The Paleo Diet Potassium Deficiency-min

Potassium & The Paleo Diet

Potassium is one of the key minerals for the diet and it can offer a wealth of health benefits, when consumed in the right level. Potassium is known to help the nervous system, as it plays a part in ensuring it functions properly. It can also help to strengthen muscles in the body and is a good way to reduce cramps. The correct level of potassium will also help the body to maintain a good water balance and ensure that the main organs in the body function to their optimum levels, including the heart and kidneys. A deficiency of potassium can cause a lot of health issues as it will cause a restriction of these organs and can result in an imbalance of minerals in the body.

People who suffer from heart and kidney problems and are overweight, often have far too much sodium in their diet and very little potassium. The wrong ratio of these two can lead to a range of health problems as, although they work well together to ensure the right nutrients are being taken into the body, sodium levels should be at a much lower level than potassium levels. A diet which is high in salt restricts potassium levels and increases sodium levels, which can be highly detrimental in maintaining a healthy body.

As the Paleo diet is based upon the diet of our Stone Age ancestors, it encourages the consumption of foods with high potassium levels and a limitation on those which contain sodium. Our ancestors managed to get the ratio right, but in a culture where many people live on highly processed and sugar rich foods, potassium levels are much lower than they should be to live a healthy lifestyle. We don’t need a high level of sodium to be healthy, but is important that this is not completely restricted from the diet.

The Paleo Diet Potassium Deficiency-min

There are many foods which are part of the Paleo diet are not only tasty but are also high in potassium levels, which help to keep our bodies in good working order for as long as possible. Meats such as beef, chicken and pork form the staple of the Paleo diet and these can act as a good source of potassium. There are many fruits which also have high potassium content, including avocados and bananas are well known to have potassium in plentiful supply.

Vegetables can also act as a good source of potassium as can nuts and seeds which are ideal on the Paleo diet to consume as a snack, rather than turning to chips and chocolate. Although it is important to have a diet high in potassium, it is also vital to eat the right amounts and not over consume this mineral. A good way to achieve this in the Paleo diet is to take a note of the contents of food we are in taking, so we know we are getting it right.

As the Paleo diet focuses on eating fresh and unprocessed foods, it is the ideal way to maintain a good level of both potassium and sodium. The ratio should always be much higher in potassium than it is in sodium. If you are eating a lot of vegetables, which is encouraged in the Paleo diet, you can reduce potassium levels by soaking them in water, which can also be done with nuts and seeds. A few simple changes to the diet can be hugely beneficial in reducing the likelihood of suffering from serious illnesses and can also reduce the chance of current illnesses becoming serious. It has been shown that those who suffer from kidney disease can improve the condition by improving consumption of potassium and lowering sodium levels.

An awareness of potassium and sodium levels in the body can go a long way to improving health, no matter when you start to educate yourself on it. The Paleo diet is a good way to achieve the right balance of nutrients and vitamins in the body which will stand you in good stead for a long and healthy lifestyle. In order to function properly, the brain needs to be fed with high levels of potassium which can then affect the rest of the body.

It is all about awareness and knowledge of which foods will support us through our lives and those which will be detrimental. The Paleo diet acts as great support for us to ensure we are boosting consumption of the right foods and lowering those which are unhealthy.

Paleo recipe thai green curry-min

Recipe: Paleo Thai Green Curry

One of my favourite curries is Thai Green Curry. Hot and spicy, it’s always a winner. It’s also so easy to make, even if I wasn’t dubious about the ingredients in restaurant versions, I would still prefer to make my own.

Whilst it might “traditionally” be served with rice, my version is far better, served with 100% Paleo cauliflower rice.

