As the name suggests, this super quick and healthy broccoli makes a great side dish to just about anything. It's even great to have as a mid afternoon pick me up or an evening snack – so make sure you make plenty! If you haven’t used it before, coconut aminos is a great paleo alternative […]
I read recently about a woman, Naveena Shine, 65, from Seattle, who was planning to go for six months without eating, existing solely on “nutrition” from the sun; Sungazing. She installed video cameras in her house, with live streaming, to prove that she wasn't cheating. After losing a lot of weight, she stopped after 47 […]
If there’s one thing I've learnt from the humble pork rib, it’s that patience is indeed a virtue; the slower they are cooked, the better. That being said, I've never had the patience (or the self control, for that matter) to cook my ribs for any longer than 3 hours. Today I decided to put […]
Copper is an important trace dietary mineral which fulfils many important functions within the body. Many of the proteins and enzymes that perform essential metabolic functions contain copper. It is important for the growth, development and maintenance of bone, ligaments and many organs. It also works as part of the immune system to fight infections […]
A great choice if you’re not the biggest fan of spicy curries, this Asian inspired curry is delightfully creamy and fruity in equal measure. Enjoy the health giving, anti-inflammatory properties of Ginger and Turmeric as an added bonus and the great combination of mango and coconut. I've made this one with a whole, medium roast […]
On my quest to cook with more offal, the thought of doing something with pigs trotters filled me with dread. I’d always seen them sitting, forlorn and lonesome in the far corner of my butcher’s counter whilst crowds flocked towards the chicken breasts and fillet steaks. However lonely they may have looked, I never had […]
Forget Goji Berries, Spirulina and Peruvian Maca Root, there is one ‘Superfood’ that you can guarantee your ancestors would have consumed in abundance that you’re probably not getting enough of now – Gelatin. As conventional wisdom has seen us spurn traditional cuts in favour of lean muscle meat, our intake of gelatin has dropped to […]
I've read about so many people going onto a paleo diet and noticing significant improvements in their skin. With a few tweaks, eating this way seems to have helped a lot of people suffering from acne, eczema, spots, redness, blemishes and breakouts. What causes skin problems? It seems that a lot of issues are down to […]
If you’ve never tried ceviche before, then what better way to start by doing it yourself! Contrary to popular belief, it's easy to do. The fish cooks in the chemicals from the acid, so is not ‘raw’ like sushi. Even still, grab yourself super fresh mackerel for this one, it will make all the difference. […]
Sri Lanka has been a major trade network in South Asia for hundreds of years; in fact, traders have come to this beautiful island since ancient times and exchanged a whole range of exotic spices. Understandably, Sri Lankan cuisine is a distinct fusion of flavours from influences all around the world. The food is generally […]
Omega 3 and 6 (Sometimes referred to as N3 and N6) are spoken about a lot with reference to the Paleo diet – but just what are they – and how can you make sure you are getting the right ratio? Omega 3 is a fatty acid which is essential in order to maintain a […]
We have probably all heard the word serotonin, but usually in relation to going to the gym or doing another form of exercise. It is true to say that exercise boots serotonin levels in the brain, which is why we feel better after a workout, even if it was a bit of a struggle to […]
Cajun seasoning is one of my personal favourites, but sadly the shop bought combinations are usually laden with salt and other horrible additives. Nonetheless, it’s super easy to make it yourself, and tastes way better too! It works great with Chicken and Pork, so I like to make sure I've always got some in the […]
In case you didn't already know, dietary protein is essential for human health. Protein is used in the body to build and maintain new tissue such as muscle, hair, nails, skin, bone and blood cells. It is also required to create the enzymes for the body to carry out certain processes, such as the digestion […]
Classic combinations really do work best, so it’s no wonder that the tried and tested combination of pork, rosemary and apple is a marriage made in heaven in this dish. Combined with the sweetness and tang of the balsamic shallots, this pork Chops recipe makes a fail safe supper for all the family. Great with […]
When you put so much care and effort into your Paleo nutrition and fitness, are you equally aware of the health and beauty products you use, like your deodorant? Deodorant and antiperspirant are something most people use – and apply directly onto their skin every day, but is commercial deodorant safe? Shop brought deodorants often […]
