Archive for year: 2012
Announcing The Real Food Summit
After the fantastic Paleo Summit a few months ago, Sean Croxton is about to launch another health conference – the Real Food Summit. This is aimed at anyone interested in real, whole food and is free to attend.
There are so many great speakers I’m really looking forward to learning from, including:
• Chris Kresser talking about the importance of fish and seafood
• Paul Check on how eating whole foods impacts your mind, body, and soul
• Jeffrey Smith on genetically modified foods
• Mark McAfee talking about how raw milk can heal a broken immune system
• Chris Masterjohn on the nutritional wisdom of Weston A. Price
There are a total of 27 video presentations that will be free to watch during the nine-day summit, by different speakers on many different topics. The Real Food Summit starts in a few days time, on Sunday 8th July (AKA Monday 9th July for those of us in Australia).
Pre-register here if you’re interested in attending the free event – and as an extra bonus everyone who pre-registers will receive a presentation by real food farmer and activist Joel Salatin called “Real Food Defined”
I think this will be a great summit to attend for those already into Paleo, but also to share with those friends and family interested in Paleo, but not quite ready to change their diets…
Have you signed-up to the Real Food Summit yet?
Why Online Summits Like This Matter
With so much conflicting information about health, nutrition, and wellness online, events like the Real Food Summit offer a much-needed opportunity to hear from credible experts in one place. The lineup includes experienced practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders who bring both scientific understanding and real-world insights. Whether you’re just starting your journey into clean eating or you're a seasoned Paleo veteran, there's always more to learn and apply to your own lifestyle.
What makes this kind of summit particularly valuable is the diversity of perspectives. You’ll find talks focused on ancestral diets, gut health, metabolic healing, sustainable farming, and food politics — all presented in an accessible way that’s grounded in practical advice. With speakers from different backgrounds, you'll get a more well-rounded understanding of how real food affects not just your physical health, but your mental wellbeing and the planet too.
How to Make the Most of the Real Food Summit
If you're planning to attend, there are a few ways you can get the most value out of the summit:
- Schedule time to watch – With 27 presentations available over nine days, it helps to look at the schedule in advance and block out time to tune in. Even setting aside 30–60 minutes per day will help you absorb more.
- Take notes – Jot down your key takeaways, favourite quotes, and ideas you'd like to research more. This can be especially useful if you want to implement new strategies into your Paleo lifestyle.
- Share with others – If a particular talk resonates with you, consider sharing it with friends or family. It could be a great conversation starter and a gentle way to introduce others to real food principles.
- Engage with the speakers – Many of the presenters are active online and welcome discussion. If something stood out to you or raised a question, reach out to them via their social media or websites for further engagement.
Spotlight on Key Topics to Watch
With such a wide-ranging lineup, it’s helpful to keep an eye on the sessions most relevant to your goals. For example:
- Chris Kresser’s presentation on seafood is ideal if you’re trying to include more nutrient-dense marine foods in your diet. He’s known for explaining complex science in a way that’s easy to understand.
- Jeffrey Smith’s talk on GMOs is especially timely in Australia, as consumer awareness around food labelling and genetically modified ingredients continues to grow.
- Paul Chek’s discussion about the emotional and spiritual effects of eating whole food may resonate if you’re exploring the mind-body connection or holistic health approaches.
Other speakers cover everything from the gut microbiome to hormone health, making this a uniquely comprehensive experience. Whether you're curious about intermittent fasting, fermented foods, or natural immunity, you'll find sessions that spark your interest and deepen your understanding.
Real Food vs. Processed Convenience
The summit also offers a valuable counterpoint to the modern food environment. Despite growing awareness, ultra-processed convenience food continues to dominate supermarket shelves and marketing campaigns. Events like this challenge the narrative that quick, cheap food must come at the expense of health.
Instead, you’ll hear about the value of returning to traditional food preparation methods — from slow-cooked broths and fermented vegetables to sourcing ingredients locally and seasonally. These ideas align closely with the Paleo framework, where food is chosen for its nutritional quality, not its packaging or shelf life.
Who Will Benefit from Attending?
While the Real Food Summit is a fantastic resource for those already living a Paleo or ancestral lifestyle, it’s also a gentle introduction for friends or family members who are curious but hesitant. Unlike some stricter diet approaches, the summit embraces a wide interpretation of “real food” that welcomes a variety of preferences and starting points.
For example, someone interested in organic produce or reducing sugar might enjoy talks by Sarah Ballantyne or Mark McAfee, while someone keen on learning how diet influences mood and sleep could be drawn to more holistic sessions. It’s a good idea to share the registration link with others and perhaps even watch a few sessions together to prompt discussion and reflection.
Supporting the Real Food Movement
By attending events like this and sharing what you learn, you're contributing to a much broader shift in how we think about health and food. The more people who demand transparency, nutrition, and sustainability in what they eat, the more likely we are to see meaningful change in food systems, policy, and education.
Many of the summit's speakers are also directly involved in activism, regenerative agriculture, and public health initiatives — so your attention and support help amplify their message. You might even come away inspired to start a garden, join a local co-op, or advocate for better food choices in your own community.
Looking Beyond the Summit
Once the event wraps up, it’s worth taking some time to revisit your notes and see what you want to integrate into your life. That could mean experimenting with new recipes, sourcing different types of food, or simply being more mindful of how you eat. Some presentations will likely offer replays or transcripts, especially if you register early, so make sure you access everything you can while it’s available.