Paleo recipe thai green curry-min

Thai Green Curry Ingredients:

The Curry Paste:

  • 1 teaspoon white peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 lemongrass stalk, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 4 spring onions, chopped
  • 2 tablespoon coriander stems, chopped
  • 3cm piece ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 4 green chillies, deseeded and chopped
  • 4 bird’s eye chillies
  • 2 tablespoons chopped lemongrass
  • 2 tablespoon coconut oil

For the Curry:

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 3 tablespoon green curry paste (as made, above)
  • 125ml/4fl oz chicken stock
  • 250ml/8fl oz coconut cream
  • 1 anchovy, finely chopped
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves, torn
  • 500g/1lb chicken breast fillets, cut into chunks
  • 400g aubergine, cut into chunks
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • Handful fresh basil leaves
  • 3 green chillies, deseeded and sliced

How To:

Firstly, make the paste. In a small pan, heat the peppercorn, coriander and cumin seeds, ensuring they do not burn, until they release their scent.

Add the toasted herbs to the remaining paster ingredients in a blender, and blend until it becomes a thick paste. You can store the paste in a jar in the fridge for a week or so.

Over a high heat, melt the coconut oil in a large pan. Brown the chicken pieces, then set them aside.  In the remaining oil, cook the paste for 2 or 3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add to the pan the stock, coconut cream, anchovy and leaves, then reduce the heat. Cook for 6-7 minutes. Add in the chicken and cook for another 6 or 7 minutes, stirring constantly.

Add in the remaining ingredients and cook for a few more minutes. To serve, top with the basil leaves and the chilli. Serve immediately with a helping of homemade cauliflower rice.

Do you make your Thai green curry the same way as I do? I’d love to hear what you do different, in the comments below!

Paleo Vegetarian vegan recipe ebook cookbook

The Paleo Vegetarian and Vegan Recipe Book

I’m thrilled to announce my new Vegetarian and Vegan Paleo Recipe ebook has just been launched!

Paleo Primal Vegetarian Vegan Recipe Ebook Cookbook

With almost 40% of those following a Paleo diet having at one stage been either Vegan or Vegetarian, there seems to be a real lack of information in this area – something I want to change.

Many Paleo sources seem very definitive in saying that you cannot be both Paleo and Vegan or Vegetarian – but I think there is middle ground. Whilst eating animal products seems to be optimal, I think by cutting out grains and legumes you can make significant health improvements.

Vegetarians and Vegans tend to rely heavily on grains for calories and legumes for protein, so one of the key aims in the recipe book has been putting together recipes with a good, Paleo, protein source. Eggs are obviously a great protein source, but not on the menu for Vegans, so I’ve not lent too heavily on eggs in this book.

I’ve also noticed how difficult it is for people who decide to start eating meat, having been a Vegetarian or Vegan for some time. I devote a chapter in this book to transitioning to eating meat – as this is not an easy step to take. When starting to eat a Paleo diet, having relied heavily on grains and legumes, it can be difficult. I’ve therefore added in a chapter on properly preparing grains and legumes. Whilst not Paleo, traditionally prepared grains are far safer, and can make the move away from grains far easier than going cold turkey.

The book features a balance between quick and simple recipes and more substantial Paleo Vegan recipes. With soups, salads, bakes gratins, side dishes, main courses and snacks – I’ve tried to make sure there is something for everyone.

Currently only available in ebook format (watch this space for the print version, later in the year), this book has over 100 pages of beautifully photographed recipes. Recipes are Paleo and Vegetarian – with over three quarters being Vegan and Paleo (i.e. no animal products such as eggs and dairy, as well as no meat).

I’d love to hear your feedback on this book and if you’ve followed a Vegan or Vegetarian diet, how your journey has been.

You can buy the Vegetarian and Vegan Paleo Recipe ebook here for $17.

Buy Two or more Paleo Recipe Ebooks and Save

The book is $17, but I offer big discounts if you buy more than one of my recipe books in one transaction – you can find the bulk prices here.

Phytic Acid & The Paleo Diet nuts soaking-min

Phytic Acid & The Paleo Diet

There are many benefits to adhering to the Paleo diet as a means of getting rid of body fat and helping to reduce the likelihood of a number of illnesses. One of the benefits of the Paleo diet is that it can help to reduce phytic acid intake. It obliterates foods which are full of phytic acid in favour of those which contain low levels such as fruits and vegetables.

