It’s been a while since I last wrote an update on my upcoming cookbook, and I have so much more to share now! The August 26th release date will be here before we know it, and I’ve been a busy little bee going back and forth (and back and forth) with my editor on all the finishing touches.
Did I mention how writing (and editing) this cookbook has been the hardest I’ve ever worked in my life? Like EVER. Forget taking final exams in college or planning corporate events (my old job) or spreading mulch (ha ha – but I am not kidding) or anything else I’ve ever considered to be hard work before. Let’s just say after this experience, I have a whole new appreciation for all the authors out there – it’s honestly quite amazing there are so many now that I know what it’s like on the backend!
But enough about how I poured my heart and soul into this book to make it as perfect for all of you as possible …let’s dig into what you’ll find in the book once you get it (because you’ve already placed your preorder, right?) :)
Once Again, the Cover!
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A Sampling From the Inside!
In addition to the 100 (mostly new – not previously on the blog) recipes, the book will include 5 chapters that cover: What real food is, how to read ingredient labels, how cutting out processed food impacted our family, how to shop for real food (without breaking the bank), how to get your reluctant family members on board, meal planning (+ 4 new dinner plans), and lots of fun “extras” like a real food substitution chart, my typical weekly grocery list, family dinner questions, a “make your own” party guide, and a school lunch packing chart.
My goal was to make this book your complete guide for cutting out processed food – everything except a personal chef included! But all kidding aside, just think of that wonderful feeling when you know you are taking the best care of your family possible. I want this book to help you do just that in the food department!
Here are some page samples (click pictures to enlarge):
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The Recipes!
I can’t wait to share all the new recipes with you and hear what you think. And just for the record, I counted and determined that about 70% of the 100 recipes are brand spanking new – i.e. not previously shared on the blog. I told you I’ve been busy!
Plus here’s the part I know many of you will love. I did some more counting and figured out the following…
- 71 recipes are (or can easily be) Gluten-Free
- 79 recipes are (or can easily be) Vegetarian
- 49 recipes are (or can easily be) Dairy-Free
Also,
- 42 recipes are Freezer Friendly (my secret weapon when it comes to packing wholesome school lunches!)
The book includes quite an array of recipes from the following categories: Breakfast, Lunch (including school lunches), Snacks, Appetizers, Salads, Sides, Simple Dinners (including slow cooker meals), Special Treats, and Homemade Staples. Some of the recipes I am most excited about are: Fruit Salad with Orange Zest, Cinnamon Raisin Quick (Whole Grain) Bread, Cajun Alfredo with Shrimp, Slow Cooker Potato Soup, Cheesy Broccoli Casserole, BBQ Sauce, Homemade Dried Onion Soup Mix (for Onion Dip), and Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bites. All of the recipes have been tested and retested and beautifully photographer by my friend Carrie Vitt with Deliciously Organic.
That’s right, there will be a big color photo with every single recipe! Here are a few more examples…
How To Preorder – And Get A Signed Copy!
First and foremost, I’ll love you forever if you preorder my book. :) Secondly, if you preorder online through our local, independent book store here in Charlotte, Park Road Books, I’m going to sign all the copies before they’re shipped out. And, for any International fans, they say they’ll ship the book anywhere in the world – yay!
So anyway, here are some of the preorder options: Park Road Books (signed copy), IndieBound.org (support your local retailers!), Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, Indigo (Canada), and Walmart. I can’t thank you enough for your support with this project. I really hope you’ll love this book as much as I do, and that it will help make your life easier!
Hi There, We have your cookbook and have enjoyed it so much! Tomorrow is my son’s 5th Birthday and he wants to make the carrot cake with me. I have 2 questions:
1. Can the frosting can be made one day in advance?
2. Once the cake has been baked and frosted does it need to be refrigerated?
Thanks for your help!
Jeannette
Hi there Jeanette. Apologies but we aren’t often able to answer recipe questions in real time? How did it turn out? It can be made in advance and I would refrigerate. ~Amy
Hi Amy, Thanks for your response. The cake tasted great but I had to bake it for 32 minutes before the center was baked. I will definitely make this again but instead of baking a cake I will bake mini-muffins. Has anyone else had this issue with the center not baking? ~Jeannette
Hi again. :) Hmmm, no. Did you divide the batter between the two pans?