Wonderfully Moroccan, this carrot based ‘slaw’ is fruity and gently spiced, and teams up perfectly with some chicken wings or drumsticks. North African Carrot Slaw Ingredients: 5 carrots, grated 1 clove of garlic, finely chopped 1tbsp sesame seeds 3 tbsp sultanas 2 spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped 1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped 1 tbsp […]
Who doesn’t love the taste of Sweet Chilli Chicken? Unfortunately, the majority of sweet chilli sauces on the market are either laden with sugar, artificial flavourings, or in most cases, both. Thankfully, it’s remarkably easy to make your own sweet chilli glaze that is just perfect for basting chicken with. The bold flavours of sweet […]
Olive oil is one of the healthier oils around, because it’s full of nutrients and antioxidants. Using high quality ‘extra virgin’ olive oil is pretty standard on a Paleo diet. But just how good is the olive oil in your kitchen? Apparently some olive oils are not all they seem… Olive oil comes in different […]
What more is there to say!? Hands down the perfect Friday night treat, these chicken wings are brilliant with a healthy green salad. Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings Ingredients: 16 free range chicken wings 2 tbsp coconut aminos 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp tomato puree Juice of half a lemon ½ tsp mustard powder ½ […]
Instead of using herbs just to add flavour and colour to your cooking, do you ever add them for their medicinal benefits? Since ancient times herbs have been used as medicine in cultures all around the world. Many modern medicines use active ingredients which come directly from plants – so there’s clearly a lot to […]
Zinc is a crucial mineral that is found in every cell in the body. It's involved with growth, cell division, the immune system, bones and teeth, skin, the brain, the nervous system not to mention hormones – and yet over a third of people appear to be deficient in the Western world! 12 signs you […]
Although a lot of South Indian recipes are vegetarian, there are a few gems that will really satisfy your carnivore cravings. In this Pepper Chicken recipe, Black Pepper is used as an ingredient, not a seasoning, so don’t hold back on the amount you use! Pepper Chicken Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts, diced 1 red pepper, […]
A common form of arthritis, Gout is a condition which can cause a lot of pain to sufferers and can have a highly negative effect on a person’s standard of life. It can be apparent in any joints of the body but is most widely found in the toe, knee and ankle. The signs of […]
For me, free range turkey is one of the most underrated meats. It's often overlooked in favour of chicken, when in truth it’s a lot more versatile, whilst still being lean and high in protein. Lean turkey mince is brilliant to use in chillies, but it also binds really well to make delicious turkey burgers. […]
Guacamole is another one of those things that is definitely worth making instead of buying. That way, you can be sure what’s in it – and know that it won’t contain any nasties! This is how I make mine. Guacamole Ingredients: 4 chillies, finely sliced Small bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped 3 tomatoes, finely diced […]
Concluding my focus on common deficiencies, this week turns to CLA. CLA stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid and is the good trans-fat that occurs naturally in dairy and meat products – especially when animals have been grass-fed, another plus for the Paleo diet. In the stomach of animals such as the goat, sheep or cows […]
Have you had your iron levels checked? Women especially need to be careful to ensure their diet contains sufficient levels, as deficiency can be dangerous. What Does Iron Do? As part of hemoglobin, iron plays an important role in the transport of oxygen around the body from the lungs to the other organs. It is […]
I just love making my own ‘slaw’ – they are quick to make, super versatile and brilliant to keep in the fridge. You can mix them up with all sorts of ingredients, and they are perfect to chuck in the lunchbox for a healthy pick me up. This slaw is made with raw beets, and […]
So we know that grains aren't Paleo, but what about the pseudo grains such as quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) chia seeds and buckwheat? Are they considered acceptable for a paleo diet? The answer is no, and here’s the reason why… Pseudo grains are actually seeds, not grains, but are loaded with anti nutrients and carb heavy. […]
Literally bursting with beta carotene and vitamin c, the ginger in this soup packs a real zing while the turmeric and coriander provide delicate and warming undertones. Enjoy it as an appetiser with friends, and make plenty extra to have for lunch the next day! Delicious topped with toasted, flaked almonds. I'm sure this will […]
A dehydrator is a great way of adding some variety into your Paleo diet. There are loads of great dehydrators on the market, like the Excalibur – but you don’t have to buy a dedicated dehydrator, as you can dehydrate produce directly in your oven. A dehydrator is an indispensable machine if you want to […]