Phytic acid is highly obstructive as it has the ability to stop essential minerals from being absorbed. These minerals include magnesium, iron and calcium, which are important as part of any healthy diet. Phytic acid binds itself to these minerals and as our bodies can’t break them down, it can result in a number of health issues. There are many people who consume high levels of cereal, as they believe that this is beneficial to the health but in fact these are one of the main culprits of phytic acid. As a result, they can actually prove to be quite damaging to the health. As our ancestors substituted cereals for other healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, it was a much healthier way of living which is why the Paleo diet is the best one to follow.

The health issues which can result from a diet which is high in phytic acid include PMS, stomach cramps and skin problems, which can be very detrimental for our quality of life. There are many people who also suffer from anaemia, which is caused by iron deficiency and it is believed that this could be caused through a high phytic acid diet. The Paleo diet promotes an eating plan which minimises the intake of foods which contain phytic acid, in order to promote a healthier lifestyle.

The right diet is the most important way of maintaining good health and more often than not, most of us will reach for the painkillers when we feel unwell, rather than getting to the root cause of the problem.   There are certain foods which are extremely high in phytic acid and these are best to completely stay clear of when following the Paleo diet. The most common of these are grains and legumes. These foods can be replaced with fruits, vegetables and nuts and seeds, which are full of minerals and antioxidants.

Phytic Acid & The Paleo Diet nuts soaking-min

Nuts and seeds are quite high offenders when it comes to levels of phytic acid but you can minimise these by soaking them in purified water. Nuts are full of health benefits, but should only be eaten in moderation; otherwise they will be counter productive.  As far back as our ancestors, people were soaking their nuts and seeds and as the reason behind the Paleo diet is to go back to our roots, it is a ritual we should bear in mind when trying to reduce our intake of phytic acid. The best way to achieve this is to soak the nuts in purified water, cover them and add sea salt. You should then give them a rinse and drain them, before putting them in the oven at the lowest possible temperature. It may seem like a bit of a lengthy process, but the benefits to help are worth taking these steps.

In order to really get the balance between the right nutrients and lowering levels of phytic acid, it is worth educating ourselves on the content of our foods so we are more aware of whether or not they will be detrimental to our health. There are plenty of nutritious foods to eat as part of the Paleo diet, which will result in noticeable changes to your health and fitness levels. Good combinations of the right foods, together with an exercise plan will not only improve your appearance, but will also help you to enjoy a longer and more fulfilling lifestyle.

If you find any of the foods on the Paleo diet are bland, you can always season them with apple cider vinegar as this is a tasty substitute to high calorie mayonnaise and it offers lots of health benefits. It can take a while to get used to following the diet, but it can be really beneficial to the body and appearance. It will soon become a way of life and reducing phytic acid levels is just one of the many benefits of following this simple but effective diet.

43 Awesome Paleo Cooking Hacks That You Aren't Using primal diet kitchen-min

43 Awesome Paleo Cooking Hacks That You Aren’t Using

Are you using these Paleo hacks? These simple tips and tricks will save you time and hassle – and make your time in the kitchen far more productive – and your Paleo recipes better!

Please share your favourite Paleo cooking secrets in the comments below, or if you have a better method than my suggestions, please share!

1. Before cooking asparagus, coat the stalks in salt and leave to cure for 20 minutes. Rinse off the salt and prepare as normal, you’ll find they taste far better.

2. When you grind meat for homemade burgers or sausages, try adding in some bacon for great flavour. You can also grind in some offal and no one will ever know.

3. When making a salad, always keep the dressing separate. That way it can be added just before serving to make sure your salad is crisp instead of soggy.

4. To reduce tears and keep it together, don’t cut into the root of an onion when dicing.

5. When you buy fresh basil, make it last longer by keeping it at room temperature and with the stems in water.

6. To stop your chopping board (and everything you chop after) smelling of garlic, smash garlic cloves in a sealed plastic bag using the back of a knife.

7. If you’re not going to finish your lettuce in one go, prevent it from turning brown by wrapping in a paper towel in the fridge and storing in a plastic bag.

8. Clean cast iron cookware by scrubbing with salt; never use detergent!

9. Lay a chicken on onion halves and chunks of leek, instead of using a roasting rack. The onion will make a great gravy after absorbing the chicken juices.