Hello! I just got my copy of the book today and am excitedly making my list of first recipes to try! I do have one question, several of the recipes are crock pot recipes but it doesn’t say what size. I have a 4 qt, will that work for all of the recipes or are they for 6 qt crocks? Thank you!
Hi there. A 4 qt. might be too small for some of the slow cooker recipes. When I have made the whole chicken, I’ve needed to use the big pot. ~Amy
Thanks so much for sharing your personal journey with 100 Days of Real Food. I enjoyed reading this section so much. I have tried and loved many of your recipes.
Best Cookbook I have purchased in a long time.
Thanks again! :)
Where can I find out about speaking engagements and or book.signing??
Hi there. Right now Lisa is sticking fairly close to home…well, other than NYC and LA! :) She doesn’t have an announced schedule but that could change. Sorry I can’t be more helpful. ~Amy
I preordered a copy of the cookbook on August 25, filled out the form on the website for the free 8 recipe ebook and gave not received it. I was wondering if I did something incorrect?
This is a fabulous book. NO JOKE. I will have a full review at 7pm Eastern time tonight at https://www.facebook.com/toxicfreeclub. You wont be disappointed in this book.
I’ve been wanting to change our diet around but have always stopped short because of weird ingredients and the cost of healthy food. I was feeling discouraged until I received 100 Days of Real Food! This excellent book is exactly what I was looking for! Lisa takes you through her family’s journey into real foods. The best part? That this is a plan for real people who aren’t looking to spend a fortune to overhaul their diet. This book features recipes that you’re probably familiar with, just made with real products. I love that this book doesn’t shy away from gluten and that it features the use of a small amount of real food (butter) over low-fat, manufactured alternatives (margarine). This is an excellent book for anyone who wants to make the steps towards eating real food!
I wish I would have done this years ago. Our daughters are both in college now & one was very health conscious (she’s fallen into the trap of pizza, late night food runs etc. she attends college 7 hours away so we don’t see her as much as we’d like to). The other daughter is moving to S California in a month. Much healthier eating habits there (we were there in May). I don’t have a huge kitchen like yours however, I’ll start small & work my way up! My mother is restricted to a gluten free diet & I love the fact that you have incorporated that into your book as well.
Thank you lisa!
HI Lisa! By the Grace of God, I found your website today!! I am so looking forward to trying your challenge with my husband. I was diagnosed with Diabetes a year ago, bought all this stuff to improve our eating but like you said in your promo video, I had no direction AND I’m not a very good cook – so a book is perfect!! I want to turn my Diabetes into DIA”BEAT”IT!! Thank you again – can’t wait to get your book! Its my number one mission this weekend – God Bless you!!
I did a pre-order but had no idea where to go for the e-receipes. Anything I can do to show I pre-ordered it to get them?
Thanks!
I just ordered the kindle edition of your cookbook, I can’t wait to read it!
My copy arrived this morning and I spent time I should have used for cleaning house to read it. The book does a great job synthesizing information that should convince one that real food is better. I was also impressed with the “how to do it” chapters, especially for those with reluctant family members who prefer junk food and are swayed by food package claims. If you need convincing that real food is better, I recommend Pandora’s Lunchbox by Melanie Warner, Salt, Sugar, Fat: How the food giants hooked us by Michael Moss, Fat Chance by Robert Lustig, and anything by Michael Pollen. If you want to know how to make the change to a whole food diet, step by step, this is the best book out there. Congratulations on filling a huge need with a well-written resource!
Love this fridge!
Hi I just ordered the book from Park Road Books but I wanted to save 10.95 on shipping so I selected the option to pick up and pay at the store. It didn’t give me any information about when I can pick up?
Ashelly – The books are there and ready so you can go anytime now!
Just pre-ordered my copy, can’t wait to get it. My husband and I are very excited about this new way of eating / living. I just found your website about 2 weeks ago, and love it! We are big gardeners too, so it’s not a huge leap for us. I always thought we weren’t eating processed foods, until you brought it to my attention to think about white flours and sugars. However, I will tell you that I was sticker shocked when I saw a gallon jug of Virginia pure maple syrup for $75!!! But, now I’m reading ingredient labels, and glad to do it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences to others :)
Take care!
