Maple and Cayenne Roasted Almonds paleo recipe snack-min

Recipe: Maple and Cayenne Roasted Almonds

A recipe I came up with when I had more almonds than I knew what to do with; a little bit of maple syrup goes a long way to making these roasted almonds taste like a real treat. To adjust sweetness for your own palette, simply alter the ratio of maple syrup to olive oil. If you want more spice, don’t be afraid to go for it with the cayenne!

Roasted Almonds Ingredients:

  • 250grams raw almonds
  • 3 tbsp high grade maple syrup
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp sea salt

Roasted Almonds How To:

Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F / Gas mark 4. Line a large baking tray with some parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the coating. Add the almonds, and coat evenly in the mixture. Lay them out on the baking tray, making sure they are evenly spread out. You may need to cook in two separate batches.

Roast in the oven for 5 – 6 minutes, give them a shake, then return to the oven for a further 5 – 6 minutes. Remove when golden brown.

So tell me, what are your favourite nuts to roast?

Maple and Cayenne Roasted Almonds paleo recipe snack-min

Paleo what's wrong with white potatoes are they allowed sweet potatoes diet carbs-min

What’s Wrong With Potatoes?

Do you have potato-blood? I hope not because that would mean that you are terribly ill. It’s an old expression, apparently. But I digress; are potatoes really that unhealthy to eat? And do they fit in with a paleo diet?

If you read a lot of Paleo blogs, I'm sure you’ll have noticed that opinions vary significantly… here are some of the viewpoints…

Paleo what's wrong with white potatoes are they allowed sweet potatoes diet carbs-min

Paleolithic or a bit younger?

Potatoes are a contentious subject when it comes to the paleo diet. Strictly speaking they don’t fit the bill, at least not at first sight. Cultivation of vegetables started the Neolithic era, and consuming potatoes is most likely developed during this period, not before. Raw potatoes are not the most delicious food you've ever had; you need to cook them before they become more edible (although some people do eat them raw, it’s not advisable).

A potato is also a ‘nightshade’, which would not have come into existence before the Neolithic period, like tomatoes and eggplant. Paleolithic people would not have eaten them, simply because they were not around. But we can’t be sure about this. And anyway – Paleo is a science – not a re-enactment, after all!

The fact that some people are not able to fully digest a potato, can lead to the theory that we never adapted to these foods, and therefore, are not supposed to eat them.  The paleo theory that some people follow “if you can’t eat it raw, it’s not paleo” seems to be valid here. Whilst regular potatoes and white potatoes are not edible in their raw forms, sweet potatoes are (but again, I wouldn't advise it!)

Potatoes and your health

Potatoes consist mainly of starch, which isn't very good for people that are insulin resistant. Although they are a ‘pure food’, it needs to be cooked to become edible. Further processing is not necessary, as it would be in the case of grains (a much easier to define Paleo no-no).

Potatoes are 100% carbohydrate. This will increase your insulin, which is fine for some people. Athletes and those who train hard are often able to eat potatoes almost every day and have no problems with them. Potatoes are a very healthy source of carbs to refill and refuel your body (especially compared to grains and other refined carbs for example). So, it completely depends on you; but if you’re overweight, already insulin resistant, and your body isn't good in coping with glucose – then I’d leave the potatoes alone.

Personal choice

Whether or not you think that you should, or should not, include potatoes into your diet is completely up to you. It is very likely that the Paleolithic humans did eat raw potatoes.

If you are already overweight, it is probably best to avoid them. Because they are so carb heavy, it’s better to leave them alone and replace them with other paleo foods that are just as nutritious, but with less carbs.

If you are sensitive to nightshades, be careful. Nightshades can cause serious bowel and digestive problems to people who are sensitive.

Potato Considerations

Should you consider to have potatoes in your diet, you might like to consider the points below:

  1. Peel the potato! Most of the toxins are located in the skin. Removing the skin, removes the risk
  2. Buy organic potatoes. Potatoes have the tendency to suck up the toxins from the ground. Since the modern human uses toxins to make foods grown, it’s better to buy organic potatoes that are not drenched in them.
  3. Green potatoes are bad. They contain saponins, which are toxic. Don’t eat the green ones!
  4. Potatoes break down to glucose. When you are trying to lose weight, potatoes are definitely banned from the menu.