10. Use a very fine grater or microplane to add vegetables to salads and dressings. Try adding microplaned orange and fennel to a vinaigrette dressing.

11. Make sure you keep your kitchen knives sharp, not only is it fast and easier – it’s actually a lot safer too….

12. ….and on the subject of knives, keep the tip in an old wine cork when storing in the kitchen drawer.

13. Add salt early on in your cooking – and make sure you keep tasting your dish as you cook it, and adjust your additions accordingly.

14. When frying salmon, fry with the skin side down. When it has cooked to the stage where over half has gone from pink to white, turn the heat off and flip the salmon over. The remaining heat will cook it to perfection.

15. To make sure onions store for longer, keep them in a glass jar, with the root left as is.

16. Always make stock in the biggest batches you have room for. Freeze any excess stock in small portions, ready to use as the base of a dish whenever you need them.

17. Salt your chopping board before chopping up herbs; this will keep them on the chopping board!

18. Freeze stock, left over wine and any left over sauces in ice cube trays as a great way to make a quick sauce – or add depth to an existing sauce without having to wait hours for it to defrost.

19. Use a skewer of cake tester to check how well done your fish, meat – and even vegetables are.

20. Before pan frying, always make sure your pan is super hot!

21. Add a pinch of salt to the water before boiling eggs. This will help to prevent the shells from cracking.

22. After boiling vegetables, use the remaining water for stock, or freeze to crush later and use in a smoothie. If those options don’t appeal, use the nutrient loaded water to feed your veggie patch or house plants.

23. When making hamburger patties, push a hole in the centre. This will make sure they cook faster and more evenly.

24. Give the contents of your pan room to breath – never overcrowd, or you’ll be steaming your food rather than sautéing it!

25. Before carving and serving meat, always give it a few minutes to rest

 

43 Awesome Paleo Cooking Hacks That You Aren't Using primal diet kitchen-min

26. To prevent a roast chicken having an overcooked breast and tender legs, break up the legs and the breast. This means you can remove the breast sooner, ensuring the whole bird is moist.

27. Before frying fish or meat, make sure it is as dry as possible, by laying it on paper towels for a few minutes before cooking. This will help to make the skins nice and crispy by making sure you’re frying rather than steaming.

28. To make sure your garlic is sweet, rather than bitter, make sure you buy it as fresh as possible – and if it has green shoots – don’t use it.

29. Store empty containers and jars with a pinch of salt, to absorb any odours and keep them smelling fresh.

30. Check your eggs are fresh by placing them in a bowl full of water. If the rise to the top, they aren’t as fresh as they should be! You want an egg that sits at the bottom, or near to it.

31. After blanching vegetables, plunge them in a bowl of iced water. This stops the cooking process and will result in bright veggies.

32. Instead of rigidly sticking to a shopping list, try being flexible without it. Go to the shop or farmers market and base your meals around what ever is fresh, seasonal and local.

33. Try cooking your steak by firstly cooking the fatty edge, holding it in place with tongs. This will release fat into the pan, making sure when you cook each side it is as juicy and full of flavour as possible.

34. The secret to great roasted vegetables is heat! Preheat the oven and empty roasting tin, before adding the veggies, oil and sea salt.

35. If you’re cooking with steak, eggs or butter, bring them out of the fridge and keep them at room temperature for an hour or so before cooking for a far better flavour.

36. Roll citrus fruit in your hands before juicing it to increase the amount of juice you can extract. Also, never store citrus fruit in the fridge as it significantly reduces the flavour.

37. Prepare first. Do all of your slicing and dicing before starting to make your dish.

38. Never try a new recipe or ingredient for the first time before an important dinner! Practice, practice, and do as much of the prep as you can the night before.

39. Make sure you store spices in a cool dark place, not next to the oven. To get the maximum flavour from spices, try toasting or sautéing them before adding them to your recipe.

40. Before working with chilli, rub coconut oil into your hands to propel the spiciness. IF you want to reduce their heat, remove the seeds before cooking with them.