Lori
Wow, that’s a crazy price for syrup. It definitely doesn’t have to be that expensive! Glad you found us :)
I preordered from Amazon last night. What do I need to do to get the additional recipes?
Debbie – Just fill out this form and we’ll get you taken care of: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2014/06/29/cookbook-bonus-preorders/
Oh bum! I planned to preorder yesterday and wound up having a baby! LOL Just put my order in today…
So excited to get my book! Always glad to find more ways to cook & eat more healthy! I have learned the importance of this the hard way! Wish I truly comprehended it earlier in my life than I did! But better late than never!
Just pre-ordered mine – yay! Thank you SO much to you, your family, and your team for all your hard work!! It is so very much appreciated!!
Just preordered! Thank you for making an easy reference to all your wonderful hints, tips and recipes.
Hi!
I’m on the start of a clean, mostly vegetarian and healthy lifestyle for myself and family. Your cookbook sounds great but when I tried to pre-order the delivery options were USA or Canada. I’m in Australia! I tried through Parkroads books. Is there another way to order through them that I missed?
Thanks
Jo
Hi there. Parkroad does ship worldwide. :)
Hi Lisa….qq for you, I see you have 79 recipes that are vegetarian. Would you say that at least 50% of the overall recipes are vege or more? Being a vege family (and not being able to see the book) it’s important that a good bit of it be useful for us. Looking forward to hearing. Thanks!
Hello Jen. Yes, I don’t know the exact percentage but it is well over 50%. And many of the dinner recipes could easily be converted to vegetarian. :) ~Amy
Hello Tonya. I think you will be pleased with the contents of the book. In addition to the description above, the Amazon page lists:
*Advice for navigating the grocery store and making smart purchases
*Tips for reading ingredient labels
*100 quick and easy recipes for such favorites as Homemade
Chicken Nuggets, Whole Wheat Pasta with Kale Pesto Cream Sauce,
and Cinnamon Glazed Popcorn
*Meal plans and suggestions for kid-pleasing school lunches,
parties, and snacks
*”Real Food” anecdotes from the Leakes’ own experiences
*A 10-day mini starter-program, and much more.
You will not find calorie information or nutrition breakdowns. Our focus is on getting real food onto people’s plates without a big focus on numbers. :) ~Amy
Hello, I had a question about your cookbook. I am looking for a good “clean” or “real food” cookbook that helps my family.
I am a disabled veteran and mother of three beautiful daughters. My husband and I are trying to eat healthier. We are all over weight to some degree and this both bothers and worries me. My teenagers have body issues like most girls their age and my youngest daughter is an Achondroplasia Dwarf who has severe Crohn’s disease and has certain foods she can not eat. So this makes meal time a challenge for me when I am trying to find recipes that everyone will like, that are low in calories, healthy, and tasty!
I have downloaded your 4 weeks of recipes that I could access on Facebook. I am excited to try them to see how my family will react to real food. Will your cookbook also have great tips about whole foods, label reading and understanding, etc.?
I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your time!
ever since I came across 100 days of Real Food which was only a short time ago I have tried a good few of the recipes and ok some did not quiet turn out like the picture (my fault lol) I have really enjoyed them. I am a person that burns anything and everything I would a salad if I had to cook it so its a good thing I don’t have to that is why I like trying some of these beautiful recipes.
I;m thrilled for you – Congratulations! It looks beautiful!
Just pre-ordered by copy of the new cookbook! So excited. THANK YOU for putting all of your wonderful information in one spot. You have truly inspired me, and my family, to cut out all of the processed junk food! I love feeding my daughter healthy, organic foods!
Quick question — I have a severe tree nut allergy and I can’t eat corn. Are there a lot of recipes that contain these? Thanks!
Hi Sonja. There will be some with nuts and corn. You could always wait and peruse it in detail to determine if it is right for you before you purchase. ~Amy
Hello,
I just preordered your cook book..How do I get the free ebook?
Lily
Hi Lily. Fill out the fields at the end of this post: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2014/06/29/cookbook-bonus-preorders/. ~Amy
Hi. I cant seem to find the purchase price and p+h cost for your book
Hi Kori. If you click on any of the book seller links under How To Order above, it will give you that info. :)
I’m sooo excited for you book to come out!