I hate “food” products that masquerades as healthy and natural. I fear that well some meaning parents will buy these products for their children, believing that they are giving them healthy nutritious food. So many products have packaging covered in words like “natural”, “made with real fruit“, “no artificial colours or flavourings” which I think […]
Countless times I have made a delicious roast dinner for friends, only to realise at the end that I’ve bought a chicken way too big for us to eat! Sometimes I get stuck with what to do with the leftovers, but this recipe for Paleo friendly Coronation Chicken is always a fail-safe option. It’s all […]
Antioxidants are essential substances in the body, as they are known to protect cells from damage caused by chemicals, pollution and radiation. Some of the known antioxidants are Vitamin A, C and D as well as lycopene and selenium. It is important to have a diet which is rich in these antioxidants as it can […]
Sweet potatoes are a great side dish for a Paleo dinner. Bright orange and packed with vitamins A, B and C, don’t be surprised if you’re wearing sunglasses indoors and singing the alphabet whilst tucking into these! Roasted Sweet Potato Ingredients: 3 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into wedges 6 carrots, peeled and chopped Olive […]
Let’s be honest, we don’t all love exercise. For some of us, the idea of going out for a run, or an early morning boot camp is enough to make us break out into a cold sweat. But the fact is, movement is good. There’s a huge myth that exercise has to be long, intensive […]
Hummus (or houmous, if you prefer) used to be one of my go-to dips before I went paleo. With the main ingredient being mashed chickpeas – yep there’s no doubting that they’re legumes* – it’s most definitely not on the paleo menu. Which is a shame because this Middle Eastern sauce is great as an […]
After the popularity of my previous post on paleo snack ideas, I've put together a new, extended list of snack ideas. After my last list, I got a lot of people telling me “DAIRY IS NOT PALEO” (yep, I think they were shouting), so just to clear it up, some of the snack ideas listed […]
If you're trying to get more greens into your diet (and you should be!) you might as well make sure they taste amazing. I have a lot of broccoli and find it can get a bit samey, so I came up with this recipe to give it a bit of a kick. You can give […]
Dairy is a huge dividing issue in the paleo world. Strict paleo would omit dairy, but a lot of people take a more primal approach and include good quality dairy in their diet. My study showed most people who identify with paleo do in fact consume some dairy. The deciding factor here is if you are dairy […]
If I’m on a day trip and taking a packed lunch, one of my ‘go to’ foods is a Paleo friendly wrap. These ones are collard wraps – which ideally lend themselves to the purpose. Seriously, who needs bread with options like this? They’re easy to make, super portable, and you just can’t beat the […]
In an ideal world, none of us would have jobs in offices or at desks, and we’d all have the day free to roam the land, walking miles to hunt for tonight’s dinner or digging in the vegetable garden. Sadly, real life isn't that simple – and many of us rely on the jobs we […]
Almonds really do have to be one of the most versatile foods in the world, and are life savers for those following a Paleo diet. Whether you use them for Paleo baking as a replacement for flour, or enjoy as a dip for veggies, you may be surprised to know they make a delicious Almond […]
With most things in life, the key is ‘everything in moderation.’ Not that this means you can eat pizza in moderation, but you get my point. One thing that certainly shouldn't be moderated however is your intake of delicious, fresh veggies. We could all benefit from upping our vegetable intake, and certainly shouldn't be aiming […]
A rack of lamb feels like a very special cut of meat; especially when it is seasoned with love and care. I often find myself devouring a whole rack in one sitting – but choose an 8 bone rack, and you should have plenty for two. This recipe tastes like it has come straight out […]
Feeling a bit crummy? Chances are, you find yourself feeling under the weather much less than you ever did before you started eating Paleo – but on those rare days that you do, nothing says ‘get well soon’ like a steaming hot bowl of chicken soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, and boiling the whole […]
Grass fed beef gets plenty of recognition on the Paleo diet, and rightly so. We know our ancestors would have undoubtedly eaten copious amounts of wild fed ruminants; not the sort that were shuttled in their droves into giant feed-lots, devoid of natural light and space to roam, and fed with industrialised slop made from […]
These stuffed aubergine halves are a great meat-free option
Seafood is so good for you – assuming you buy good quality of course. Scallops are a great choice – especially with a bit of lime! Recipe: lime & tarragon scallops Recipe type: Fish & Seafood Cuisine: Barbecue Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 10 mins Total time: 20 mins Print The most important thing with this […]
I used to read books all the time. But for the last couple of years I've been listening to books instead.
