100 Days of Real Food: On a Budget: Simple Tips and Tasty Recipes to Help You Cut Out Processed Food Without Breaking the Bank

by Lisa Leake

The author of the phenomenal bestselling 100 Days of Real Food series addresses the most common concern of her readers—how to cut out processed food on a tight budget—in this full-color cookbook with shopping lists and prices for each recipe.

Millions of American families are discovering the dangers of eating processed food. But wholesome, fresh ingredients can seem more expensive—from buying organic grains, dairy, and produce to the issue of food waste as people learn to plan and cook in new ways.

With her hugely popular 100 Days of Real Food blog and her two bestselling books, Lisa Leake has been a leader in helping everyday families move away from processed foods. She also understands the concerns of her followers who want to eat better without breaking the bank! In 100 Days of Real On a Budget she shows readers how to make a variety of unprocessed dishes for $15 or less a recipe.

Unlike other budget cookbooks that only calculate the cost per serving (have you ever tried to buy just ¼ cup of sour cream?), this incredibly practical book gives you the exact total cost for all the necessary ingredients for each dish, helping busy families even on the tightest budget plan the meals that will work for them. Lisa provides delicious recipes for breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner, as well as snacks and desserts,

Cinnamon Roll PancakesQuiche with an Easy Whole-Wheat CrustSweet Potato and Black Bean CakesLemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Toasted CoconutGreen Apple SlawChicken Burrito BowlsCheesy Pasta and Cauliflower BakeApple Glazed Pork ChopsSausage and Pepper TacosAsian Chicken Lettuce CupsOatmeal Cookie Energy BitesPina Colada Frozen Yogurt PopsIn addition to the wallet-friendly recipes, Lisa shares practical secrets for saving money in the learning to plan ahead, getting the best deals on staple items, knowing what to make versus what to buy, growing your own herbs, and even reducing waste—which is currently twenty percent of all food purchased!

Genres: Cookbooks, Nonfiction, Cooking, Food, Diets

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2018

About the author

Lisa Leake is a wife, mother, foodie, blogger and author of the #1 New York Times Best Seller, 100 Days of Real Food. She began chronicling her family's journey on 100DaysofRealFood.com when in 2010 they decided to start seeking out the real food in our processed food world. What started as a simple pledge has turned into a valuable and practical resource that's now read by millions around the globe. Lisa has appeared on Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, CNN, and The Doctors TV Show.

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some things that I really liked about this book, but there were other things that concerned me.

First, I loved seeing the list of "staples" at the front of the book and copied this for future reference. I have some of these in my kitchen, but not all.

Leake provided a weekly menu of items for each of the seasons in the year. Does her family stay strictly to this weekly plan? With no variation? I would think mealtimes would get very boring, very quickly!

Leake not only provided a shopping list for the weekly menu, but for each individual recipe, as well. I liked this aspect - very helpful.

What I didn't like was the pricing of the individual items - mostly because I don't shop at any of the grocery / discount stores listed by the author (the majority don't exist near me). Also, somewhat concerning (because there are specific prices provided for each item), is that this book is probably going to date quickly, because prices change (and frequently).

I also wish there were more pictures and while I did copy a few recipes, most of these did not match my dietary needs.

I would recommend this to people who do a lot of shopping at places such as Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joes, Aldi's, Kroger (really wish we had one), and Publix, AND for those who do not have dietary concerns.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be decent but too simplistic for us. We have clean recipes in other more comprehensive books and I didn’t find anything new or intriguing. Two main drawbacks for me: we don’t eat a lot of refined carbs (biscuits, waffles, etc.) and her budget info took up a lot of space but seemed out of touch with reality. I got nothing out of those parts. Not a keeper for my overflowing cookbook shelves.

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

When there's a budget saving tip of: Not buying pure maple syrup...
Come on....