I’d be very interested to hear what you think about Potatoes and Paleo? Do you eat them? Or avoid them altogether? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

Ginger Sesame Chicken Wings paleo recipe dinner primal-min

Recipe: Ginger Sesame Chicken Wings

Another wonderful way with chicken wings, this recipe is fiery and crispy, and great as a snack or as a main meal with some fresh vegetables. The key here is the ginger, and the amount of it! Requires overnight marinating.

Ginger Sesame Chicken Wings Ingredients:

  • 500g free range chicken wings
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 5 cloves of garlic, peeled
  • 50g fresh root ginger, peeled and chopped
  • 2 tbsp coconut aminos
  • 2 anchovies (optional)

Ginger Sesame Chicken Wings How To:

In a food processor, mix together the garlic, ginger, coconut aminos and anchovies (if using) to form a paste. Mix well with the sesame oil and sesame seeds in a bowl, then pour oven the chicken wings and leave to marinate overnight.

Preheat the oven to 180C / 350F / Gas mark 4. Lay the wings on a foil covered baking tray and cook for 40 minutes or until crisp and golden brown.

Ginger Sesame Chicken Wings paleo recipe dinner primal-min

Do you Get Enough Cobalt Vitamin B12 paleo diet primal deficiency supplements-min

Do you Get Enough Cobalt?

Cobalt forms part of the structure of vitamin B12, which makes it an essential dietary mineral. In its inorganic form, cobalt is also an active nutrient for bacteria, algae and fungi, which means that it can help to maintain the balance of the natural bacteria within your body, as well as all of the other bodily functions that it is involved with.

The human body can only absorb cobalt in the form of vitamin B12.

What Does Cobalt Do?

Cobalt is one of the constituent elements of vitamin B12, which makes it essential for us to consume. It is an enzyme catalyst, important for the nervous system and healthy blood cells. Vitamin B12 is also involved with the production of DNA in the body, ensuring that new cells form correctly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which makes sufferers tired and weak, and some mental problems, such as mania and depression.

Some cobalt is stored in the blood supply within the body, where it helps iron absorption and the building of red blood cells. One of the signs of cobalt deficiency is high concentrations of iron in the serum. People suffering from anemia can help their condition by increasing their cobalt intake.

Food Sources of Cobalt

Cobalt is available from both plant and animal sources. Some of the best plant food sources are green leafy vegetables and apricots. Organ meats are a better source of cobalt than muscle, so hearts, kidneys and livers are good foods to boost your cobalt intake. Other cuts of meat do contain cobalt, but in lower quantities.

As cobalt is present in vitamin B12, you can also boost your natural resources with foods that are high in this vitamin. Some of these include:

  • Clams, Oysters and Mussels
  • Liver
  • Fish
  • Beef
  • Crabs and Lobster
  • Lamb
  • Do you Get Enough Cobalt Vitamin B12 paleo diet primal deficiency supplements-min

Another, possibly surprising, source of vitamin B12 is the human digestive system. When the bacteria in the human gut has a supply of cobalt and certain other nutrients it can produce vitamin B12. In some cases, this could be sufficient to fulfill the dietary requirements.

Problems with Cobalt Intake

It is difficult to overdose on vitamin B12 – as a water-soluble chemical; any excess will generally pass out of the body. However, it is occasionally possible to ingest too much and this can lead to numbness or tingling in the arms or face. Other symptoms include insomnia, anxiety or rashes. High levels of vitamin B12 can exaggerate certain medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or mitral valve prolapse.

Cobalt is an essential nutrient that is vital for the health of your body and is a major part of vitamin B12 that is all essential to your health. Make sure you eat enough of the foods that contain these to keep your body in its prime. Eat plenty of red meat and seafood to top up your cobalt levels and you will certainly feet better for it.

How are your mineral levels? Have you ever had them checked?

Clean and Green Vegetable Juice smoothie healthy paleo recipe primal-min

Recipe: Clean and Green Vegetable Juice

No matter how healthy a lifestyle we may lead, sometimes every day pressures can catch up on us and leave us feeling a little run down. Get yourself back on track with this vibrant, nutrient dense green vegetable juice.