If the summit energises you, keep an eye out for follow-up events or related conferences. Many of the presenters run their own workshops, podcasts, or online communities — a great way to stay connected and keep your momentum going.
Have You Registered Yet?
With so many valuable insights packed into a single event, the Real Food Summit is a rare opportunity to learn from the best — for free. It doesn’t matter where you are on your health journey, this summit is bound to offer something new and actionable.
Click here to pre-register now and gain immediate access to Joel Salatin’s bonus talk, “Real Food Defined.” Make sure to check your inbox for summit updates and schedule announcements. Let’s celebrate real food together — from paddock to plate, farm to fork.
21 Paleo Lunch Ideas
I've had a few emails in the last couple of weeks asking for Paleo lunch ideas, so I thought I’d make some suggestions in this blog post. I've also written the “Paleo Lunch Recipe Book“, so take a look if you'd like lots of lunch recipes to brighten up your lunchtimes!
Here are 21 suggestions that you can mix and match to come up with an unlimited variety of Paleo lunches:
1. Make kebabs with your choice of meat and vegetables on sticks. Easy finger food and delicious cold.
2. Take in cold meat and veggies – and pour over a hot bone broth from a thermos just before serving.
3. A big salad with your favourite meat, avocado, eggs, leaves, vegetables, nuts and seeds. Keep the dressing and “crunchy” ingredients separate and mix them together just before you eat. Try extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice or mashed up avocado for the dressing.
4. Olives
5. Lettuce wraps – instead of bread, use lettuce to wrap your sandwich filling
6. Invest in a good thermos/ flask and bring in a hot, ready to eat soup, chilli or stew
7. Bag up last nights leftovers
8. Make up a crustless quiche or fritella
9. Blanch some veggies
10. Make up nori wraps with your favourite meats and vegetables
11. Raw veggies with a almond butter or guacamole dip
12. Breadless sandwiches using cold meat or flat capsicum (bell pepper) for the “bread”
13. Hard boiled eggs
14. An avocado and a spoon
15. Beef – or even kangaroo jerky (make your own to make sure it’s Paleo)
16. Cold cuts of roast meat
17. Mashed sweet potato, pumpkin or parsnip
18. Make a batch of egg muffins with your favourite ingredients
19. Make a trail mix with nuts, shredded coconut and jerky
20. Take in frozen prawns/ shrimps, which should be nicely chilled by the time lunch comes round
21. Or you could take it as an opportunity to Intermittently Fast…
Try buying a bento box with lots of small compartments to encourage lots of variety in your lunch.
Reheat?
If you've got access to a fridge and microwave as a minimum, your options are numerous. You can make batches of stews, soups, Paleo chilli or casseroles, freeze them and simply reheat at lunchtimes. A microwave enables you to reheat last nights leftovers – or even cook a sweet potato.
Buying Lunch
Food courts, café's and restaurants all provide Paleo options, especially where you’re able to make a few substitutions. All day breakfasts are a good choice (think bacon, eggs, avocados or omelettes), roast dinners, salad bars; at a pinch I've even ordered a sandwich – without the bread (but with a few confused looks). The problem with buying lunch is the price – and you can’t always be entirely sure about all of the ingredients.
Emergency Paleo Food Stash
Despite your best intentions, there’s always that day you forget to bring in lunch – or worse still your money – so it makes sense to have an emergency Paleo stash at work. This way when there are no good options around, you can always put together a Paleo snack. Things like tinned mackerel, sardines, salmon and tuna, jars of olives, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and jerky will store for a long time and could be good options.
Brown-Bag Lunches
For a lot of people kitchen facilities aren't available and eating out isn't an option at lunchtime. Which leads to the question, what can you put in a Paleo Packed Lunch? Just because you can’t heat food, definitely doesn't meant you can’t keep it Paleo.
What’s your favourite Paleo lunch? I’d love to hear any tips and Paleo Lunch Ideas that you have – particularly for quick and easy Paleo lunches!
How to Make Paleo Lunches Work for Your Lifestyle
When you're following a Paleo lifestyle, lunch can either be your most empowering meal — or the one that derails your whole day. That's why having a solid list of easy Paleo lunch ideas ready to go is so essential. Whether you’re working from an office in the city, staying home with the kids, or packing meals for uni or a road trip, Paleo lunches can be simple, satisfying, and stress-free.
Make-Ahead Paleo Lunch Prep
The best way to avoid lunchtime decisions that lead to poor food choices? Do the thinking ahead of time. If you’re already prepping dinner, double the recipe and box up leftovers for the next day. Invest in quality storage containers so you always have grab-and-go meals ready in the fridge. Freezer-friendly recipes like beef stew, chicken curry, or cauliflower soup are also great options — just defrost the night before and reheat at work.
Try building your lunch using this formula:
Protein: Chicken thighs, grilled steak, boiled eggs, roast lamb, salmon, sardines
Fat: Avocado, olives, nuts, coconut flakes, Paleo mayo, EVOO-based dressing
Veggies: Raw veggie sticks, salad mix, roasted sweet potato, grilled capsicum, sauerkraut
No-Microwave? No Problem
If you don’t have access to a microwave or stove at lunch, plan meals that taste great cold or at room temperature. Roast vegetable salads with chicken, frittata slices, lettuce-wrapped meats, and cold sweet potato with tahini drizzle can be just as satisfying without heating. You can also make up a cold antipasto box — think cured meat (check ingredients), olives, cherry tomatoes, and pickled veg.