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love to cook, and even more than that I love to read about how to create new healthy meals for my family! When I saw this book on the New Non-Fiction Books shelf at the local public library, I knew I wanted to read it, and I'm very glad I did. The author's warm, welcoming tone will set new cooks at ease right from the start.

This cookbook is well-organized and user-friendly in its format. The one thing I personally believe would make all cookbooks even better is a spriral binding so the book is easier to read while actually in the kitchen cooking. Otherwise, this book contains appealing color photographs of the recipes and the author's family and friends in various settings.

The recipes are divided into several chapters by category, such as: snack and appetizers, slow cooker favorites, etc. Each recipe includes an ingredients list, difficulty rating, prep and cooking times, servings made, special tools needed, the instructions, and notes about whether the recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, nut-free, freezer friendly, etc. All of the information provided is extremely helpful to the cook.

I am looking forward to trying the author's recipes for Quick Fridge Pickles/Quickles, Easy Chickpea Salad, Oatmeal Cookie Energy Bites, and Granola, in particular.

Highly-recommended to cooks looking for healthy, no-nonsense recipes for their families; middle-graders/tweens/teens who want to learn to cook; and individuals with specific dietary needs/restrictions.

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I borrowed this book from the local public library.

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[Reina Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tips and recipes. Leake's recipes tend to be pretty simple and straightforward, and this cookbook has some that are favorites with my sons.

[Shauna · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like the premis of 100 days, but the recipes are not something I could get my family onboard with. That is saying something because they are adventurous eaters.

[Limeminearia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Deeply irritating.

[Theresa Diulus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I anxiously awaited this cookbook’s arrival and preordered it last November when I first heard about it. I have followed the 100daysofrealfood blog since long before there was a first book and have been impressed with the previous two books. This 3rd one from Lisa really hits it out of the park visually the way each recipe’s budget is laid out (along with a color photo and shopping list) in a clearly organized manner. Multiple dietary accommodations are shown on the recipes (ie: gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, etc.) as well as in a convenient table in the back of the book for handy reference. The dinner plans, supermarket comparison prices (some may surprise you) and packed lunch ideas for kids and adults all provide valuable time and money saving information for those seeking to use real foods in their kitchen. On top of all of these positive attributes, the recipes themselves use accessible ingredients and are not complicated. Lisa’s own children contributed recipes that look delicious and should encourage members of all ages in families to cook real food!

[Valerie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was a bit disappointed in this cookbook. Most of the recipes were extremely simple, such as campfire potatoes, which were potatoes and onions in foil packets with salt, pepper and oil.
Additionally, I would not consider the recipes to be budget conscious. Just the main dinner entree would run a family of four light eaters between $70 and and $100 a week. Add in sides, lunches, breakfasts, snacks and a hungry teenager and your weekly budget is easily doubled or tripled. $200-$300 a week for a family of four is not budget friendly for most of America. Pure maple syrup is probably not a budget choice, nor is locally sourced meat. While definitely the healthier, and trendier, socially conscious choice, $8-$10 a pound for organic chicken, fish, or beef is not inexpensive.

[Minna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, I can say this: my Publix definitely charges more than Ms. Leake's Publix, lol.

I will try some of these recipes, particularly the chick-fil-a nuggets knockoff (is pickle juice really the flavor secret!? I never would have guessed). I didn't need recipes for, uh, toast.

While a lot of this looks delicious, I have a feeling that as my kids get older I'll far exceed both the author's portion sizes and budget. Heck, my 5 year old already eats as much as either of her (much older) daughters do. But that's my problem, I suppose.

I will look up the blog to see if there are more meal plan examples as I assume the author does not make the same week of meals all season long.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is pretty simplistic, nothing that even a moderately experienced cook wouldn’t already have known or tried. I read this on kindle and was mildly interested in a few recipes enough to google them, but couldn’t find her versions and don’t care enough to buy the book. I did get a chuckle out of her recipe for “Flavored Toast.”