Before I went paleo I ate a lot of white potatoes. Now, I eat
These are always a winner at barbecues. It helps that they can be prepared in advance, leaving less to worry about when it's barbecue time. Whilst these are bacon wrapped, you can also try pancetta instead, which I find tends to be easier to work with. Oh – and bacon really isn't all that bad providing […]
Another great barbecue idea, this can be prepared the day before. The longer the lamb has to marinate, the better the flavour. Recipe: spicy almond lamb Recipe type: Lamb & Goat Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 30 mins Print Ingredients ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil juice of one lemon […]
This is another great barbecue option and can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge. The best thing is it is super simple and quick to prepare. If you grow your own herbs, experiment with what you have on hand – fresh herbs give far more flavour than their dried equivalents. […]
This delicious Thai inspired seafood soup is best made right before you serve it. If you want it a little hotter, increase the amount of chilli you add (or if you're extra daring, don't remove the seeds!) Recipe: coconut seafood soup Recipe type: Soups Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: 15 mins Total time: 25 mins […]
Whether you like to call them Rotolo or simply beef rolls, these are always a hit. They look great and are perfect for entertaining, as they can be made a few hours in advance. If you do make them in advance, just hold off the slicing, and do that right before you serve. For a […]
When you stop drinking soft drinks, it can be hard to know what to
The secret to a good paleo pizza is in the pizza sauce! This combination of onion, garlic, oregano and basil is super easy to make and creates a perfect base for your toppings. No one will ever suspect your pizza isn't made the conventional way with gluten heavy flour! Find out how to make my […]
You can't get much for 10 cents these days, so I was amazed to see iHerb have currently got 7 trial products available for just $0.10 each (USD). What's the deal with trial products? Well you get to try a new product, or sample, with a maximum of two per order. Using code DUV741, you also get […]
For the vast majority of people, transitioning to the Paleo diet will often see dramatic improvements in their personal battle with weight loss. However, on some occasions, you may hit a plateau with your weight loss and find yourself struggling to reach your desired weight. Before I go any further, I must stress that it […]
Whilst home-made bone broth or chicken stock is pretty common place, people still seem to turn their noses up at Fish Stock. This is a huge shame, because it really doesn't get much more nutritious than this. Fish head stock is packed with fat soluble vitamins and crucially the thyroid gland, which gives us the […]
If you were lucky enough to get your hands on a cast iron frying pan for Christmas this guide will tell you exactly how to season and look after it to make sure it does the job and lasts for a long time. If you haven’t got any cast iron cookware, it’s definitely worth looking […]
These chicken wings are great to throw on the barbecue. I make them the day before to allow the flavours to fully marinate into the chicken, but if you're short of time, a shorter marinate will work too. I always make up a big batch too, meaning left-overs for lunch! Recipe: Lemon Ginger Chicken Wings […]
When a recipe calls for a few fresh basil leaves, a bit or parsley or oregano, what do you do with the stems that get left behind? If you've been throwing them away – STOP! Use them whole For big stems like rosemary, try adding them whole to sauces and soups, then removing them whole […]
This is one of my go-to batch cooking recipes as it provides lots of portions of soup, perfect for taking to work. And who could resist a tomato and bacon soup? It has bacon in it, after all. Depending on what I have at home, I often use tinned tomatoes, instead of fresh. I tend […]
I love the combination of lime and chili – it gives this salad a bit of a kick. The dressing will last in a jar for a day or so in the fridge, so shake it well and add it to the salad at the last minute. I used Lebanese cucumber, but continental would work […]
If you buy a pre-washed ready to eat bag of salad leaves, do you tip straight out onto a plate – or do you thoroughly wash it first? The whole idea of bagged salad mixes is convenience, so it’s no surprise most people don’t wash. But how do they wash the salad before they bag […]