Pro tip: Use a thermal container to keep meals hot until midday. Fill it with boiling water for 5 minutes before adding your hot food, and it’ll stay warm for hours.
Paleo Lunch on the Go (No Kitchen, No Fridge)
If you’re on the road, out in the field, or stuck at your desk all day, don’t let convenience derail your efforts. Stock up on non-perishable Paleo-friendly foods to stash in your bag, car, or drawer. Tinned wild-caught salmon, jerky, pouches of olives, mini nut butters, and coconut chips are great for this. Add a boiled egg and an apple and you've got a surprisingly complete Paleo lunch.
Paleo Lunch Ideas for Kids (or Grownups Who Like Fun Lunches)
Paleo lunches don’t have to be boring or overly serious. Try making Paleo “snack boxes” with a little of everything: boiled eggs, turkey roll-ups, blueberries, roasted pumpkin seeds, cucumber rounds, and coconut yoghurt. It’s satisfying, colourful, and easy to pack in a bento-style lunchbox with little compartments for variety.
Batch Cooking = Lunchtime Freedom
A little weekend prep goes a long way. Set aside an hour on Sunday to roast a tray of chicken thighs, bake a batch of egg muffins, boil a dozen eggs, prep chopped veggie sticks, and make a simple dressing. With these building blocks, you can mix and match for the rest of the week without having to think too hard at 7 a.m.
Quick Paleo Lunch Combos to Keep on Repeat
Grilled salmon + roast pumpkin + spinach + macadamia oil
Chicken breast + smashed avocado + cherry tomatoes + rocket
Hard-boiled eggs + sauerkraut + raw veggie sticks + Brazil nuts
Slow-cooked lamb + mashed cauliflower + steamed broccoli
Leftover steak + fried zucchini ribbons + tomato salsa
Still stuck for ideas? Try combining your leftovers with fresh produce or turning dinner favourites into wraps, salads or bowls. Keep it simple, keep it colourful — and don’t be afraid to repeat meals that work for you.
What are your go-to Paleo lunches? Share your quick wins, meal prep tips, and favourite time-saving recipes in the comments — let’s help each other keep lunch easy, delicious, and fully Paleo.
Un-Paleo Hospital Food
One of my favourite blogs is Notes from a Hospital Bed, which was started by a journalist during a long stay in a UK hospital. You won't be surprised to hear that he wasn't served Paleo Hospital Food!
The blogger was shocked about the food he was served each day, so took photos and posted them on his blog.
Images by Notes From A Hospital BedIn hospital good nutrition is obviously paramount to enable patients to recover and regain strength. Hospitals obviously don't serve Paleo food (but hopefully in the not too distant future they will?), but even by Conventional Wisdom the food served in hospital leaves a lot to be desired.
When I had a short stay in hospital a couple of years ago I found it very hard to navigate the food options. Everything on offer was geared towards a low-fat agenda. The other key principle was that all of the food was quick and easy to prepare – and had long shelf lives. This meant everything was pre-packaged along with lots of undesirable ingredients.
I really feel for people in hospital – at the time they need good nutrition the most, they are all too often being given sub-standard food.
What Should Hospital Food Look Like?
At a time when patients are at their most vulnerable, every bite matters. Nutrition plays a critical role in healing, immune support, and overall recovery. Yet hospital food often seems stuck in a time warp — full of low-fat margarine sachets, powdered mash, and ultra-processed desserts. There’s a huge opportunity for hospitals to rethink the way they nourish patients by focusing on fresh, nutrient-dense, whole foods — many of which align naturally with a Paleo template.
Imagine a hospital menu featuring bone broth as a starter to support gut health and collagen repair. Or slow-cooked meats with a side of steamed seasonal veg, all drizzled with olive oil. Instead of white bread and jelly, patients could enjoy roasted sweet potato, avocado, or a simple chia pudding for dessert. Meals like these are far more likely to support recovery — not to mention satisfy the taste buds.
The Problem with Processed Hospital Meals
One of the biggest challenges with current hospital food is its reliance on pre-packaged, heavily processed items. These are typically chosen for cost, shelf life, and ease of preparation — not nutrition. Many contain hydrogenated oils, synthetic additives, thickeners, preservatives, and added sugar. These ingredients may tick the box on paper for “calories provided”, but they fall short when it comes to actual nourishment.
Meals are often loaded with refined carbohydrates, but sorely lacking in quality protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients. And when fat is included, it’s rarely the good kind — you’re more likely to see canola spread than a dollop of grass-fed butter or coconut oil. Add to this the common practice of overcooking vegetables until they’re grey and limp, and it’s easy to see why patients feel underwhelmed and undernourished.
How the Paleo Approach Could Improve Patient Outcomes
Adopting a more Paleo-aligned menu in hospitals doesn’t mean everyone has to go full carnivore or ditch carbs entirely. Rather, it’s about replacing processed fare with whole, real ingredients — something that benefits all patients, regardless of dietary preference.
