What's wrong with soy legume paleo diet primal allowed alternative-min

What’s So Wrong With Soy?

Are soy beans really that bad for us? So many “healthy” people swear by soy – and it’s certainly portrayed in a lot of mainstream media as a health product.

Soy beans contain a lot of natural toxins. It doesn't matter whether they’re organically grown or genetically modified. The problem with modern soy products is that the factory processing is different from the traditional, time-consuming preparation through fermentation and prolonged boiling, whereby a lot of these toxins are removed. Products such as tempeh, tofu and miso are, if of good quality and a lot less dangerous than modern unfermented soy products, like soy milk. In the current, fast and large-scale production, these toxins stay in the end-product.

What's wrong with soy legume paleo diet primal allowed alternative-min

Why do people eat soy?

Whilst some people switch due to cow milk allergies or lactose-intolerance, many people switch for the perceived health benefits. The use of soy milk was supposed to be a good alternative to dairy, if we believe the commercials. The irony is that soy itself is in the top ten of foods that give the highest change of allergies!

Vegetarians and vegans often use soy products as dairy products and meat substitutes, particularly due to the high protein content.

The dangers of soy

Soy contains high amounts of phytic acid, that impedes the reception of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Although the pro-soy lobby argues that these minerals can also be found in soy, they are barely absorbed by the body due to the phytic acid content. The anti-nutrients present are not broken down by processes such as steeping, germination or prolonged cooking.

Soy also contains high concentrations of manganese, a chemical element. Some manganese in our food is necessary, but high amounts, such can be found in soy, are associated with neurological damage. It contains almost 200 times as much manganese as breast milk.

Trypsin inhibitors can disrupt the digestion of protein, can negatively influence the function of the pancreas and cause growth problems. Diarrhoea, stomach cramps and bleeding are some of the problems that can occur due to a lack of trypsin.

Vegetable female hormones (phytoestrogens) in soy disrupt the function of the endocrine (internal) glands and might cause infertility and breast cancer.

Cancer patients, especially the ones with hormone-dependant tumours such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, are advised to avoid soy because it can cause the growth of tumours.  The phytoestrogens it contains can hinder the function of the thyroid, which causes a risk for a slow working thyroid and even thyroid cancer.

Substances in soy that resemble vitamin B12 are not absorbed by the body and increase the need for vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is necessary for the production of red blood cells. A shortage of these blood cells can cause severe anemia. Soy increases the need for vitamin D, which is used for building bones and a strong immune system, and something most people are already deficient in.

In modern soy production, it is modified, which produces toxic lysinoalanine and the carcinogen nitrosamine as a result. During the process, glutamic acid is also formed. This is a flavour enhancer and potential neurotoxin. As if this wasn't bad enough, MSG (another flavour enhancer) is added to many soy products.

Soy sauce is popular in many recipes, but is easy to avoid – it can be completely replaced using paleo friendly coconut aminos.

I’d be interested to hear what you think about Soy? Do you avoid it in all forms, or do you occasionally eat fermented soy products?

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Mexican rice with red pepper and avocado-min

Paleo Lunch box Recipe: Mexican rice with red pepper and avocado

Perfect for when you’re on the go, this Paleo friendly lunch box is a great balance of protein, essential fats and slow release carbohydrates to keep you at your best. Did I also mention it was super tasty? Make extra to see you and your family through the week! Mexican Rice Ingredients: Half a cauliflower […]

Which Knives Do You Need In Your Kitchen paleo cooking diet primal knife choosing-min

Which Knives Do You Need In Your Kitchen?

Eating a natural paleo diet – more real food – means more food preparation. Which knives do you have in your kitchen and are you using the right ones for the right job?

One of the most important tools in the kitchen is the knife. You use your kitchen knifes every day and if you buy good ones, you will be able to use them for many years to come.

If you’re about to buy a kitchen knife, have you worked out which type you need and what to buy?

It’s not easy to say a particular knife “is the best knife”. The best knife depends on you and how you will use it. The most important criteria is that the knife should be easy to use by the person who will use it the most.