Kale is one of the best leafy greens out there, packed with nutrition and flavour. In fact, here are 12 reasons why you should get more kale in your diet. I tend to buy a lot of it when it’s in season (and cheap!) and once I’ve made kale chips, green smoothies and kale salad, […]
As someone who's struggled with weight loss, I was surprised to see the name of Lola Berry's new diet plan – “Stop Being a Fat B*tch”. Yes, you did read that correctly. Whilst the intention was apparently noble, there was a huge back-lash. With people shocked that she'd chose such an emotive title. These comments summed […]
I love the combination of sweet fruit in a salad. With summer in full flow, papaya (also known as pawpaw) is a great choice. Adjust the amount of chili for an extra kick in this Thai inspired salad. Recipe: papaya & prawn salad Recipe type: Salads Prep time: 10 mins Total time: 10 mins Print Ingredients […]
If you went a bit over the top with turkey, what are you planning to do with the left-overs? If you’ve not yet served up the original turkey, make sure you get the leftovers in the fridge within an hour or two of serving. I separate it into bones, white meat, dark meat and freeze […]
Ok so my recipe isn’t strictly accurate, as my tomatoes are oven-dried rather than sun-dried – and my method doesn’t take 7 days, but the end result is the close enough. These are such a simple alternative to buying sun-dried tomatoes, and come with no preservatives or added nasties. Use different colours and varieties of […]
If you read the ingredients labels, you’ll have noticed soybean oil is hiding everywhere. Sometimes, you might even see it in a “partially hydrogenated” form, or listed as “may contain canola oil and/ or soybean oil” – as if it’s of no importance what you’re actually consuming. I’ve written before about the problem with soy, […]
What to do with used glass jars and bottles? How about making up seasoning mixes to give for gifts, or to keep in your own pantry. Stored in a cool dry place, these should last for up to six months. The chili seasoning mixes in my local supermarket do contain the ingredients you’d expect, like […]
A year or so after developing asthma out of the blue, something strange started to happen to my skin. At completely random intervals, I started to notice my skin would be covered in small red hives. I changed washing powder, re-washed everything and it made no difference. I wondered if it was what I was […]
It’s common knowledge that sugar is to be avoided, but if only it were that simple. Did you now there are at least 62 words food manufacturers can use, instead of simply saying sugar? Many of the words on the list, such as Golden syrup and HFCS may be obvious no-no’s, but what about less […]
Chicken Schnitzel is pretty much the national dish of Australia (perhaps after pie?), which is funny, because if you ask for chicken schnitzel in the UK people think you’ve come straight from the 1970’s. The only problem with chicken schnitzel is the ingredients. This is what’s in a fairly standard one I saw in the […]
If you’ve strayed from the perimeter of your local grocery store, you can’t have missed the endless products screaming at you that they are “natural”. The labels often heavily feature the colour green, which we associate with nature, and may even show images of endless fields in perfect sunsets. Often the packaging will be brown […]
Salmon is great in so many things – recently I’ve been having a lot of salmon salads. I’ve tried lots of different ways of cooking it, but I think I’ve got the perfect method – and best of all, it takes just 7 minutes on the stove. I find this method far more consistant than […]
Long before I moved to Australia, I lived in an idyllic rural village in the South West of England, with open views of fields for miles around in each direction. The houses were beautiful cottages made of Cotswold stone, with roses in the gardens – and looked exactly as they would have a hundred years before. The […]
We all know how well pork goes with apples – but instead of making an apple sauce, try serving it with whole baked apples instead. Simple, but delicious. Roast pork rack with baked apples Recipe type: Dinner Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 1 hour 30 mins Total time: 1 hour 45 mins Print Ingredients 1 […]
Finally – an all Australian ebook bundle! (I'm a bit late to share this with you, as it's only available until OCT 16th) The Ultimate Australian Wellness Bundle contains 35+ eBooks (worth over $450) from 30 of Australia’s top healthy living experts and it can be yours for just $44.95! If you aren't familiar with eBook […]