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've mentioned, previously, how I enjoy reading through cookbooks prior to making a purchase... always like to check the recipes and how they might fit with my family.

Having been a fan of the two previous "100 Days of Real Food" cookbooks, this was a must read.
While finding "On a Budget" {title shortened} informative I, also, thought the recipes were familiar... perhaps they appeared in a previous book? I didn't take the time to check, though.
One new aspect, to the recipes, each has a price breakdown. Very convenient if you're trying to follow a strict grocery budget.

Ms. Leake does explain the message/reasoning behind her program in each book, which is helpful for newcomers and a refresher for others.

I did enjoy reading through the book and recipes, but remain uncertain if I will purchase. Perhaps if I find it on sale?

If you're curious about the 100 Days of Real Food program, I would recommend checking out the cookbooks from your local library and following Ms Leake on social media.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. I was a little underwhelmed by her first book, but this is more impressive - she's feeding a family of 4 for $125 per week - less than the SNAP $167 benefit. And its all real food. So the main takeaway here is the budgeting tips - to really get the savings, you'd have to use her menus. The food is pretty family friendly, and the portions are realistic - though her kids are elementary school age. She's not feeding two adults and two high school football players, or athletes, or anyone with allergies or a special dieet. the food is good, but basic. And the prep time is sometimes a little longer than I'd like, but she does give tips for paring down and preparing in advance.

If you need to get dinner on the table every night and you'd like some realistic ways to shave a few dollars off your weekly grocery bill, this is a good book to check out. The box lunch section was particular useful.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Probably can't honestly rate this bc I haven't tried any recipes yet, but overall they looked pretty tasty and easy ish.

She had some tips on saving money and stretching food, mostly was adding beans to meat dishes, haha.

Nothing super new. But I'll probably be more mindful for a couple months on not eating or buying much sugar and processed food. :p As long as you stick with fairly common simpler (well, common to me) ingredients, shouldn't break the bank.

(An Instagram account I just started following called just.ingredients has similar ideas; where to start in replacing certain items, and how sometimes the healthier option is just as cheap)

Anywayyy. Nothing really mind blowing or new, but I guess her purpose wasn't as much the health side of it as to give you recipes.

Might be fairly helpful to current readers in giving more specific prices and total amounts for each recipe, but also agree that it'll probably be quickly "out of date" because of that?

[Themountainbookie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This cook book is average. Any of these recipes could be used as a weeknight meal. As an avid cooker most of these ideas were not fresh or new to me. But I will say 2 recipes have become staples in our home: The Best Waffles and Quick and Easy Fried Rice.

However, if you are new to whole food cooking this book is perfect for you. She’s got great tips on how to do this lifestyle on a budget. You can also tell she must grow a veggie garden because she has lots of ideas on how to use up that zucchini. This book is very family friendly. Lots of recipes sneak in veggies! I think this book would be a great stepping stone for anyone trying to eat healthier or start cooking their own meals from scratch. (So that means it also makes a great Christmas gift 🎁)

[Tracy Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love cookbooks--to a fault! I rarely make any of the fabulous items I see in the cookbooks I read, but I can't help setting a few aside, just in case. (In case my picky eaters are feeling generous enough to try something new.)
I was intrigued by the title of this--for one thing, I eat real food every day of my life. I promise, I have NEVER eaten unreal food. It's just not for me. Another thing that drew me to this book is the fact that it claims to be budget friendly and simple. Those are two things I'm really into these days.
I did only pick a few recipes out of here, but there were several that looked appealing.

[Lauren Fee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I have been researching and trying to understand how to cook real food on a budget for the past four years. I feel like she summarized so many of the tips and tricks that it took me time to discover for myself. I would totally recommend this book to anyone wanting to eat real food with grocery budget constraints. Plus, the meals look delicious. I am so excited to try them and to be honest, I have yet to find a Lisa Leake recipe that was a disappointment, so I expect nothing less from the recipes in this book.