41. To prevent garlic from burning, try slicing it finely rather than mincing it.

42. To make sure your meatloaf, meatball or burger mix is just right, make a tiny patty out of it, enabling you to fry it and give it a try. This way you still have time to adjust your mix, before committing to it.

43. When you need to add in more oil to a pan, add it at the edge of the pan, rather than in the middle. This gives the oil time to heat up before it reaches the centre of the pan – and your food.

Recipe The Paleo Diet Seafood Fish Chowder-min

Recipe: Paleo Seafood Chowder

Seafood and fish are so nutritious and packed with Omega 3. Chowder is great as a meal on it’s own, or as a starter in a small serving size. With fish and seafood, it’s especially important to use really good quality ingredients. Rather than farmed fish, try to get wild/ line caught fish. Or perhaps it’s time to go fishing?!

This is my version of seafood chowder, but it’s so easy to adapt and I would recommend basing it around whatever fish and seafood you have locally, that it of the best quality you can find.

Seafood Chowder Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • Approx 16 rashers of bacon (thinly sliced)
  • 1 leek, diced
  • 1 small sweet potato, diced into chunks
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • ½ litre (1 pint) of stock (I used my homemade chicken stock, but vegetable or fish stock would work well)
  • ½ litre (1 pint) of coconut milk
  • Your choice of fish; I used:
  • 150g (5 oz) barramundi
  • 100g (3.5 oz) salmon
  • 150g (5 oz) smoked haddock
  • 150g (5 oz) fresh prawns
  • 15 clams
  • 15 muscles
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 sprigs of fresh thyme
  • 1 lemon

How To:

In a pan, melt the coconut oil and sauté the onions until they become translucent. Add in the bacon and stir until it cooks thoroughly.

Add in the leek and garlic and keep stirring.

Pour in the stock and add the sweet potatoes, thyme and bay leaf, cooking for about 40 – 50 minutes, until the sweet potatoes are soft. Remove the bay leaf and thyme, then, add in the coconut milk, chopped fish and seafood and cook for another 5-10 minutes.

Season to taste, add a squeeze of fresh lemon and top with the parsley. Serve immediately.

What do you make with seafood? Which fish and seafood have you found it is easiest to obtain un-farmed?

Recipe The Paleo Diet Seafood Fish Chowder-min

Dementia & The Paleo Diet Alzheimer's disease-min

Dementia & The Paleo Diet

Dementia is a serious health condition which causes the deterioration of the brain and although it is a disease which is most common in older people, it can also affect the young. The instances of dementia (of which Alzheimer's is perhaps the most well known type) are growing in modern society and although it has always been a major concern, awareness of the disease is higher than ever before.

In the past, we would have viewed the signs of dementia as a typical part of becoming older, but this is not the case as there are plenty of people of an older age who still have a fully functioning brain. The signs of dementia include a change in personality, memory loss and/or the inability to carry out simple everyday tasks. There are sufferers of dementia who can even lose the ability to eat which can then lead to further illnesses. The effects of dementia can be rapid or can happen over a long period of time.

Dementia not only has a major effect on the sufferer of the disease, it can also have a hugely negative effect on the family and friends of their loved one as they change into a completely different person to the one they love. The sufferer may even lose the ability to identify their loved ones which can be heart-breaking for friends and family to watch.

As the awareness of this disease increases, there are many people who believe that our diet can have a major influence on how likely we are to suffer from it. It is believed that the Paleo diet is one which can actually prevent dementia or stop it progressing to an incurable stage. There is evidence to suggest that there is a strong link between dementia and diabetes, an illness which is caused through an unhealthy diet and is most common in people who are overweight. In fact, referring to dementia as Type 3 Diabetes is becoming increasingly common.

Dementia & The Paleo Diet Alzheimer's disease-min

There are a number of foods which have a negative effect on the body and thus, can be detrimental for the functioning of the brain. Those foods which are high in sugar can contribute to diabetes and dementia which is why the Paleo diet can be beneficial in improving health and helping to combat the effects since these foods are not part of the diet.

A high intake of Omega 3 is known to improve memory and help improve the overall function of the brain, which is why they are a major part of the Paleo diet. If we start to increase the consumption of foods with Omega 3, including fresh fish and salmon at any stage in our lives, we can improve the function of the brain which will help to stave off the likelihood of dementia and other serious illnesses.