I can’t wait for this! So excited :)
Thank you for making a Kindle edition! LOVE it :)
Will all the recipes on the blog recipe index be included?
Hi Katelyn. No, but some will along with recipes you have not seen from Lisa before. :)
Thinking about preordering the cook book. Just wondering if you add sugar to most or just a few of your recipes?
Hi Jessica. Lisa uses refined sugar in very few recipes. It is a rare exception. ~Amy
I will be placing my order for your book next Thursday!! And I’m even ordering it from that book store close to your home so that I can get a signed copy!! :-D I am so excited!! Your website has helped me tremendously in my family’s transition from processed chemical foods to whole natural healthy food. We are still struggling because there aren’t very many “organic” options here where I live but slowly we are getting it right. I have spent hours on your site just trying to feed my family healthy food. And to think, this search began because from the processed chicken nuggets we were feeding my children, my 4 year old little girl (who is 5 now) had begun growing boobs. I was mortified. The doctor I saw told me straight up that he thought it was the processed foods she had been eating. I plan to pack their school lunches when this school term starts.
So excited to order your book! I stumbled across your blog maybe a year ago and it has helped so much in transitioning my family over to a healthier diet!! I swear that all the changes we made is what helped fix my hormone imbalances, insomnia, and much more. Thanks for working hard to help others :)
Just pre-ordered my copy. I am so stinkin’ excited about this cookbook!!
It looks wonderful. I am ordering this for my daughter’s birthday. She has a demanding job and a special needs aspberger boy who loves sweets too much. She is always looking for snacks he will like. He also cooks,so,he can learn to make unprocessed food. Aspberger children are extremely intelligent,so I know this book will capture his need to know the why of everything :)
Preorder done, I added some silicone cupcake moulds to get free shipping! The main reason for the preorder is to say thank you for all your hard work, research and courage to share your journey. My husband and I visit your site many times a week looking for meal solutions.
I’m so excited for your book and the sneak peek only made me more so. This is going to be my Christmas gift!
I just pre-ordered! I’m really looking forward to it!
Pre-ordered!! Looking forward to receiving it in the mail!! Congrats!
Been a fan of your website for the last year, and have found many of the recipes inexpensive and totally modifiable for a single person. Just pre-ordered the book. Can’t wait!
I’m so excited!!
So excited for this book! Will you go on a book tour?
Hi there. Nothing specific is planned just yet. ~Amy
Lisa,
Wow, it looks so wonderful and tasty :)
Job well done!
Going to tell some of my female friends about this, and hopefully they’ll pre-order it.
Cheers!
I preordered with Amazon. I wish I’d preordered the signed one. Haha! Anyways, I can’t wait! I’m so driven now to cook and prepare fresh and organic meals. My 3 year old and 10 month old devour everything I make and my husband does too! I live daily by your meal plans and have for the last 4 weeks! I’d pay good money for more meal plans & shopping lists… Hint hint! Next book!!!!
I cannot wait to get this book! I’m also ordering a copy for my parents. I’ve been eating clean for a few months and I’m slowly but surely getting them on the bandwagon, as well! Thanks for being such an inspiration in my journey.
Hi – I pre-ordered! I have been a long time reader and wish you much luck with this book!!
Pre-ordered mine!!
I definitely pre-ordered your cookbook through amazon. I came across your site a little over a month ago, and I love it. My passion in cooking has been reignited, and everything tastes so much better fresh! Thank you for your hard work and dedication to this important cause! I’m looking forward to getting this book!
Sounds great!! Can’t wait!! By the way…what brand of whole wheat pasta do u buy? I find them to be really heavy.
Hi Amanda. Both the Earth Fare and Whole Foods 365 brands are good pastas. They are a bit more heavy just because they are whole grain. ~Amy
Can’t wait for your cookbook! Already I can’t wait to try the mini quiches this week for my daughter’s kindergarten lunch! And a bonus is we already have the silicone muffin liners so I am good to go! :)
Totally awesome! Our family doesn’t like processed food and we’re looking for REAL wholesome food recipes. Your site is a great help!
I can’t wait!!! Super EXCITED for the real thing, in my hands, pictures and all!!! Way to go Lisa, thank you for your hard work and dedication!!!
DOESN’T want unhealthy pizza. Also…the pops are for my little boys as well…didn’t just make for myself…haha.
