Takeaway

This is a fantastic follow-up to her first book and for those who want to eat and live healthier lives. The recipes are simple to follow and are easy, healthy options for those easing into a healthier lifestyle.  I also feel this is a great cookbook for involving children in making better food choices. The photographs do a great job including the whole Leake family which shows that the whole family can make the change and enjoy healthier food choices.

ENTER TO WIN

Are you interested in healthier eating habits?  Want simple, healthy recipes your family can make together?  Well, then make sure you enter my giveaway to win your very own copy of 100 Days of Real Food: Fast & Fabulous!!  Good luck and be sure to tell your friends!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you would like to purchase the book for yourself or as a gift, Lisa is offering her book online only at pre-sale price from October 17th-24th. Starting the 25th, the book's price increases to regular retail cost and can be found in stores.  *Pre-sale pricing has ended but you can still purchase her book at a great price!

Click to purchase now!

What healthier choices are you wanting to make for your family? Happy cooking and here's to eating healthy, whole foods!

I'm linking up here this week:

One Project Closer: The Better Half