When you walk into a shop, you’ll probably be overwhelmed by the amount and variety of knifes. Don’t worry, you will never use all of them, nobody does. A basic set of knifes for in the kitchen usually consists of 3 to 6 different knifes.

What you need to know about kitchen knives:

Wrought knives

Some people say that the best knifes are wrought. Whilst this used to be the only way to make steel suitable for making knives, it’s no longer the case. Nowadays, techniques are much more developed and even the steel is different. A knife doesn’t need to consist of one piece either, this has no added value for it’s cutting abilities.

Hardness

The hardness of the knife is an indication for the speed a knife can get blunt. Knife hardness is expressed in Rockwell C (HRC). Generally, the higher the hardness, the longer the knife stays sharp. However, the steel can get more susceptible to chipping of the cutting edge (the steel gets brittle) and to the occurrence of rust.

Which Knives Do You Need In Your Kitchen paleo cooking diet primal knife choosing-min

The handle

When choosing a kitchen knife, always look for the construction of the handle. If you want to be able to put your knives in the dishwasher (but please wash by hand!), choose knifes with a molded on handle or welded on handle of stainless steel. Knifes with a riveted handle are less adequate for a dishwasher. Wood and the dishwasher are of course not the best combination either.

There are five knifes that are completely indispensable in a paleo kitchen:

Chef’s knifes

A knife collection always starts with a chef’s knife. A chef’s knife has a high blade with a slightly rounded cutting edge, used for cutting meat, fish and vegetables. This knife is less suitable for the smaller carvings, you’d be better use a paring knife for that.

Chef’s knifes are usually used for cutting everything that is raw, before it goes into the pan, such as meat and fish – but also vegetables or cheese. Thanks to the large blade, it’s easy to cut onions and herbs without hitting the cutting board all the time. The most selected size is 20cm, but some people (mainly women) choose a smaller size.

Paring knifes

This knife has a small blade with a sharp point, suitable for peeling and cutting smaller vegetables and fruits. The knife comes in various sizes, between 8 – 12cm. One of the biggest mistakes people make is to use this knife for everything!

Tomato knife

The third knife that you should get is a tomato knife. It always has a small serrated blade and you use it for cutting vegetables with a rigid outside and a soft inside, such as tomatoes.

Boning knife

A boning knife has a long low blade with a smooth surface. You can use it to cut meat, fish and poultry into equal slices.

Every knife, no matter how good or expensive it was, gets blunt. Consider buying a knife grinder, or taking your knives to get professionally sharpened. To keep your knives in good condition, wash them by hand, instead of using the dishwasher!

Which knives do you have in your kitchen? Have you found a good brand? Please share your tips in the comments below.

Thai Salmon in the Bag paleo recipe fish dinner lunch foil poached-min

Recipe: Thai Salmon in the Bag

Packed with heart healthy fats and omega 3, as well as vitamins D and B12, Salmon really is much more than just protein. This recipe is fragrant and fiery, and steaming it in the ‘bag’ locks in all the goodness. Did I mention its easy too?

Thai Salmon in the Bag Ingredients:

  • 4 organic, wild salmon fillets
  • 1 scotch bonnet chilli, deseeded and finely chopped
  • Small handful of fresh coriander, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 spring onions, trimmed and chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and black pepper

Thai Salmon in the Bag How To:

Heat the oven to 180C / 350F / gas mark 4

Pop each salmon fillet onto a square of tin foil, season with a little salt and pepper.

In a bowl, mix together the remaining ingredients. Transfer to the foil, and seal tightly. Make sure there is at least a 4cm ‘ceiling’ at the top to allow the salmon to steam.

Place the parcels on to a baking tray, and bake for 15 minutes. Serve with a healthy green salad.

Thai Salmon in the Bag paleo recipe fish dinner lunch foil poached-min

Paleo Protein Smoothie juice juicing primal diet recipe-min

Recipe: Paleo Protein Smoothie

Although blenders weren’t around 2000 years ago, I'm pretty sure that if they were, this is what our ancestors would have done with them. Smoothies like this are a great post workout recovery. Make one up in advance and it's an instant grab and go option.