Omg im so excited for your cookbook!!! Been slowly…I mean slowly converting to healthier less processed lifestyle (mostly resistance from my husband). I felt really good the other day when my husband actually said thank you for pushing for the healthier food. That he feels better and want unhealthy pizza like he used to. It’s truly because of this blog that encouraged me to learn more about real food. So for that, I truly thank you!!! Also…the page you shared for the frozen yogurt pops two ways. I mixed up the ingredients for the orange cream one…OMG I could eat the mix and be happy!!! Can’t wait to try the pops (used zipzickles) tomorrow!!
Since this is one of my “go to” sites for recipes, I definitely pre-ordered. Super excited for the book! :)
Love that you’re championing independent/local book sellers! Can’t wait for my copy. I’ve perused your blog for a year now and the movie “Fed Up” finally pushed me into getting serious about avoiding processed foods. I’m 2 weeks off soda and candy and feel great! Thanks for spelling things out–you’ve certainly made the lifestyle seem attainable.
I got a pre-order of it for Christmas :) The gift-giver thought I might feel like I didn’t really get a gift since it’s not here until August, but I was so glad to know it would be coming– no matter how long the wait! So excited and happy for you :) What an accomplishment!
I just ordered my book and I am soooo excited! I have been reading your blog for almost three years and I love it! I am always making your recipes, so I am especially excited for your cookbook! Thank you for helping us cook and eat better!
I was in Barnes and Noble this week looking for your cookbook. I just assumed that you were already published because this blog is so great! I will be preordering.
August cannot get here soon enough. I am willing to by pass the entire summer and get right into the cold winter just to get your book. Love, love, love your blog. I was completely inspired by your blog and your families journey to real food. I can’t thank you enough for helping my family start a healthier eating lifestyle. I wonder now why we didn’t do this sooner. Advice to anyone out there trying to decide whether or not to start a journey of their own. DO IT NOW!!!! It is was easier than you think and you will not miss your old way of eating. Thank you Lisa and everyone else at 100 Days for all your hard work.
Just ordered mine, super excited! The number veg friendly recipes sold me. Love that you made the book so adaptable to different diets.
I’m looking forward to it! I pre-ordered from Amazon a few weeks or so ago. I think I may pre-order one for my mom too!
It would make a great gift! :)
Just want to say that I am very excited about your new cookbook! I just wish it were coming out sooner :-)
You and me both!
Will the book be available for kindle? Either way I’m excited. Your recipes have been really helpful to our family. We haven’t totally eliminated all processed food but we’ve begun the process of doing so. Thank you!
Yes! There is a Kindle version available for preorder now.
Just pre-ordered the cookbook!!! So excited to receive it.
Yay – thank you so much!
Mine has been pre-ordered since your first announcement! Telling all my friends here in Nova Scotia all about it! Very excited.
You are wonderful for helping me spread the word! :)
So excited that so many recipes will be gluten free! I’m just curious when you say “or could easily be made” gluten free, do you mean that we could sub a gf option (like gf flour)? My book is pre-ordered and I can’t wait!
I am glad that will be helpful to you! And when I say “can easily be” it’s something even easier than switching flours – it would be like using gluten-free sandwich bread on a sandwich or using brown rice noodles in a pasta dish instead of whole-wheat. So it’s only for super simple swaps.
How exciting!! I bet your cookbook is going to be incredible!
Thank you!
Just pre-ordered! Can’t wait!
Yay – thank you!
Your cookbook sounds amazing! And so many great resources that people can use over and over again. Can’t wait to check it out!
Thanks so much LeAnn!
Already pre-ordered through amazon! Too bad – didn’t know about the local option. Looks like it will be a great book!
We just worked out that local signed option yesterday – so sorry! As I suggested above you could give the first copy as a gift so you can order the signed version for yourself? Just a thought :)
Any plans to re-release the school lunches plans? I missed out on that when you did the limited time promo. I am definitely buying this book but would love to have the lunches too!
We may at some point, but with this book coming out in August it won’t be anytime soon!
So excited for this book that I pre-ordered it as soon as you made the announcement! Darn, though, because had I known, I would have waited to order through your bookstore to get a signed copy :(
You could always give away the first copy away as a gift :) Just a suggestion!