Just Eat Real Food: 30-Minute Nutrient-Dense Meals for a Healthy, Balanced Life

By Caitlin Greene

Whole-Food, Flavor-Forward Cooking Made Simple

Finding the right balance between healthy, convenient and delectable recipes can be challenging when you’re constantly on the go. Luckily for you, Caitlin Greene knows a little something about pulling together meals that are as vibrant and nutritious as they are indulgent—in as little time as possible. Founder of the wildly popular blog and Instagram account Star Infinite Food, Caitlin is one of the leaders in modern health-conscious cooking centered on intuitive eating and food freedom. Followers have dubbed her cuisine “healthy food porn.” And in her debut cookbook you’ll get more than 60 of her best recipes for everyday meals that will thrill, comfort and nourish you through and through. Did we mention that they take no time at all to put together?

Get a mouthful of decadence in each bite of her Mediterranean Turkey Burgers—which come together in just 25 minutes—or the equally effortless Creamy Tuscan Chicken. Caitlin has got you covered if you crave plant-based deliciousness with her Smashed Brussels Sprouts with Maple-Mustard Apples and Stuffed Zucchini with Cauliflower Tabbouleh, both of which are ready to eat in 30 minutes or less. Instead of denying your cravings for sweets, Caitlin helps you make smart swaps with unrefined sugars and nutritious gluten-free flours. Whip up twists on classic desserts like her Chocolate Banana Tart and Cinnamon Roll Cookies for all the familiar comfort with added pizzazz.

With Caitlin’s wealth of cooking knowledge and gentle guidance at your fingertips, pretty soon your weeknights will turn into exciting moments of reconnection with your love of food—and by extension, your well-being.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Mar 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9781645672241

Book preview

FAQs About Eating Real Food Every Day

Q: Are you vegan, vegetarian, Paleo, gluten-free and/or dairy-free?

A: I personally don’t follow any strict diet, except a gluten-free one because I can’t tolerate gluten. I try to minimize my dairy intake, but I don’t eliminate it completely. When I use dairy, I opt for grass-fed and raw (cheese).

My food philosophy overall is to seek balance and use whole foods. I don’t count calories. I try to stay mindful of portions and listen to my hunger cues. Some days, I eat more plant-based; other days, I eat more animal-based.

Q: What basic tools does a foodie need to be successful in the kitchen?

A: Here is a list of my top essential kitchen tools:

• One good, solid, sharp knife

• One good serrated knife

• Saucepans in a few different sizes—at least one small and one large. I prefer cast iron. I don’t like to use nonstick pans, as the coating eventually breaks down and releases toxins.

• One or two wood cutting boards

• Measuring spoons

• Liquid measuring cups and solid measuring cups (there is a difference)

• Wooden spoon(s), spatula and whisk

• Food processor

• Hand grater

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer (optional)

• Mixing bowls of a few different sizes

• Two sheet pans

• One muffin pan and/or loaf pan

Q: What are your favorite kitchen tools to make it easier to cook real food every day?

A: Here are the tools I recommend:

• Air fryer: I use my Ninja® Foodi™ Grill (it has multiple functions) daily.

• Pressure cooker: This is really good to have for making things that you would typically make in a slow cooker, but much faster. I recommend Ninja or Instant Pot®.

• Quality blender: You can get a high-speed blender of good quality for about $200. The cost justifies the result of the food blending and texture. If you want one that is going to not only get great results, but also last, you’ll be spending between $400 and $600. I recommend a Blendtec®.

• Immersion blender: One of these is good to have, especially if you don’t already have a quality high-speed blender. This works well for soups and sauces.

• Ice-cream maker: You can make your own flavors using ingredients that work for you. I recommend