I invested in a juicer about two years ago, and its one of the best purchases I have ever made for my kitchen. If you don’t have one, try whizzing this up in a high powered blender. You’ll get a little froth on top, but the health benefits will all be there.

Green Vegetable Juice Ingredient:

(enough for 2 large glasses)

  • 2 cucumbers
  • 4 tightly packed cups of spinach
  • 10 kale leaves
  • 4 inch piece of ginger
  • Juice 2 lemons

Green Vegetable Juice How To:

Juice all the ingredients on full power, bar the lemon.

When done, stir in the lemon juice and serve immediately!

Clean and Green Vegetable Juice smoothie healthy paleo recipe primal-min

Fertilise Yourself eBook Nat Kringoudis-min

Fertilise Yourself – The Natural Fertility Guide

I was so inspired when I met Natalie Kringoudis at the Low Carb Down Under seminar series a few months ago. Natalie is a fertility guru, and Doctor of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncturist. She spoke at the Melbourne seminar about Fertility, and how so many couples who appear to be infertile, are able to conceive, by making changes to their diet and lifestyle.

She spoke at length about the difficulties many couples encounter, and how conditions like Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can make it a lot harder for some women to conceive. It’s really refreshing to see a completely natural approach to health issues, instead of immediately reaching for medical intervention – when in some cases diet and lifestyle can make all the difference.

Natalie has a centre for Women’s Health & Natural Fertility in Melbourne, Australia – and has written an ebook, “Fertilise Yourself”, to help even more people.

Fertilise Yourself eBook Nat Kringoudis-min

 

Fertilise Yourself is a complete “how to” ebook, breaking down the foods that will help – and hinder your fertility. It also includes recipes to help build fertility and a fertility shopping list. The ebook is packed with advice on natural fertility, that you won’t find any where else. “Fertilise Yourself” is designed to help anyone get fertility fit, as even if you aren’t looking to conceive yet, fertility is an indicator of overall health. It’s never too soon to start to prepare your body for fertility.

So, if you’re looking for natural ways to improve your overall health and wellbeing, hormones and fertility – you might be interested to check out “Fertilise Yourself” here.

I’d love to hear your comments on the link between fertility and diet and lifestyle choices. Did adopting a Paleo diet help you?

 

Energy Boasting Smoothie berries paleo primal juice juicing diet recipe-min

Recipe: Energy Boasting Smoothie

We all have those days where we feel like we’re running on empty. Fear not! This smoothie is bursting with Omega 3s, vitamins, antioxidants and essential amino acids, so you’ll be sure to have your game back in no time! It's also easy to make – so no excuses!

Smoothie Ingredients:

  • 2 handfuls of blueberries
  • 2 handfuls of Blackberries
  • 2 handfuls of Raspberries
  • Juice of one orange
  • 1 tbsp linseed
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 ripe bananas (try freezing them first)
  • 1 avocado

Method:

Its not rocket science! Just throw everything into a blender, and blitz until smooth. For even more nutrients, try adding a handful of leafy greens.

Do you often make smoothies? Do you ever add protein powder? ‘d love to hear your thoughts on smoothies in the comments below.

Energy Boasting Smoothie berries paleo primal juice juicing diet recipe-min

Paleo Lunch Box Recipe Five DIY Salad Dressings-min

Paleo Lunch Box Recipe: Five DIY Salad Dressings

If you’re leaving home with a pre-prepared salad for lunch, there’s nothing like having a small pot of on-the-go dressing to take with you. We all have our favourite salad dressings, but here are five delicious ideas for you to try so that you’re never caught with a boring salad again!

All of the following make enough for between 4 – 6 salads, and keep in the fridge for a week. I’ve made a note on each recipe saying ‘blender’ or ‘jam jar.’ In short, if it says blender, blitz your ingredients in a blender. If it says jam jar, just combine all contents in any kind of jar and shake to combine. Not rocket science, I know!