The benefits of a Paleo-style hospital food approach might include:
- Faster healing thanks to nutrient-dense meals rich in zinc, vitamin A, protein, and omega-3 fats
- Better blood sugar control for post-surgical patients or those managing chronic illness
- Fewer digestive issues from avoiding problematic ingredients like gluten, seed oils, and excess sugar
- Improved patient satisfaction by offering meals that feel nourishing, familiar, and flavourful
Examples of Paleo-Inspired Hospital Meals
Some hospitals overseas are starting to rethink their food offerings. While not labelled as “Paleo,” these changes align with many of the same principles — whole, unprocessed ingredients and a focus on quality protein and veg. Here are a few sample meals that could fit well in a Paleo hospital food pilot:
- Grilled chicken thigh with pumpkin mash, steamed zucchini and a drizzle of olive oil
- Oven-baked salmon with lemon, sautéed spinach, and roasted carrots
- Breakfast of scrambled eggs, avocado, and grilled tomato
- A light broth-based soup with shredded beef, carrots, and herbs
- Snack of fresh fruit and a handful of activated nuts
These meals are simple, easy to batch cook, and free from the ultra-processed additives found in typical hospital fare. And best of all — they actually taste good.
How Can Change Happen?
There are several barriers to overhauling hospital food, including budget constraints, supplier contracts, outdated guidelines, and a lack of nutritional education among food service staff. But positive change is possible. It begins with advocacy and awareness — from both healthcare professionals and patients.
Some steps that can support progress include:
- Training kitchen staff in whole food preparation and safe handling of fresh produce and meat
- Allowing patients more menu flexibility to cater to dietary needs beyond standard hospital diets
- Encouraging local procurement of fresh, seasonal ingredients where possible
- Updating hospital nutrition guidelines to reflect current evidence on fat, sugar, and processed food impacts
In Australia, some private hospitals and health centres are beginning to move in the right direction, offering fresher and more diverse options. But there’s still a long way to go, especially in public hospitals where funding and policies remain major obstacles.
What You Can Do If You're in Hospital
If you or a loved one is admitted to hospital and trying to stick to a real food or Paleo-style diet, it’s worth having a plan in place. Here are some practical strategies:
- Ask for simple substitutions – Many hospitals will swap white bread for fruit, or margarine for extra veg if requested
- Bring snacks – With permission, keep a stash of compliant foods on hand like boiled eggs, jerky, or nuts
- Enlist help from visitors – Ask a friend or family member to bring in a nourishing meal made with real ingredients
- Speak up – Feedback on hospital food matters, and dietary preference forms or patient surveys are one place your voice can be heard
While you might not get a grass-fed steak or wild-caught fish on your tray anytime soon, these small changes can help you stay as close to your real food values as possible during your stay.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
The more we talk about hospital food — and the more we demand real, nutrient-dense meals — the sooner we’ll see lasting change. Paleo is about more than six-pack abs or elimination diets. At its heart, it’s a return to food that nourishes, strengthens, and heals. And where better to start that shift than in hospitals?
If you've had a hospital experience that went against your food values, or you've found creative ways to stick to real food while recovering, I'd love to hear your story. Let's push for a future where good nutrition is part of the prescription — not an afterthought.
If you've been in hospital, what was the food like? Were you able to keep it Paleo? Perhaps one day there will be a Paleo Hospital Food option?
Kitchen Heaven or Kitchen Hell?
As I mentioned in my Paleo Pets post, I’m currently house sitting and looking after someone’s dogs
I always look in peoples shopping trolleys with interest, but living in someone else’s house offers such a unique insight into what people really eat. The pantry in the house I'm staying in could not be any further from mine. And I find it really sad.
Obviously fresh food was used up before they left, but even so, it appears that almost all of the families meals come from tins, packets and jars, with expiry dates far into the future and lists of ingredients I don’t recognise.
The kitchen counters are full of gadgets like toasters, popcorn makers and microwaves – all absent from my kitchen. Meanwhile gadgets that I rely on in my kitchen are no where to be seen – a blender for soup and sauces; weighing scales for trying out new recipes; a big stockpot for broths and a slow cooker are very evidently missing. Instead of measuring cups and a julienne peeler I've found a pizza cutting wheel and an ice cream scoop.
The pantry is filled with a fat fearing agenda. There are all sorts of fat-free, reduced fat and low-fat instant options. Even the olive oil is “light” – but of course the fat of choice appears to be canola oil. The spread options (for bread, I presume) are low fat margarines. There is a shelf full of cereals, all boasting some amazing health benefits (and lots of mention of wholegrains) on their packaging.
I've been really surprised to find the herbs and spices (of which I have a rather large, regularly refilled collection in my own kitchen) consists of just a packet of cooking salt and an unopened jar of black peppercorns. I suppose when you reheat and eat out of packets and jars, all the taste you need is provided for, by the unrecognisable ingredients listed on the packet. With some good meat or fish, vegetables and a handful of the Paleo ingredients I can use my herbs and spices to make literally hundreds of completely different meals, with far superior tastes to anything the packets could provide.
Water doesn't appear to be the drink of choice, judging by the collection of shockingly coloured cordial bottles and shelf of soft drinks bottles.
The other interesting comparison is in the cooking materials themselves. Plastic (for use in the microwave and for storing food) is in almost exclusive use, and most of the cookware is non-stick. I used to use this type of cookware too – until I started to replace my pots and pans with safer options.
Tellingly the kitchen also houses two medicine cupboards full of all sorts of medications. My medical supplies are housed in a small container and consist of paracetamol (not used this year as I just don’t get headaches any more), some old forgotten about inhalers (my asthma disappeared without trace a couple of years ago), some out of date antihistamines (my allergies have also disappeared) and some plasters (bandaids for any Americans in the house).
I can’t accept it takes too long to bother to prepare proper food, it definitely isn't more expensive than buying everything in packet form. I think for some people opening and reheating from a packet has just become a sad habit, that is hard to break.
The effort to buy low-fat and “healthy” cereals clearly indicates an desire to be healthy – it’s just sad that the intention has failed so strongly in execution.
