A Healthier Home Cook Book Review

With over 75 wholesome recipes, A Healthier Home Cook invites readers to rethink their approach to cooking by focusing on whole-body health. Shawna Holman provides the tools to reclaim your kitchen from processed foods and hidden chemicals, offering practical advice alongside recipes that feel both approachable and indulgent. If you're ready to replace packaged convenience foods with real ingredients, this book could be your next kitchen companion. For fans of True Roots by Kristin Cavallari or The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila, this book strikes a perfect balance between wellness and practicality.

I received this book for free from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. While I haven't cooked from this book, I evaluated its usability, recipe structure, and overall appeal.

Author

Shawna Holman, known for her best-seller A Healthier Home, is an advocate for reducing toxic exposure in daily life. Her first book tackled making the home “A Little Less Toxic,” while her new release shifts the focus to the heart of the home: the kitchen. Shawna’s mission blends her passion for natural living and practical, actionable steps, making her work accessible even for those new to the clean living movement. If you’re drawn to clean, intentional living but don’t know where to start, Shawna’s practical style makes the transition feel doable and empowering.

Audience

This cookbook is perfect for health-conscious home cooks, beginners transitioning away from processed foods, and families seeking balanced recipes that nourish without sacrificing flavor. It’s especially helpful for those who want to eliminate store-bought products in favor of homemade staples. If you're a crunchy mom, a scrunchy mom or just someone looking to do more whole food cooking, this book is for you. This book doesn't have a lot of unique recipes, but it does have great recipes for 'core foods' that you might otherwise get in a store or restaurant.

Mission

Shawna Holman aims to help readers make healthier choices, one meal at a time. By focusing on accessible recipes, ingredient transparency, and practical kitchen tips, A Healthier Home Cook serves as a comprehensive guide to creating a cleaner, more nourishing kitchen.

Standout and Unique Features

A robust basics chapter with shopping guides for healthier kitchen essentials.
Recipes that replace store-bought items like granola, dressings, and broths.
A clear focus on whole foods and reducing processed ingredients.

What I liked

I loved the variety of recipes that cater to different meals and occasions.
The inclusion of tips for building a healthier pantry and avoiding hidden chemicals feels empowering, and the recipes are flavorful yet practical.
The recipes have weight measurements!

FAQ

Is A Healthier Home Cook good for weeknight cooking?

Yes, this book is great for weeknight cooking. While some dishes take longer, the author wrote this in mind with the average home cook doing the cooking.

Does A Healthier Home Cook focus on basics or more advanced techniques?

This cookbook focuses on basics. The basics chapter provides essential shopping guides, and the recipes are straightforward and easy to make.

How is the picture quality and quantity in A Healthier Home Cook?

The book includes many beautiful photographs. Each recipe has a photograph.

Does A Healthier Home Cook need unique tools or equipment?

No unique tools are needed.

Does A Healthier Home Cook need unique ingredients?

Most ingredients are readily available at well-stocked grocery stores or online.

How much time do the recipes take in A Healthier Home Cook?

Recipes vary from quick meals to more elaborate dishes suitable for weekends.

Does A Healthier Home Cook provide nutritional information?

No, it does not provide nutritional information.

Are the recipes family-friendly in A Healthier Home Cook?

Absolutely! Many dishes are designed for sharing and are easy to customize for picky eaters.

Is A Healthier Home Cook part of a series?

No, it is not part of a series.

Can I read A Healthier Home Cook like a book?

There's a lot of little tidbits on each recipe that makes it interesting to read like a book. I certainly did.

Is A Healthier Home Cook a keeper for the collection or a borrower from the library?

Honestly, if you want healthy, whole food recipes, you should just buy this book outright. If you are looking for a cookbook that has unique recipes with interesting, new ideas, this might not be the book for you.

Recipe Review

Recipes I’ve Tried

None Yet.

Recipes I’m Excited to Try

Sushi Roll in a Bowl
Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf with Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Chocolate Pudding with Raw Honey Whipped Cream

Best Recipes for Different Occasions

Quick Breakfasts: DIY Acai Bowl with Rich Maple Granola
Family Dinner: Enchiladas Verdes with Taqueria-Style Roasted Carrots
Indulgent Desserts: Dairy-Free Caramel Corn

Final Verdict: A Permanent Addition?

This is definitely a keeper for those prioritizing whole-food, family-friendly meals and a toxin-free kitchen! At this point in my life, when I'm trying to make easy, healthy dinners for my family most days, this is perfect for my daily rotation. If I were looking to expand my cooking skills or flavors, this book wouldn't help me with those goals.

If You Are Interested In This Book, You Might Also Like:

If you enjoy A Healthier Home Cook, you might also like True Roots by Kristin Cavallari for clean eating recipes with a family-friendly focus or The Homemade Pantry by Alana Chernila for homemade staples and pantry swaps.