Protein Smoothie Ingredients:

200ml apple juice
1 tbsp linseed
2 tbsp hemp seed
1 tbsp almond butter
1 banana
2 egg whites (optional)

Protein Smoothie How To:

1) Separate the egg whites from the egg yolk. Transfer all the contents to your blender, whizz together until smooth. Taste. Add a little honey if needed.

Paleo Protein Smoothie juice juicing primal diet recipe-min

Vitamin-E-paleo-diet-deficiency-supplement-min

Vitamin E & the Paleo Diet

Probably the most effective antioxidant known to function in the human body, Vitamin E is worth learning about. By counteracting free radical damage, it can help to protect you from cardiovascular disease and cancer. In addition, it can raise your skin’s ability to resist UV damage, and it may contribute to the prevention or treatment of a number of medical conditions, including Alzheimer’s, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, male infertility, psoriasis, PMS, Parkinson’s, migraines, menopause, acne, multiple sclerosis and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

Vitamin E is not just one compound, but actually a collection of eight water-soluble vitamins. Why is this important to know? While supplements usually provide a limited range from this collection, it is possible to get a more beneficial combination of E vitamins from whole foods. For example, research about the influence of Vitamin E in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer both argue for the superiority of a whole food approach for greater effects. This is an illustration of the great benefits of the Paleo Diet that promotes consumption of whole foods for comprehensive health and longevity.

But, how do you know you might be deficient of Vitamin E? A deficiency can be characterised by liver or gallbladder problems, digestive problems (especially poor nutrient absorption), and tingling or loss of sensation in the legs, feet, arms, or hands. Deficiency can be detrimental to the central nervous system and lead to neuromuscular disorders that cause impaired reflexes, loss of balance, muscular weakness. So, especially if you think you might be deficient, read on for recommendations to include more Vitamin E in your diet.

Vitamin-E-paleo-diet-deficiency-supplement-min

How much Vitamin E do you need in your diet?

The recommended daily amount of Vitamin E is 20mg.

Which foods can you get Vitamin E from?

There are a number of great sources for Vitamin E that you can add to your meals under the Paleo Diet. Here are some of the best!

  1. Sunflower seeds – Great as a snack or as an addition to your everyday salads, sunflower seeds provide 222% of your daily Vitamin E need in 100g.
  2. Almonds – Whether you prefer to snack on almonds by themselves, or indulge in almond butter, you’ll be getting a good serving of Vitamin E. In a 100g serving there is 175% of your daily Vitamin E need.
  3. Paprika – If you wish to add Vitamin E to your food through seasonings, go for some paprika. In a simple tablespoon, there is 14% of your daily intake need.
  4. Pine nuts – Another delicious snack or addition to salads, pine nuts provide 62% of your daily need of Vitamin E in 100g.
  5. Dried apricots – If you’re craving a sweet treat, dried apricots provide a number of beneficial micronutrients, including Vitamin E. In a serving of 100g there is 29% of your daily need.
  6. Pickled green olives – Whether you prefer olives as an indulgence by themselves or add them into salads, they are a great source for Vitamin E. 100g of pickled green olives will provide you with 25% of your daily need. Have you tried tapenade sauce made from olives yet?
  7. Spinach – Another reason for adding it to your diet – there is 18.7% of your daily Vitamin E need in cup of cooked spinach.
  8. Papaya – For a fruity dessert, go for a papaya that provides you with 11% of your daily Vitamin E need.

What else do you need to know about Vitamin E consumption?

Vitamin E content of foods can lower with exposure to air and factory processing. Therefore, it is good to store prepared food in airtight containers to not lose its Vitamin E content, tightly cap your olive oil bottles, and always choose fresh whole foods instead of processed ones. Of course, minimally processed foods is what the Paleo Diet is about – to improve and maintain your health in a natural way.

So, what do you think – are you going to include more Vitamin E-rich foods in your diet? Or do you already focus on the Vitamin E content of your food? Share your thought is the comments!

Crossfit gym fitness HIIT exercise paleo primal

What Is Crossfit?

If you've been reading about the Paleo diet – you’ll almost certainly have come across Crossfit. Perhaps you do it? Or perhaps you've been wondering what it is – and what the link is with Paleo?

