Eating healthy doesn't have to be boring. For the uninitiated, the Paleo diet is a tribute to our ancestors' way of eating – focusing on lean meats, vegetables, fruits, and nuts, while avoiding processed foods, grains, sugars, and most dairy products. If this sounds interesting, our Healthy Recipes Spot is your go-to hub for an array of flavourful and nutritious Paleo recipes.
Its roots go back to the Paleolithic era, which dates from approximately 2.5 million to 10,000 years ago. The case for the Paleo diet is to return to the food habits of our ancestors who thrived on such a diet for several millennia. It is hypothesized that our genetics are optimized for this kind of diet, far removed from today's processed, high-sugar foods that tend to dominate our meals.
The Paleo diet focuses on healthy, whole foods that can be hunted or gathered: fresh meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while excluding food groups like grains, most dairy, legumes, refined sugars, and processed foods.
Just any diet, Paleo comes with its share of benefits. Many people find that this way of eating helps them manage their weight without counting calories, and others report improved energy levels. A Paleo diet may also provide some health benefits, such as reducing risk factors for heart disease, improving glucose control, and reducing inflammation.
1. Banana and egg pancakes Simply mash up bananas in a large bowl, then stir in eggs, nutmeg and a pinch of salt. Pan-fry spoonfuls in some coconut oil, then serve with a drizzle of honey and a dusting of almond meal.
2. Grilled chicken salad with avocado dressing For a healthy and satisfying lunch, try a salad with grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, and a dressing made with mashed avocado, garlic, lime juice, and tahini.
3. Seared salmon with sweet potato fries Enjoy a fillet of salmon seared in a griddle pan, served with baked sweet potato fries and a side salad.
4. Dark chocolate almond butter cups These delicious treats combine the richness of dark chocolate with the smooth creaminess of almond butter - a perfect Paleo-friendly treat.
1. Can I eat dairy on the Paleo diet?
Most strict Paleo dieters avoid dairy products. However, some people choose to include dairy products like butter and cheese in their diet. It's individual preference, but generally, it's better to choose raw, organic, and pasture-raised dairy if you decide to include it.
2. Can I eat grains on the Paleo diet?
Generally, grains are not included in the Paleo diet since they were not part of our ancestors' diet. That said, some people following a more liberal Paleo diet include pseudo-grains like quinoa and amaranth, considering their high nutritional value.
3. Does the Paleo diet include snacks?
Yes, the Paleo diet does permit snacks. Great snack options can include raw nuts and seeds, boiled eggs, fruits, and vegetables with hummus or guacamole.
4. Can I drink coffee or alcohol on the Paleo diet?
Coffee and alcohol are technically not part of the Paleo diet. However, most followers of the Paleo diet operate under an 80/20 rule (eating Paleo 80% of the time) and include these in their "20%."
The Paleo diet is an intuitive, straightforward method to potentially increase our health and lose weight, by consuming what our bodies were designed to eat. It might take some effort to ditch some of the foods you're used to, but in exchange, you gain a range of flavorful, nutrition-rich and healthy choices. Whether you're considering Paleo or are already following the lifestyle and need fresh ideas, give these recipes a try!