Have you seen such a SAD kitchen recently? Do you think this is typical?
Paleo Pet Food
I'm looking after some dogs at the moment, in the owners home. I'd assumed animal nutrition – Pet Food – would be difficult to get wrong – but I couldn't have been more incorrect with that assumption.
Surely dogs are supposed to eat raw meat? That would make a lot of sense, as in the wild what else would they eat?
The tins of dog food we've been left contain the following ingredients:
Meat including chicken, beef, lamb and pork; vegetables; vegetable protein; pasta; vegetable oil; cereal; gelling agents; gluten; vitamins & minerals; vegetable fibre; flavours; colouring agents.
Looking at some other brands of Pet Food, these certainly aren't the worst either.
We've also been instructed to boil up pasta and add it to the food to keep the weight of the dogs down. This is, apparently, on instruction of the vet. I can't think of a single good reason to give animals pasta.
Sadly as these aren't my dogs I can't change their menu, but it has made me wonder how different the dogs would be on a different diet – and what the ingredients in their food is doing to them?
Why Pet Food Ingredients Matter More Than You Think
Most commercial pet foods are formulated for convenience, long shelf life, and mass production — not necessarily the long-term health of the animal. Just like with processed human food, these products often prioritise cost and palatability over quality. While the label might show a high percentage of meat, the fine print often tells a different story.
Take a closer look, and you'll likely see vague ingredients like “meat derivatives” or “animal by-products.” These may include offcuts, organs, or even unidentifiable parts of multiple animals, all processed at high heat, reducing nutritional integrity. Add to that grain fillers, artificial colours, preservatives, thickeners, and sweeteners, and you’ve got a product that may keep your pet alive — but not necessarily thriving.
The Case for a Species-Appropriate Diet
Dogs, while technically omnivores, evolved primarily as carnivorous scavengers. Their teeth, jaw motion, and short digestive tracts are all designed for digesting animal protein, fat, and bones. Cats are even more strict in their requirements — they are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive.
Feeding them diets high in pasta, cereal, or vegetable protein goes completely against their biology. Just as humans feel better avoiding ultra-processed food, pets benefit immensely from eating closer to what their bodies are designed for. When pets are transitioned to a more natural, species-appropriate diet, many owners report improved coat health, reduced allergies, better breath, increased energy, and even behavioural improvements.
What is a Raw or Whole-Food Pet Diet?
Raw feeding is based on the principle of mimicking what a dog or cat would eat in the wild — fresh meat, organs, bones, and a small amount of plant matter. A typical raw dog diet might include:
- Raw meaty bones (chicken necks, lamb ribs, turkey wings)
- Muscle meat (beef, lamb, kangaroo, chicken, etc.)
- Organ meats (liver, kidney, heart — small amounts)
- Blended vegetables like leafy greens, carrots or zucchini (optional)
- Eggs and occasional fish for variety
For cats, the focus is almost entirely on meat and organs, without vegetables or grains. It's important to ensure variety and balance — especially with calcium from bones or added supplements — but when done correctly, this approach supports overall wellbeing far more effectively than dry kibble or tinned food ever could.
Common Issues with Commercial Pet Foods
Many of the health problems we see in pets today are likely linked to their highly processed diets. Consider the parallels with the Standard Australian Diet — high in carbs, additives, and low-quality oils. Pets are now commonly suffering from:
- Allergies and chronic itching
- Obesity and related joint issues
- Pancreatitis and inflammatory conditions
- Digestive issues, including diarrhoea and constipation
- Dental disease from dry biscuits marketed as teeth-cleaning
It’s no surprise that when pets are moved onto a real food diet, these symptoms often improve dramatically. Just like humans, animals thrive on nutrient-dense food that hasn’t been stripped of its goodness through extreme processing.
Why Some Vets Still Recommend Pasta
While many vets are open-minded and nutrition-focused, the curriculum in most veterinary schools includes very little in-depth study of real food feeding. Instead, students are often taught nutrition through pet food industry representatives, leading to a bias toward big-brand processed pet foods.
Veterinarians may recommend foods like pasta or grains in an attempt to manage weight by increasing volume without increasing calories. But this often masks the underlying issue — inappropriate food choices in the first place. High-carb fillers can spike blood sugar, increase inflammation, and leave pets undernourished despite appearing well-fed.
Making the Switch to Natural Pet Food
If you’re considering transitioning your pet to a real food or raw diet, it’s best to do it gradually. Start by adding small amounts of raw or gently cooked meat to their current meals and slowly reduce the processed food over the course of a week or two. Make sure you research the right ratios and, if necessary, consult a holistic or integrative vet who specialises in nutrition.
Many pet owners find success with homemade raw meals, but there are also several Australian companies offering pre-made, balanced raw meals that are ready to serve. Look for options that contain identifiable ingredients — real meat, organs, vegetables (if applicable), and no fillers, colours, or preservatives.
What About Cost and Convenience?
While it might seem like feeding your pet a raw or whole-food diet would be more expensive, it often works out comparable in the long run. Consider this: you’re likely to save on vet bills, medications, and expensive specialty foods designed to treat symptoms caused by poor nutrition.
Buying meat in bulk, using cuts not in high demand for human consumption, and rotating ingredients helps keep costs down. You can also prepare meals in advance and freeze them in portions, making the process efficient and budget-friendly.