Paleo Lunch Box Recipe Five DIY Salad Dressings-min

Oil Free Raspberry Dressing (blender)

  • 125 grams fresh raspberries
  • ¼ of an onion, chopped
  • 100ml apple juice
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Lime and Coriander Dressing (blender)

  • 150ml extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice 1 1/2 limes
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, deseeded and finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp runny honey
  • 1 large handful fresh coriander

Balsamic Vinaigrette (jam jar)

  • 100ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 100ml balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette (jam jar)

  • 100ml extra virgin olive oil
  • 50ml cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp tomato puree
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 clove garlic, crushed

Lemon and Dill Dressing (jam jar)

  • 100ml olive oil
  • Juice and zest 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp runny honey
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp chopped fresh dill
  • Pinch of salt and pepper
Why You Should Add More Sulphurous Veggies To Your Diet Dr Tery Wahls paleo diet primal-min

Why You Should Add More Sulphurous Veggies To Your Diet

I hadn't given much thought to sulphurous veggies, until reading about the Dr. Terry Wahls protocol. Dr Terry Wahls reversed her multiple sclerosis in part, by modifying her diet. She recommends eating 3 cups of leafy greens, 3 cups of antioxidants and 3 cups of sulfurous veggies every day.

What’s so special about sulfur and why should we eat more?

It might smells like rotten eggs, but sulphur is found all throughout our body in the connective tissues such as nerve cells, skin, hair and nails. It’s therefore essential that we can replenish the sulphur in our bodies – and what better way than eating sulfurous veggies?

So which vegetables are good sources of sulphur?

Broccoli

Broccoli is the top vegetable in the list of sulphurous vegetables. This cabbage is rich in the sulfur glucoraphanin. As soon as broccoli is chewed on or cut, the glucoraphanin is transformed into sulforaphane.

Other cabbages

Like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, red cabbage and all the other forms of cabbage, are sulfurous vegetables. They contain organic sulphurous substances and are packed with vitamins.

Vitamin U, or cabagin, can be found in cabbages too, another reason to eat more cabbage. Cabbages are also rich in indoles, which help regulate estrogen metabolism. What is there not to love?!

Why You Should Add More Sulphurous Veggies To Your Diet Dr Tery Wahls paleo diet primal-min

Garlic

Garlic is probably the most used medicinal plant in history. Garlic works as an anticoagulant, which decreases the silting of platelets and inhibits the formation of blood clots.

Garlic also helps the immune system. The different sulfur compounds have antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic and antifungal properties.

Asparagus

As well as being a great source of sulphur, asparagus is rich in glutathione.

Other Sulphurous Vegetables

Chicory, endive and onions are also good sources of sulfur.

How to eat more sulfurous veggies?

You can eat these vegetable raw of cooked, so try adding to salads, or using for a green smoothie. Keep you fridge stocked with prepared veggies, to make it easy to add them to your meals.

How much do sulphurous veggies play a role in your diet? Have you tried the Dr Terry Wahls protocol? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Spinach Courgette Salad Orange Sesame Dressing-min

Recipe: Spinach and Courgette Salad with Orange and Sesame Dressing

Fresh, green salad combined with an incredibly delicious dressing. Perfect for al fresco eating with some barbequed protein.

Spinach and Courgette Salad Ingredients:

  • 3 courgettes, thinly sliced
  • 4 large handfuls fresh spinach
  • 12 sundried tomatoes, halved
  • 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
  • Handful of pine nuts
  • For the dressing:
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed
  • 2 tbsp tahini paste
  • Juice of ½ orange
  • 1tsp honey
  • 2tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper

Spinach and Courgette Salad How To:

Heat a little oil in a pan to a medium heat. Add the sliced courgettes and peppers a little at a time so they are not too bunched up. Cook for 3 – 4 minutes each with a little sea salt, ensuring they are nicely chargrilled.

In a large salad bowl, toss together the spinach and sundried tomatoes. Add the courgettes and peppers, then toss again. Scatter the pine nuts on top.

To make the dressing, whizz together all the ingredients bar the olive oil to make a thick liquid. Gradually add the oil, stirring as you go, until you reach the desired texture.

Drizzle the dressing generously over the salad, toss and serve.

Paleo Diet Recipe Primal Spinach Courgette Salad Orange Sesame Dressing-min