What better way to finish off a paleo burger, than with a generous serving of home-made relish? This relish is tomato and chilli – but unlike most relish recipes, I've used medjool dates instead of sugar to add some sweetness. If you like your relish hot, add some more chillies to your mixture. Recipe: Tomato […]
I usually only use green capsicum as they’re half the price of their red and yellow cousins, but when they were on offer this week, I thought it was high time to cook something capsicumy. What better than the classic stuffed capsicum? I’d usually make this with minced beef, but I fancied a change, so […]
I don’t know about you, but I find chicken cooked in the oven can be a bit dry and fried chicken can be a little greasy (not to mention make an complete mess of the kitchen) , so lately I've been poaching chicken instead. This is my favourite way to cook chicken that I'm going […]
So you’ve got some red onions left over and no time to pop out to buy yellow ones – can you use them? Well onions aren’t all made the same, whilst it’s not the end of the world if you use the “wrong” type, for best results you’ll appreciate selecting the most appropriate type of onion […]
I was interested to read that Australian retailer Woolworths are now selling ugly, misshapen fruit and vegetables. Normally when you go into a supermarket there is no variety whatsoever. Carrots all look identical and perfectly shaped. Apples are all shinny and the exact same size, with no blemishes. But if you’ve grown fruit and vegetables […]
We’ve all heard about those people who come with a huge list of foods they cannot possibly eat. Or worse still, those who can only eat from a restrictive list of very specific foods – and the acceptable foods always seem to be things like pizza or chicken nuggets, rather than green vegetables. So when […]
Have you heard of Pegan? It’s what you get when you combine Paleo, with Vegan. So…. How does that work? Well, as we know, Paleo is eating natural, whole, unprocessed foods: meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, nuts, seeds and fruit. Vegan is a whole step further than vegetarian and doesn’t involve any food that comes from […]
I saw a TV commercial recently for Uncle Toby’s Oat sachets and the main focus of the advert was how amazingly healthy they are. Apparently these Oats achieve a “4 healthy star rating” – and the higher the star rating, the healthier the product. So they say. Whilst I don’t want to pick on oats […]
A common response to the idea of eating a paleo diet, is that surely it must be so difficult to stick to. All the changes, all the cooking – it seems impossible to keep up, long term, right? Well, I think once you’ve established a few habits and patterns, it would be harder not to […]
Eating a strict paleo diet is simple; meat, veggies, eggs, nuts, seeds and a little fruit. Right? What about all those borderline foods? Are they paleo, or not? Dairy Dairy is a huge grey area for a lot of people following a paleo diet. Strictly speaking, a paleo diet omits all dairy, since it contains lactose […]
I've randomly had a few questions about beer this week, along the lines of “is beer paleo” and “which beer is the most paleo friendly” and (perhaps more accurately) “which beer is the least bad on a paleo diet“ So it looks like beer is one of the things people miss most from their pre-paleo […]
I saw a documentary the other day that was both fascinating and disturbing. I've given so much thought to the quality of what I eat, eating locally and seasonally – and avoiding processed foods. But it turns out there’s a significant aspect to what I eat that I hadn't considered. Who is involved in getting […]
I’ve written before about the bizarre google searches that lead to people finding my blog. So I thought it was time I shared some new ones – and of course answered them, just in case they’re still looking for their answer. what to feed a maltese dog that has allergies and is sick of eating kangaroo mince??? […]
I know so many people find breakfast the hardest thing about eating a low-carb paleo diet. Well, if my 80 paleo breakfast ideas haven't given you any ideas, here's a recipe for you. I love having eggs for breakfast as I find them so filling – and a great way to get a good amount of […]
It can't just be me – I come to use a particular jar of dried herb, spice or seasoning, to find it completely stuck together and impossible to get out. It's so frustrating, and seems to be worse with onion and garlic powder, which always seem to cake soon after the containers are opened. This […]