Pets Thrive on Real Food
Switching to a more natural diet can be one of the most rewarding things you do for your pets. It’s not about being extreme or striving for perfection — it’s about acknowledging that just like us, animals are biologically designed to eat real food. They deserve the same care and attention we give ourselves when it comes to nutrition.
If you're dog-sitting or caring for someone else's pet, you may not have control over what they eat — but you can start the conversation. Share what you've learned and how you've seen positive changes in your own pets. The more people begin to question the contents of commercial pet food, the more the industry will be pushed to evolve.
Whether you feed your pets a fully raw diet or simply add more whole food elements to their meals, every small step matters. Just like humans benefit from trading packets for produce, your pets will too.
Have you got dogs, cats or other pets? What Pet Food do you feed them? I'd love to hear what happened if you changed their diets to a more natural way of eating.
Woolworths Coconut Oil
Good news if you're in Australia, Coconut Oil has just got a bit easier to find. Woolworths now stock a small jar of Spiral Coconut Oil in the Asian Foods section.
I've also seen it in Harris Farm and some IGA stores. Hopefully Coles will get in on the act and start stocking Coconut Oil soon too.
Online suppliers definitely seem to be the cheapest way to buy Coconut Oil in Australia and New Zealand, but for all those times when being organised doesn't come together, it's great to be able to buy it in a national chain.
🥥 Coconut Oil at Woolworths: A Comprehensive Guide
Coconut oil has become a staple in many Australian households, valued for its versatility in cooking, baking, and personal care. Woolworths has significantly expanded its selection, making it easier than ever to find the right coconut oil for your needs.
🛒 Available Coconut Oil Products at Woolworths
Here's a selection of coconut oil products currently available at Woolworths:
| Product | Image | Price | Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macro Organic Virgin Coconut Oil |  | $4.30 | 300g | Budget-Friendly |
| Raw C Organic Virgin Coconut Oil |  | $18.00 | 1500mL | Bulk Size |
| Woolworths Coconut Oil Spray |  | $5.40 | 225g | Convenient Spray |
| Coco Earth Premium Liquid Coconut Oil |  | $14.50 | 500mL | High MCT Content |
| Raw C Organic Coconut Oil |  | $8.00 | 330mL | Compact Jar |
| Coco Earth Organic Virgin Coconut Oil |  | $14.00 | 1L | Versatile Use |
🍳 Cooking with Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is renowned for its high smoke point and unique flavor profile, making it suitable for various cooking methods:
- Sautéing and Stir-Frying: Its stability at high temperatures makes it excellent for sautéing vegetables or stir-frying meats.
- Baking: Use it as a substitute for butter or other oils in baking recipes to add a subtle coconut flavor.
- Coffee Additive: Some people add a teaspoon to their coffee for an energy boost, especially those on a keto diet.
🧴 Coconut Oil for Personal Care
Beyond the kitchen, coconut oil serves multiple purposes in personal care routines:
- Moisturizer: Its hydrating properties make it suitable for skin moisturization.
- Hair Care: Apply as a hair mask to nourish and add shine to your hair.
- Makeup Remover: Its gentle nature allows for effective makeup removal without harsh chemicals.
💡 Tips for Choosing the Right Coconut Oil
When selecting coconut oil, consider the following:
- Refined vs. Unrefined: Refined coconut oil has a neutral scent and flavor, while unrefined (virgin) retains the coconut aroma and taste.
- Solid vs. Liquid: Solid coconut oil is ideal for baking and high-heat cooking, whereas liquid forms are convenient for dressings and personal care.
- Organic Certification: Opting for organic ensures the product is free from pesticides and other chemicals.
📦 Storage and Shelf Life
- Storage: Keep coconut oil in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Shelf Life: Typically, coconut oil has a shelf life of up to two years. Always check the expiration date on the packaging.
Paleo Cold & Flu Remedies
Since I've been following a Paleo diet, I thought catching Cold & Flu were a thing of the past. But, sadly no; I've just got over my first cold in over two years. I recovered far quicker and felt nothing like as bad as I had in my pre-paleo days, but it was frustrating to feel ill all the same.
The winter before I went Paleo, I seemed to catch every virus going around. I permanently had a cold or the flu – and felt terrible. So perhaps I shouldn't complain about feeling a bit run down for a few days, once every two or three years.
Doesn't Paleo prevent you from getting Cold & Flu?
I think Paleo plays a crucial role in building up a good immune system; but sometimes this isn't enough. After a few hectic weeks at work, insufficient sleep, the arrival of Winter (seriously reducing my daily sunshine/ Vitamin D exposure), I suspect my immune system didn't put up the usual fight when confronted with a cold virus. A trip to an extremely cold Canberra was the final battle that my immune system lost.
Paleo Cold Remedies?
I'm really against over the counter medicines, so at the first hint of a sore throat, I immediately researched natural cold cures and remedies.
The most important things are the simplest; lots of sleep and good hydration. I also made a big pot of chicken soup which is not only very nutritious, but it is also warming and soothing for a sore throat.
Vitamin D levels are crucial; I'm usually very sporadic in taking it, so I've been making sure I take Vitamin D3 capsules every day. I don’t usually supplement with Vitamin C, but almost everything I researched on remedies mentioned it, so I started taking it too.
I don’t usually have sweeteners, but I found hot lemon water with raw honey very soothing. I read a lot of people add in cayenne pepper and ginger, but that was a step to far for me. As was raw garlic or gargling with Apple Cider Vinegar.
