A while back I was approached by Moe Jeanson  and Jamie Wilson to take a look at their book.  These ladies were filled with enthusiasm.  They told me the Squeaky Gourmet cookbook would partner nicely with the recipes and lifestyle I promote on MarlaMeridith.com.  Yup, there are lots of parallels…..good, simple cooking with all natural ingredients.
They talk about the Big Batchand having healthy food choices always within reach.  The book promotes a lifestyle filled with flavor and agrees with the no deprivation rule that I always talk about.  Moe is a fitness specialist for the Navy and she has an online fit support group. Both women have had significant weight loss, mood and energy improvements & health benefits following a natural foods diet.
Each recipe In Squeaky Gourmet is filled with whole food ingredients, with a focus on fruit, veggies, lean proteins and healthy fats. There are some “clean food” charts  showing good food choices and  great time saver tips.  Each recipe has nutrition data and a simple pie chart that breaks down the carbs, fat and protein in per serving.  The Squeaky Gourmet is sort of a manual meets cookbook.  It is a wonderful addition to a cookbook library.  Nothing about this book will overwhelm, it will just inspire you to cook up those delicious, healthy meals.
A bit about the visual stuff: Â The book is not heavy on photos or graphics, so if you want a photo to accompany each recipe you will not get it here. Â There is one photo that introduces each section of the book. Â The book comes in soft cover only and the price point is lower than the big daddy hard covers.
There is one recipe per page and they each call for simple to find ingredients. Â If you are a seasoned home chef you probably all ready make a lot of these types of meals on your own. Â This book is especially suitable for the beginner cook looking for healthy meal planning. Â Even though I do loads of cooking, I still got great ideas from this book. Â Ingredients are easy to find and not expensive. Â Modifications can easily be made, swapping out different veggies, proteins etc. Â You are likely to have most of these ingredients in your pantry, which is a very nice thing!
Inside the Squeaky Gourmet Cookbook
Along with some helpful info on Clean Foods and Learning to Cook Efficiently. Â There are also a few pages defining Protein, Fat and Carbs and why we need each of these in our balanced diets daily.
The recipe sections are broken down into Protein, Carbs and Fat with subcategories in each. Â Some examples include:
PROTEIN
- Chicken and Turkey: Poached Citrus Thyme Chicken, Turkey Lime Soup
- Fish: Trout Creole Cakes, Sesame Seared Tuna
- Beef: House Goulash, Lime Spiced Steak
- Eggs, Dairy and Protein Powder: Denver Scramble, Pomegranate Vanilla Shake
CARBOHYDRATES
- Grains: Confetti Barley, Slivered Almonds and Pecan Granola
- Potatoes: Pan Fried Sweet Taters, Savory Sweet Potatoes
- Vegetables: Rosemary Roasted Vegetables, Sesame Broccoli
- Legumes: Baby Limas and Tomatoes, Creole Turtle Bean Soup
- Fruits and Desserts: Pumpkin Cranberry Cookie, Quick Peanut Butter Cookies
FATS
Killer Pecans, Cool Avocado Dip, Green Chile Chipotle Dip
*This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for all of your entries. Two winners have been selected by random.org. Visit the giveaway page below to see who won!
You can visit the Squeaky Gourmet website/blog.
The book is available for purchase at amazon.com
Sounds like it is right down OUR alley. YUM!
Thanks for the peek inside.
I can definitely see the passion shining from your blog, Marla. You’re one talented lady, and I’m so glad you have the blog to show your gifts, so that we can enjoy them 🙂
I’m of course most interested in the carb section of this cookbook….confetti barley! I wonder what that looks like!
Wow, I didn’t know you previously worked for Disney. That’s awesome. Your design skills totally reflect in your blog! Thanks for the book review, that salmon sounds fab.
A nice book!
Cheers,
Rosa
I enjoy blogging for the same reasons…it’s such a great creative outlet! 🙂 This book sounds like such a great tool for inspiring healthy meals, thanks for the review, Marla!
This looks like a great book! Sometimes one has to ask oneself “Am I living a balanced life?”
What a nice review! We try and update the site with new recipes that are not found in our book–just a little bonus.
We have also dipped into some gluten free things since my daughter has Celiac’s.
Thanks for helping us spread the good word that healthy whole foods are better for you and easy to prepare as well!
In Health
Moe
Very nice book review with inspirational photos. Your website is wonderful!
Sounds like a good basic book to have on hand when the need for ideas and healthy options is felt!
congrats on all your other endeavors!
I totally understand about “trying to do everything” there never seems to be enough time for us mommies…great post…cute book
sweetlife
You can’t beat simple, clean food! My favorite:) Looks like a great book!
Squeaky Gourmet sounds wonderful! Off to try and win!!
If you worked for Disney I’m sure you’ve a lot of imagination for your cooking 🙂
A very interesting cookbook to enjoy!
Have a great week,
Gera
What a great review! I LOVE cookbooks with photos for every recipe. I’ve entered on the giveaway post. If I don’t get lucky enough to win, I’m probably going to have to buy this book.
Lil sis, just wanted to let you know that I love your enthusiasm! Wanna make sure you are not mislead if you win or get ahold of the Squeaky gourmet cookbook….the photos are few and far between. They only highlight the beginning of each section. There are 10 pages of color photos in the whole 141 page book. Don’t let that deter you though, great book anyway.
Sounds like an inspiring book and would be great for those new to healthy natural eating.
absolutely stunning salmon photo!
I am a 41 year old mom of 2 who is just starting on my weight loss/clean eating journey. This book sounds amazing! A dear friend of mine found you on FB and directed me here. I’m so glad she did!
I hadn’t heard of this book until today. Sounds like it would be a wonderful addition to my collection! My family and I have made a lifestyle change starting this year. We are eating healthier, exercising and challenging ourselves to be better in all that we do!
Just the kind of meals I need to cook to lose weight!
Usually, my husband cooks, and he’s good at it, but even good cooks need a break sometimes. I need some simple meals for nights when he’s not up for it, so we don’t end up with burgers (like last night) or worse–pizza.