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What If It’s All a Big Conspiracy?

So conventional wisdom tells us that saturated fat is bad for us. We must only consume low-fat foods. We must eat 6 – 11 servings of healthy wholegrains every day. We must cook in healthy vegetable oils. We should avoid eating meat (especially red), especially on meatless Mondays. We should replace meat with soy instead. We need to make sure we have low cholesterol. We should take preventative statins.

And so what happens?

We eat processed low fat, high carb foods. The grain and junk food companies retain the power. They fund studies and lobby governments. We’re reminded to eat more of their products for the good of our health.

We get sick, but luckily there’s a drug to help us with that. It gives us side effects, but luckily there’s a drug to help us with that. It gives us side effects, but luckily there’s a drug to help us with that. The drug companies make lots of money and retain a lot of power. They fund studies and lobby governments. We’re reminded to take their drugs to save our ailing health.

Conventional Wisdom and Paleo: Time to Rethink the Narrative?

Let’s be honest – it’s hard not to feel a little suspicious when you start looking closely at what “conventional wisdom” tells us about health. Eat your fortified cereal. Avoid red meat. Swap butter for margarine. Take your statins. Count calories. Avoid saturated fat. And – whatever you do – make sure to never skip breakfast. This advice has been drilled into us for decades, often by government guidelines, food marketers, and even well-meaning professionals. But what if much of it is based on flawed science, outdated thinking, or worse – economic interests?

When you begin exploring the Paleo lifestyle, the cracks in mainstream health messaging start to show. Suddenly, it’s not so outrageous to ask: what if the real conspiracy is that we’ve been steered away from the very foods that keep us well?

The Rise of Conventional Dietary Advice: Where Did It Come From?

Most of what we think of as “conventional wisdom” around food was cemented during the second half of the 20th century. The now-infamous “lipid hypothesis” – which linked dietary saturated fat to heart disease – gained traction after Ancel Keys' Seven Countries Study. This cherry-picked data, combined with heavy lobbying from grain and vegetable oil industries, led to decades of anti-fat messaging.

As a result, government guidelines shifted to promote:

Low-fat, high-carb diets
Grain-based meals as the foundation of a “healthy diet”
Vegetable oils as the new “heart healthy” alternative to traditional fats like butter, ghee, or lard
Processed, fortified foods as a solution to “nutrient gaps” caused by these very dietary shifts

And with that, an entire food system emerged – one reliant on low-cost grains, industrial processing, mass production, and global distribution. It’s convenient. It’s profitable. But is it really making us healthier?

Is It a Conspiracy – or Just a Convenient Coincidence?

Let’s be clear: not every misguided food guideline or pharmaceutical push is the result of a shadowy backroom deal. But when you follow the money, patterns emerge:

Grain subsidies keep processed food cheap, while fresh whole foods often cost more.
Food corporations fund nutrition research – and unsurprisingly, results tend to support their products.
Pharmaceutical companies earn billions from managing lifestyle diseases, not preventing them.
Lobbying groups influence dietary recommendations, school lunch policies, and labelling laws.

It’s not hard to imagine a system where maintaining the status quo benefits those in power. In fact, the idea that animal fat and cholesterol were bad for us allowed processed food companies to step in with low-fat alternatives filled with sugar, starch, gums, and industrial seed oils – all perfectly legal, highly profitable, and backed by slick marketing.

The Paleo Response: Going Back to What Works

While modern nutrition advice has often shifted like the wind, Paleo remains rooted in one core principle: eat the foods your body is biologically adapted to thrive on. That means:

Pasture-raised meat and organs
Wild-caught seafood
Seasonal vegetables and fruits
Natural fats like tallow, ghee, avocado, and olive oil
Fermented foods and nutrient-rich broths

This isn’t a trend – it’s a return to ancestral eating patterns that supported human health for hundreds of thousands of years before breakfast cereals, margarine, and soy-based meat substitutes entered the chat.

The Soy Swap: Health Food or Industrial Filler?

One of the more telling signs that conventional dietary advice might be working against us is the rise of soy. Marketed as a “healthier” plant-based protein, soy has become a mainstay in everything from faux meat to baby formula. But here’s what most people don’t hear:

Soy is one of the most genetically modified crops globally
It’s often heavily sprayed with glyphosate and other chemicals
Unfermented soy contains phytoestrogens that may disrupt hormonal balance
It’s commonly used as a filler or cheap protein replacement in processed food

In the context of Paleo, soy is out. It doesn’t fit our evolutionary blueprint, and it’s rarely eaten in traditional societies unless it’s been fermented for long periods (like in miso or natto). Yet soy continues to be championed by mainstream nutrition messaging. Why? Because it’s cheap to grow, easy to process, and profitable.

The Statin Story: Are We Solving the Wrong Problem?