They say prevention is better than cure…
I've definitely learnt my lesson. I'm going to be far more careful to keep my Vitamin D levels up, especially in Winter (I must book another test to check what my levels are). I'm not going to compromise on sleep – and Canberra, sorry – but I don’t think I’ll be visiting again until Spring.
Have you noticed a decrease (or hopefully absence) in Cold & Flu since you changed your diet? If you've got any Cold & Flu remedies or cures, please pass them on in the comments below, you might just help someone somewhere feel a lot better!
Natural Cold Remedies That Fit the Paleo Lifestyle
When you're following a Paleo diet, you're already reducing the processed foods, grains, and sugars that weaken your immune system. But colds and flus can still sneak in — especially during winter in Australia, when sunshine (and therefore Vitamin D) is harder to come by.
The great news is that Paleo principles make it easier to bounce back. Prioritising whole foods, bone broth, quality sleep, and natural supplements can shorten the duration and intensity of your symptoms. Staying hydrated, avoiding refined sugar, and supporting your immune system with foods like garlic, ginger, and citrus can make a huge difference.
Instead of reaching for over-the-counter medications, many in the Paleo community turn to real food and ancient remedies to heal and recover naturally. From turmeric teas to homemade Paleo chicken soup, there are plenty of nourishing ways to get back on your feet.
If you’ve discovered your own Paleo-friendly ways to fight off a cold, share them in the comments — others in the community will appreciate the tips!
Melbourne Paleo
Welcome to those who've found the site through the article in this weekend's “The Age” newspaper.
It's great to see Paleo getting more and more publicity and for more people to consider removing the grains and changing their diets.
If you're interested in finding out about Paleo there's lots of information on the site and a free guide to Paleo Australia ebook you can download now. Sign up to my newsletter on the right to get your free guide.
The Paleo Movement in Melbourne: Then and Now
Back in June 2012, I was honoured to be featured in The Age newspaper in an article titled “Meat and Greet: Modern Hunger for Caveman Diet”. The article explored how the Paleo lifestyle – once seen as a niche movement – was beginning to take off in Melbourne and beyond. It was so encouraging to see mainstream media not only notice Paleo, but take it seriously enough to speak to everyday Australians who were living and breathing the lifestyle.
At the time, there were only a handful of us in Australia talking about Paleo online. The concept was still relatively unknown outside of CrossFit gyms and health forums. The Age article profiled a variety of Paleo advocates: CrossFit trainers, pregnant mums, software developers, and even musicians, all of whom had embraced the lifestyle and were seeing real, tangible health benefits — from clearer skin and better digestion to improved energy and weight loss.
I shared my own story in that piece – how I’d lost 17kg in just three months by cutting grains and processed food and how my lifelong asthma disappeared. That was the moment Paleo stopped being just a personal experiment for me and became a passion to share with others. Soon after, The Paleo Network started gaining traction, and what had been a small personal blog quickly grew into a go-to resource for Australians wanting to embrace a more ancestral approach to health.
Why Paleo Resonates in Melbourne
Melbourne has always had a strong food culture – we love our brunches, our farmers markets, our artisan producers. But alongside the café culture, there’s also been a deep interest in wellness and sustainability. Paleo ticks a lot of boxes for health-conscious Melburnians:
- It focuses on whole, real food, with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce.
- It avoids highly processed foods and seed oils – common culprits in many modern health conditions.
- It’s flexible – Paleo isn’t about deprivation but about choosing the most nourishing options available.
Since 2012, Melbourne has only become more Paleo-friendly. There are now more butchers who understand the value of grass-fed and pasture-raised meat. Organic markets have popped up across the suburbs. Cafés offer grain-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options – and even if they don’t use the word “Paleo”, they’re speaking the same language.
Even CrossFit boxes and strength gyms across Victoria continue to champion the Paleo way of eating, often combining it with intermittent fasting, cold exposure, and mobility work – all elements inspired by our ancestral roots.
The Impact of Media on the Paleo Movement
Being interviewed by a major newspaper helped bring Paleo into the Australian mainstream. The Age article gave a human face to the movement and highlighted the diversity of people trying this lifestyle – it wasn’t just “fitness bros” or wellness influencers. It was mums, professionals, people with autoimmune conditions, and busy workers looking for sustainable health solutions.
Mainstream media coverage helped break down the misconceptions around Paleo. Suddenly, people weren’t just seeing it as a weird diet based on caveman clichés – they were seeing it as a real option to help them feel better, lose weight, improve digestion, and even reverse chronic conditions.
Today, we have podcasts, Instagram pages, YouTube channels, and documentaries – but back then, a single print article could ignite thousands of conversations. And it did.
Paleo Success Stories from Melbourne
Over the years, I’ve received countless emails from people in Victoria sharing how Paleo changed their lives. A few highlights include:
- Anna from Fitzroy, who healed her PCOS symptoms and lost 10kg without counting calories or doing endless cardio.
- Damien from Richmond, who credits Paleo and intermittent fasting for helping him manage Type 2 diabetes and avoid medication.
- Miriam from St Kilda, who switched her whole family to Paleo after her daughter’s behavioural issues improved dramatically on a grain-free, additive-free diet.
These aren’t isolated cases – they’re part of a growing body of anecdotal evidence showing how a whole food, ancestral diet can help address modern health issues at the root cause.
Where to Start with Paleo in Melbourne
If you’re new to Paleo and found this post through The Age or another mention, here’s where to begin:
- Download my free guide – it’s tailored specifically for Australians, including local ingredient swaps, where to shop, and Aussie-friendly recipes.