As the Paleo diet also promotes the intake of fruit and vegetables which contain an abundance of the key vitamins required for a healthy lifestyle, it can provide us with the sustenance which is essential to maintain a clear state of mind. There is also a link between a diet which is high in carbohydrates and dementia and no evidence to suggest that omitting these from the diet will result in any negative effects on the body.

As we strive towards a healthier body and state of mind for as long as possible, it is important to look closely at our diet and ensure we are eating foods which are rich in vitamins, protein and the right fatty acids, such as Omega 3. The Paleo diet offers a positive approach to ensuring we live a long and prosperous lifestyle by turning away from the foods which are high in carbohydrates and fat and rich in all of the right nutrients.

It makes sense that we should take a positive approach to our diets if we want to ensure we give ourselves the best possible chance of avoiding serious illnesses such as dementia. The Paleo diet is a simple one to follow and can offer a wealth of benefits to improving our overall health and wellbeing. A combination of the right food groups and an active lifestyle will increase oxygen to the brain which can seriously reduce our chances of suffering from dementia.

It is not only essential to take care of the appearance of our bodies but also to ensure we consume the right foods to maintain a good health. If we eat the right foods, we are not only feeding our bodies but also our brain which

10 things you didn't know about offal organ meat nutrients paleo primal diet-min

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Offal

You’re read about how offal is a true super food, packed with nutrients. Perhaps you use it regular in your cooking, maybe you've tried my chicken liver pate recipe? Here are ten little know facts about organ meats…

1. There are two types of offal, red offal and rough offal. Red offal refers to the parts of the animal above its diaphragm, such as the heart, lungs, spleen, ox tail, skirt, sweetbread and gullets. Rough offal is the name given to the parts of cattle from the rumen area, i.e. intestines, tripe, heads and heels.

2. The liver of Polar bears is very dangerous to humans, being far too high in Vitamin A. Indiginous populations never eat Polar bear livers. Seal livers are equally toxic.

3. Similarly the internal organs of the fugu pufferfish are very toxic – and if not prepared properly can be fatal.

4. Skirt (i.e. onglet steak or hanger steak) gets it’s unique savory taste from it’s close proximity to the diaphragm and kidneys.

5. Sausage skin is traditionally made from the intestines of sheep, pig or ox.

6. Demand for offal is far greater in the winter months, whilst in the summer relatively little is sold – this makes the summer months a good time to get cheaper prices.

7. Whilst the term offal used to just refer to the entrails, it is now taken to mean all of the insides, abdominals and extremities. The terms “organ meats” and “variety meats” are also used instead of offal.

8. The word “offal” comes from “off fall”, and literally refers to the pieces of the animal that fall away as the carcass is butchered.

9. Offal from birds is known as giblets.

10. If you find the taste of offal a bit much (and tolerate dairy), try soaking it in milk overnight before cooking it.

What do you think of offal? Do you eat it regularly – and what is your favourite type?

10 things you didn't know about offal organ meat nutrients paleo primal diet-min

Avocado Chocolate Mousse paleo recipe dessert sweet treat-min

Recipe: Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Whilst I generally try to avoid desserts and puddings, sometimes it is nice to have a sweet treat. And when I do have a sweet treat – it needs to still be Paleo. It’s easy to veer of Paleo towards SAD treats if you don’t have a back-up plan, so far better to make sure if you are going to have something sweet or containing chocolate, that it’s made with better ingredients.

I don’t think it can get much better than a dessert made with avocado, do you?

Recipe: Avocado Chocolate Mousse
 
Author: 
Recipe type: Desserts
Prep time: 
Total time: 
This delicious creamy chocolate mousse has a hidden ingredient - avocado!
Ingredients
  • 1 ripe avocado (straight from the fridge)
  • 1 frozen banana (peeled and cut into chunks before freezing!)
  • 3 heaped tablespoons of raw cacao powder
  • 2 tablespoons of raw local honey (optional)
  • Squeeze of lemon
  • Water as required
  • Pinch of sea salt (I used Celtic sea salt)
Instructions
  1. In a blender, add the cacao powder, then the remaining ingredients on top.
  2. Blend until it reaches a “moussey” texture. Make sure you scrape the sides of the blender and mix in, to ensure it is all blended well.
  3. Fill small cups or shot glasses with the mixture and serve straight away!