What is crossfit paleo diet fitness

I only started crossfit a few months ago, having gone to “normal” gyms before. I've made so many big improvements since I started. There’s a big focus on technique and form and I feel like I'm finally engaging the right muscles and making progress.

What is Crossfit?

CrossFit is a form of fitness that combines weight training, athletics and gymnastics into one. During Crossfit workouts, functional movements are performed in an almost infinite number of ways at high intensity. The philosophy behind CrossFit is to not specialise in only one specific area, which is why no two sessions are the same!

Training consists of a warm-up, a technical part to learn the CrossFit movements and a 10-20 minute during intensive training called WOD (Workout of the Day). Results of the WOD are often tracked by writing them down on a whiteboard. This adds an extra competitive element to it and builds up a great team atmosphere in the Crossfit box.

During training, you may use barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, tires, sandbags, ropes and pull-up bars. The exercises are based on natural body movements such as pushing, pulling, thrusting, throwing, lifting, jumping, climbing and running, rather than the artificial movements so many people use in conventional gyms on resistance machines.

The goal of CrossFit is to get fit and healthy – regardless of age or background.

Why the Paleo link?

Crossfit promotes a natural Paleo diet to their athletes. With Crossfit being based around HIIT (high intensity interval training), lifting heavy things and being anything but “chronic cardio”, it fits in well with the paleo framework.

Why is Crossfit better than a “conventional” gym?

CrossFit doesn't believe in specialisation or routine. The workout program is different every day, but always with short bursts of high intensity. All workouts are set up in such a way that people of every level can participate, by using different weights or changing the number of reps.

CrossFit doesn't work with machines because they force you into isolated, artificial movements. Crossfit uses functional movements. The whole body gets involved: lifting, throwing, running and jumping.

Get Involved!

More and more crossfit boxes are opening all around the world. Most boxes offer introductory sessions, so you can find out what it’s all about. What have you got to lose?!

I’d love to hear how you workout and whether or not you've tried Crossfit. Let me know in the comments below!

Crossfit gym fitness HIIT exercise paleo primal

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Chicken Mole-min

Recipe: Chicken Mole

With no relation to the blind, burrowing creatures, this wonderful one pot is actually pronounced ‘Mol-ay.’ If you’re a fan of chilli con carne, you’ll love the rich, sweet and smoky flavours that resonate from this stew. Dark chocolate, chipotle chillies, ground nuts and cinnamon all add up to make a unique, piquant dish that will have you running straight back to the kitchen for more chicken mole!

Chicken Mole Ingredients:

  • 1 medium free range chicken
  • 2 onions
  • 1 red chilli, chopped and deseeded
  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 heaped teaspoons chipotle paste
  • 2 tbsp almond butter
  • 1 handful sultanas
  • 1 x 400g can chopped tomatoes
  • 40g organic dark chocolate

Chicken Mole How To:

Preheat an oven to 180C. Season the chicken, and roast for half the allocated cooking time (approx 45 minutes). Leave to stand for 10 minutes, then shred the meat with a fork and set aside.

Chop the onions into light strips. In a large, flameproof casserole dish, heat a little olive oil to a medium heat. Add the onion strips and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add a little more oil, along with the chilli, garlic and spices, and cook for another 2 minutes until aromatic.

Meanwhile, crush the sultanas in a mortar and pestle. Whisk in the chipotle paste and almond butter, then add to the pan. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and 400ml hot water.

Add the shredded chicken to the dish, stir well, then cover with a lid and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir occasionally.

10 minutes before serving, break up the dark chocolate and add to the dish. It should turn a deep brown and thicken slightly. Simmer gently for the 10 minutes, then serve with fresh vegetables and cauliflower rice.

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Chicken Mole-min

Are you suffering from Adrenal fatigue signs symptoms what is paleo diet-min

Are You Suffering From Adrenal Fatigue?

Tired, washed out and exhausted, even when you had enough sleep? Feeling tired, weak and incapable of doing things? Could you be suffering from adrenal fatigue?




What are the adrenals?