[Eli S · Rating 1 out of 5]

Recipes don't use common units. First recipe I tried was disgusting. Took over an hour when the time estimate said 15 minutes. I don't think this recipe was tested before being put into the book. I am going to return this book. Edit: Wow, this recipe is so gross I just changed my rating from a two star to one star. This is inedible. I'm going to have to throw this food away. Second edit: my dog will eat it at least. I was kinda surprised even he would eat it. At least it wasn't a complete waste of time and ingredients.

[Mckenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When my sissy first gave it to me i wasnt truely ready to read it. But a day up un the mountains with no service seemed a perfect time to read anything. Now this is not a book where you read on and on about how her life was and yada yada. She explains what she did in her other books so you are not confused then goes into the reasons and the way she did her book a bit different with budgets and recipes. Then she goes into her recipes gives you tips and reminds you that you can change things if you dont have everything for that recipe. And these recipes look delicious.

[Kenzie Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Out of Lisa Leake's three cookbooks, this one was the weakest, in my opinion. I thought a few of her money-saving tips were helpful, but that including the price breakdown for every ingredient and even what their prices were at different stores is somewhat irrelevant (especially when I don't have access to many of the stores, along with inflation and prices fluctuating constantly). I also don't want to try as many of these recipes as her other two books, but there are still a couple that look delicious!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unfortunately as of this review I haven't had time to make anything from in here, but I have most of the ingredients now for a few recipes. I like how it is broken down in the little box to show "pantry items - shopping list" and then also a base cost. Clearly this will vary widely depending on where you are in the nation, what store you choose, and whether you use organic or 'premium' items but it's still neat to see.

I will update here after I have tried some recipes!

[Cheryl]

Real food is often cheaper than processed and convenience food anyway, so this wasn't a hard book to write. The emphasis is on pretty food, such an attractive family, with a garden.... and no, I'm not going to substitute white potato for sweet to save a buck. However, I did glean several recipes that I want to try, and I do approve of her substitution of cream cheese for goat cheese! Ymmv. Check out the blog first.

[Abbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love cookbooks, but sometimes a lot of them either have only a few things I would make, recipes that would be very expensive to make, or too “healthy” but not enough flavor. This cookbook on the other hand is great! She adds average prices and healthy recipes. She even added things you will need to buy, things you should check your pantry for, and what you’ll have left over. I am so happy I found this cookbook.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this cookbook and all the recipes I have made have been delicious-not good, delicious. The spinach lasagna is outstanding as is the banana chocolate shake. For the latter, I substituted 2% milk for heavy cream and added an egg for protein.
The recipes are largely easy-which is the way I like to cook. I am not one to spend hours in the kitchen. In reviewing these, they struck me as healthy, easy and yummy.(for those I've cooked so far.)

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great book. Building upon her previous books based on cutting processed foods out of your diet, Lisa focuses on following a whole/real foods diet while sticking to a budget. I think a lot of families and especially college students would benefit from this book. She does an excellent job of illustrating how simple, delicious, quick homemade meals can be both healthy and affordable.

[Rachelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

100 Days of Real Food on a Budget... good range of simple recipes focused on supporting a family with children. Although not all of the recipes are kid friendly, and the portion sizes are smaller than we're used to, this is a great inspirational starting point to feeding your family on a budget with real food. Helpful tips and wonderful photography to make me hungry!

[Laronda Blessing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good recipes, mostly involving ingredients many of us have on hand (not Martha Stewart-like in requiring things you've never heard of or that are ridiculously rare or expensive). Enjoy the blog; enjoy the books.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

not realistic

This might work for a family where they have the time and space to grow their own herbs and spices and have a pantry full of staples already. Not super practical though.

[Lea Lancourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every page is a loud “oooooooh” can’t wait to cook every single recipe! Thanks!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish that there were more pictures, but as a whole this book is pretty good. There are budget tips, and good wholesome recipes. I found quite a few items that I would go for in this book.