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Do you have “Paleo treats”, or are sweet things strictly off the menu for you?

Avocado Chocolate Mousse paleo recipe dessert sweet treat-min

10 (and a Half) Ways to Add More Fat to Your Diet paleo diet LCHF low carb high fat-min

10 (and a Half) Ways to Add More Fat to Your Diet

A big factor in my own weight loss and controlling my hunger has been increasing my fat intake. I find that when I eat more fat, I am full for far longer, don’t feel hungry, feel more energetic and have much better weight loss results.

So many foods are actually high in protein, not fat. As excess protein is converted into glucose, I'm careful to not eat more protein than I need to – which makes it even more important to increase fat intake.

Exactly how do you add more fat to your diet?

Dairy is a popular source of fat, so a key factor is how well you tolerate fat. You may be better on a strict Paleo diet, with no dairy – or on a lacto-Paleo (or Primal diet), which allows the inclusion of dairy. Weston A Price is also an approach which includes dairy. Instead of being strict about it for the sake of being strict, I think it’s far more important to learn how your body tolerates (or does not tolerate) dairy. I used to avoid all forms of dairy, recently however, I've been experimenting with dairy, specifically butter, which I’ve been eating with most of my meals. If you do decide to have dairy, make sure it’s good quality, perhaps you can have raw dairy, where you live.

10 (and a Half) Ways to Add More Fat to Your Diet paleo diet LCHF low carb high fat-min

Top 10 ½ ways to add more fat to your diet:

1. Avocados

Avocados are a great source of fat – and very versatile. You can eat them on their own with a spoon, or sliced up alongside your dinner. Or you can get inventive and cook a curry with avocado, or even make a smoothie or mousse with avocado.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is such a good oil – and being stable at high temperatures, great to cook with. When you cook in coconut oil, be generous with your serving – and if you've cooked meat for example, pour the remaining oil over the meat before you serve it.

3. Coconut Milk

If you like the taste, coconut milk or cream is a good base for many meals and smoothies. In fact, coconut is a great source of fat generally, get some coconut flakes to snack on!

 4. Animal Fats

Perhaps the best fat sources, lard, tallow, mutton fat, bacon fat and even goose fat (though careful with the omega ratio) are great to cook in.

 5. Butter (and ghee)

Butter is my current favourite. I add a generous wedge of butter to all of my vegetables just before I serve them. Many of the nutritional goodness of vegetables is fat soluble, so adding fat to your veggies is a good way of making sure you get the maximum nutritious benefit. Butter can be added to almost anything – and it tastes great.

6. Olive Oil

Whilst I wouldn't cook with it, olive oil is fantastic to dress a salad in. Sprinkle on a few nuts, add a boiled egg, some meat, avocado and perhaps some cheese and you can make a big improvement to the fat content of a salad.

7. Pork Crackling

Not only does pork rind taste great, it’s another good source of fat. A word of caution though – it’s really important with pork to ensure it’s high quality – ideally pasture raised and organic.

8. Eggs

Eggs are a great fat (and protein) source. Just make sure you eat the yolk! If I make cauliflower rice I often stir in an egg just before I finish cooking it as a hidden boost.

9. Bones

Ok, so I'm not suggesting chewing on bones, but some good quality grass-fed bones make a great bone broth full of good fat.

10. Nuts

Whilst you have to be careful with nuts as they can have a poor Omega 3/ Omega 6 ratio – and they can be easy to over indulge in – they are a great fat source. I prepare a small serving of nuts to take to work with me, making sure I have a good mix to ensure I get the different nutritional benefit each type gives.

10 ½. Nut Butters

On a similar thread, nut butters such as almond, cashew and macadamia are also good, with the same note of caution about the Omega balance.

I’d love to hear your views on eating more fat. How much fat would you estimate you eat, and what are your top sources?