The adrenals are like two caps on top of the kidneys which play a key role in the endocrine (hormonal) system. They produce more than 50 different hormones, such as adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline, cortisol, progesterone and testosterone. These hormones are involved in energy production, water-salt balance, blood pressure, metabolism, heartbeat, liver function, the immune system, blood sugar level, fat storage and dealing with stress.

When we’re under stress, the adrenals should react by releasing adrenalin and noradrenalin to cope with physical danger, typically called the ‘fight or flight’-reaction. Whenever the ‘danger’ is gone, the adrenals make sure that the hormone levels are back to normal. Cortisol is produced in this situation and the release of DHEA is suppose to ‘un-stress’ the body.

And, who isn't faced with stress these days? Work, family, pressure from friends and our eating pattern put us under constant stress. This stress on the mental, physical and emotional levels, ensure that the adrenals are constantly overloaded with the amount of hormones they have to release. When these processes are prolonged, the adrenals can become exhausted; adrenal fatigue. We start to feel tired and are not able to cope with whatever comes our way any more.

Are you suffering from Adrenal fatigue signs symptoms what is paleo diet-min

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue

Because the adrenals play such an important role in the endocrine system, the symptoms of adrenal fatigue are expressed in various forms. This long list makes it more than clear that the right balance of hormones is crucial to us.

  • Appetite for salt
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Dizziness
  • Sleeping disorders
  • Inflammations
  • Headache
  • Unstable blood sugar
  • Excessive thirst and urge to urinate
  • Swellings
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Varicose veins
  • Bad digestion
  • Heart disorders
  • Asthma
  • Infections
  • Behavioral and memory problems
  • Allergies
  • Hyperpigmentation

Some other symptoms are

  • Mood swings
  • Irritation
  • Low energy level
  • Depression
  • Painful bodyparts
  • Low bloodpressure
  • Anxiety attacks
  • And many more…

What to do if you're suffering from adrenal fatigue?

Change your nutrition! When you have adrenal fatigue, the time you eat becomes very important. You need to keep the cortisol in your blood at the right level. If you don’t have the right amount of cortisol in your blood, it’s hard for your body to keep the right glucose levels. The result of this could be hypoglycemia.

People with exhausted adrenals often tend to choose the foods and drinks which give them energy at the expense of the adrenals, such as fast food, soft drinks and coffee. The fats in fast food are the wrong fats, the carbohydrates are often refined and the nutritional value is low. This way they withhold their body of the nutrients it needs more than ever, to function and recover. And this will make the adrenals more and more exhausted.

Eat immediately when you get up, to refuel your body. This is not the time for intermitant fasting.

Eat a strict Paleo diet, with enough protein, healthy fats, unrefined carbohydrates, vegetables and enough fruits. You may choose to experiment with increasing your carbohydrate intake in the form of things like pumpkin and sweet potato.

Stress is a huge factor, with sufferers of adrenal fatigue simply truing to do it all. When trying to heal, it’s really important to reduce stress, and take time out to meditate and relax.

Have you suffered from adrenal fatigue? What helped you to heal? Please share your stories and tips in the comments below, and help someone out!

Chicken Soup paleo recipe primal dinner lunch-min

Recipe: Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food. This recipe serves four, but make as much as you can and freeze the rest to pull out on a rainy day.

Chicken Soup Ingredients:

• 40g (1.5oz) butter (or use coconut oil if dairy free)

• 2 small onions, peeled and sliced

• 2 sticks celery, finely chopped

• 2 small carrots, peeled and finely diced

• 1 litres (1.5 pints) chicken stock

• 300g (0.7lb) cooked chicken, skinned and shredded

• 1 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

• salt and freshly ground black pepper

Chicken Soup How To:

In a large pan over a medium heat, melt the butter, then fry the onions, celery and carrots until they become soft.

Add in the chicken stock and keep stirring whilst bringing the mixture to the boil.

Once it has boiled, reduce the heat to a simmer for ten minutes (until the vegetables are soft) and season to your taste.

Add in the cooked chicken pieces and just before serving, stir in the parsley.

Serve & enjoy!

Chicken Soup paleo recipe primal dinner lunch-min