Paleo or "Paleolithic" diet is a diet based on the food that
our ancestors used to consume and at the same time is adapted for our modern
lifestyle. Paleo recipes are known to be nutritious but yet high on taste.
3. Meat
Say yes to free range or pasture bred chicken, pork, grass fed beef and lamb. You can have your steak without feeling guilty. There are plenty of Paleo recipes that show you how to cook meat in unique ways. You could have them in a rich soup, use them in stir fries, curries or just toss them into your salad. Fancy an apple and sausage salad? Yum yum!
It is common knowledge that our forefathers were healthier than us. They ate
natural food items, there was no mention of 'refined sugars', 'unsaturated fat'
or 'processed food' in their diet. They mainly survived on meat of grass-fed
animals, seafood and plenty of vegetables and fruits. Agriculture came into
practice long after. Hence, grains were not included and neither were dairy
products.
Of course, our ancestors were also healthy because they carried out plenty of
physical activity. Needless to say, the Paleo diet is best when the amazing
Paleo recipes are combined with exercise.
What can I eat then?
1. Plenty of fruits and vegetables
PALEO JalapeƱo Chicken Burgers with Guacamole
Experiment with them. Have fruits and vegetables that you were so far apprehensive of trying. Brussels sprouts, time to come out of your hiding spot!
It is amazing how you can incorporate fruits and vegetables into your diet. You
could snack on strips of carrots or cucumbers when you are hungry. You could
have all kind of fruits that you like in a fruit salad. You could toss some
spinach or mushrooms into your omelette and go for a wholesome frittata. The
options under Paleo recipes are endless!
2. Nuts
Nuts like walnuts, pistachios and cashew nuts are great as a quick replacement
in case you happen to skip breakfast. They are rich in proteins, fiber and
omega 3 fatty acids and yummy too! Make sure you have these in moderation
though.
3. Meat
Paleo Chicken Apple Bacon Sliders
Say yes to free range or pasture bred chicken, pork, grass fed beef and lamb. You can have your steak without feeling guilty. There are plenty of Paleo recipes that show you how to cook meat in unique ways. You could have them in a rich soup, use them in stir fries, curries or just toss them into your salad. Fancy an apple and sausage salad? Yum yum!
4. Fish
Salmon is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids. They are tasty and even
help you lose weight.
5. Eggs
You can cook eggs in a number of ways. There are a million Paleo recipes that
could help you with cooking eggs. Fry, boil, scramble or poach them; eggs are
always delicious. Avoid having the yolk too often though, it is high in
cholesterol.
What you must bid good bye to:
- Grains and cereals
Replace rice with cauliflower in Paleo recipes where you can. Substitute
flour with plantain, coconut, tapioca or almond flour.
- Dairy products
Substitute milk with almond, coconut or hazelnut milk. They taste just as great
as cow's milk and are better for you. There are even Paleo recipes for
ice creams!
- Beverages
The only beverages you are allowed to have are water and tea. Avoid coffee and
definitely, no aerated drinks. They are full of empty calories and is
essentially just water with loads of sugar. That being said, an occasional diet
soda wouldn't exactly be a crime.
Paleo isn't just a diet. It is a lifestyle. It is never easy to switch to a
completely new lifestyle but once you are sportive about it, you definitely
can. Make sure that you enjoy grocery shopping and make it a habit. Fill your
shopping baskets with plenty of organic fruits, vegetable, meat and spices.
There are several cook books and websites devoted exclusively to Paleo
recipes. Get cooking and I assure you that you will never run out of
choices.
If you are still having second thoughts about the Paleo lifestyle, think about
this; when the cave men could eat healthy, why can't you? Get your hands on
some lip smacking Paleo recipes today and watch yourself transform into
a fitter and a healthier person!