- Explore the blog – there’s a treasure trove of information here on topics like batch cooking, eating Paleo on a budget, and navigating social events.
- Join the Paleo community – we’ve got an active mailing list and social media pages full of recipe swaps, events, and support.
- Check out local resources – farmers markets, CrossFit boxes, organic grocers, and ethical butchers are great places to start living Paleo without compromise.
And if you’re not in Melbourne? There are Paleo communities popping up across Australia – from Brisbane to Hobart, Byron Bay to Adelaide – and I feature them regularly here on the site.
Paleo Today: Fad or Foundation?
Back in 2012, critics were quick to dismiss Paleo as a fad. Dietitians called it “extreme” or “unsustainable”. But here we are over a decade later – and Paleo is still going strong. The key reason? It works.
Unlike crash diets or 6-week challenges, Paleo isn’t about deprivation or dogma. It’s about removing inflammatory foods, nourishing your body, and reconnecting with real food. Once people feel the difference – clearer skin, fewer bloating episodes, steady energy, better sleep – they don’t want to go back.
Sure, the name “Paleo” may not be as trendy now as “Whole30”, “Ancestral Health”, or “Clean Keto”, but the principles remain the same: Eat real food. Avoid modern junk. Honour your body’s needs.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at the Age article reminds me just how far the movement has come. I was proud to be one of the early voices advocating for a smarter, ancestral approach to food – and I still am.
If you’re here because of that article or because someone shared it with you: welcome. Whether you’re experimenting with Paleo for the first time, or you’ve been on this journey for a decade, there’s a community here to support you.
Let me know in the comments:
- Did you read the Age article when it came out?
- Have you noticed more Paleo options in Melbourne since 2012?
- What’s your number one tip for someone starting Paleo today?
Let’s keep spreading the word – and keep building a community where ancestral health isn’t a fringe idea, but a normal part of everyday life.
The Definitive Guide to Paleo Sweeteners
Whenever I write about sugar, I get a lot of spam comments trying to advertise brands of “natural, healthy” sweeteners that, apparently, are simply bursting with healthiness. I’m also constantly aware of people choosing artificial sweeteners to avoid sugar; as well as people choosing “natural” sweeteners over artificial, or just regular sugar.
So what is the difference between all of these types and brands of sweeteners? Are there really new natural sweeteners out there, or is it just clever marketing of an existing product, with a new brand name?
Natural Sweeteners
A natural sweetener, by definition is one that is unprocessed, and naturally occurring in nature – in the same state (or requiring minimal processing that you could do yourself). A lot of sweeteners sold as natural, actually require a lot of refining and processing to get to the state they reach us in – far from natural.
Stevia
One of the most talked about sweeteners, Stevia is actually a herb. It has a natural sweet taste, but no actual sugar molecules. The green leaf Stevia plant is therefore a great alternative to sugar. Unfortunately, far more readily available than the green leaf versions, is the white powdered form of Stevia (i.e. branded as Natvia, Truvia or Sun Crystals). This is very processed, and definitely one to be avoided.
Honey
Raw Honey is a great natural sweetener. Using a local honey is even supposed to reduce hayfever. Whilst honey is natural (and in fact the only sweetener I use), it still produces an insulin effect and is definitely best suited for occasional use – as are all forms of sweeteners.
Maple Syrup, traditionally made Agave Nectar (Miel de Agave), Sorghum Syrup, Coconut Sugar, Palm Sugar, Molasses, Date Sugar, Cane Sugar, Fruit Juice, Muscovado and Sucanat are also natural sugars – but, again, no sweetener is the healthier choice, even if they are natural! Incidentally you might have seen Brown Rice Syrup in you health food shop – and whilst it too is “natural”, it contains malt and is therefore a source of gluten!
Not So Natural?
Agave Nectar is another one that seems to be thought of as another supremely healthy product. Agave is natural, in that it comes from the juice of the agave plant. It has a low glycemic profile, which means less of an insulin spike. However, this is because Agave nectar contains only 10% glucose – which means the other 90% is fructose, which comes with all sorts of health issues and is definitely to be avoided. Not only should Agave be avoided for its high fructose concentration, but it also contains saponins; toxins that have less than desirable effects on the body. Agave Nectar is produced in a not too dissimilar way to High Fructose Corn Syrup – yet at least HFCS is seldom marketed as a healthy sweetener.
Turbinado Sugar and Sugar Alcohols (i.e. xylitol and erythritol) are also not natural; but often sold with impressive health claims.
Artificial Sweeteners
The chemical sweeteners really are a no brainer. Recognised as toxins in the body – and in many cases not established enough for us to really understand their impact, I can’t see any reason why anyone would want to consume these. There is also a lot of research into the insulin response, with many suggesting that the sweet taste, even in the absence of sugar, is enough to trigger an insulin response.
Artificial sweeteners include Aspartame (sold as NutraSweet or Equal), Saccharin (Sweet n Low), Sucralose (Splenda), Acesulfame-K (Sunette or Sweet One), Sorbitol, Mannitol and Tagatose.
Sweeteners – Are They Paleo?
Whilst the natural sweeteners are without doubt less harmful than their chemical or processed alternatives, they still aren’t “Paleo”. As an occasional treat Raw Honey is the only sweetener I would suggest.
Ultimately, it’s best to give up the need for constant sweetness. Since doing so, I’ve found my taste buds have changed and I no longer crave sweet things like I used to. Try giving up sugar; after a few weeks you’ll be glad you did!
Have you given up sugar? If not, what types of sweeteners do you use?