Another cornerstone of modern conventional wisdom is the idea that we need to lower our cholesterol – often with statin medications. The assumption is that high LDL equals high risk of heart disease. But the research is far more nuanced than that.

Cholesterol is essential to human life. It’s the building block of:

Hormones
Brain function
Vitamin D
Cell membranes

Instead of demonising cholesterol, the Paleo approach looks at context. Inflammation, insulin resistance, and oxidised LDL may be far more significant factors in heart disease risk than cholesterol numbers alone. And once again, a real food, low-inflammation diet – like Paleo – may do more to support heart health than any pill ever could.

So, Is It Really a Conspiracy?

Whether you believe the system is actively conspiring or simply benefiting from our continued sickness, one thing is clear: mainstream dietary advice hasn’t made us healthier. Rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, digestive issues, infertility, and mental health struggles have all exploded in the same decades that we were told to eat more grains, less fat, and replace butter with margarine.

The Paleo message doesn’t require a tinfoil hat. It just asks us to look at the results. What’s more trustworthy: advice that’s left generations overweight and undernourished, or the simple idea that our bodies thrive on the same foods that fuelled our ancestors?

How to Break Free from the Conventional Narrative

So, if you’re starting to question the mainstream message – welcome. Here are a few ways to begin reclaiming your health, one choice at a time:

Question the source. Always ask who’s funding the study or writing the guidelines. Is there a vested interest involved?
Eat real food. If it doesn’t come from a farm, forest, or the sea – think twice before putting it in your trolley.
Learn from traditional cultures. Look at diets that sustained health across generations, without access to modern medicine.
Listen to your body. The best nutrition advice comes from your own energy, mood, sleep, digestion, and wellbeing.
Connect with others. Join Paleo Meetups, read widely, and share ideas with people who value real food over marketing hype.

Final Thoughts: You’re Allowed to Ask “What If?”

The beauty of the Paleo lifestyle is that it puts power back into your hands. It encourages you to question, to observe, and to choose based on evidence and lived experience – not marketing campaigns or decades-old dogma.

So yes – what if it is all a big conspiracy? What if we’ve been sold a low-fat, high-carb, soy-filled, statin-dependent lie? And what if the way out isn’t complicated, expensive, or extreme – but simply a return to the way humans have always eaten?

Have you had an “aha” moment that made you question the mainstream narrative? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below. The more we share, the more we empower each other to think critically, eat better, and live more vibrantly.

Weird paleo google searches paleo network-min

fish sweet plantains and baked dolphin recipe

Hmmm… dolphin recipes? I didn’t think you’re allowed to eat dolphin this side of Japan? Either way, nope – not here! How about a nice bit of salmon instead?

how to inspect the liver. lungs, heart spleen and skirt(diaphragm)

Not sure if a veterinarian, butcher or medical site would have been more helpful?

do they sell coconut oil in sydney, australia

Now this I can help with. Yes. Yes they do. Australia is quite progressive these days – you can even buy take away coffee!

breakfast recipe no egg for 80 kids

80 kids? Well unfortunately I don’t have any recipes for that many people. But maybe you could use a normal sized recipe and multiply the quantities out several times?

stoned and want a quick snack to make

I have literally no idea why this lead you to my blog? But you should probably make some avocado chocolate mousse.

dangers of almonds and red wine

Running out, probably?

will it still make a difference if i eat paleo during the week and then weekends off?

Do you really need an answer to this?

what bit is mince off a cow?

Definitely all the bad bits. Make your own.

can i go straight to stage 3 on paleo diet

There’s a stage three? Mind = blown. No one has ever mention stage 3 to me before. Is it some kind of insider secret?

what is so special about grass

Hmm… I have no idea where to start with this one.

does anybody stay with the paleo diet for more than 3 months

Definitely not. Just for the two weeks it takes to drop 6 dress sizes. Then they all go straight back to junk food. And on a similar theme…

will paleo not work if i drink diet coke

how many coconuts will get me 10 litres of oil

If you’re about to start making your own coconut oil for the first time, this probably shouldn't be the first question you Google?

can you eat the avocado seed

Not sure why you’d want to?

paleo before and after losing thigh fat

So specific…

paleo emergency travel vegetables

You know when you’re travelling, and you’ve forgotten to bring some veggies with you, then it’s an EMERGENCY?

cheap paleo pills

Is this those awesome paleo pills that you can take before and after eating junk food, to mitigate the effect?

low fat pailo lunches

Low fat? Low fat paleo? Is that a thing?

paleo sucks

This may or may not have been written by the people who Google searched for:

are soft drinks paleo?

and

is bread paleo

and possibly

can you have margarine on a paleo diet

We need to talk.

Any tips for our Google searchers? Help them out in the comments below!

12 reasons you should eat more kale

I'm trying to get a lot more vegetables in my diet – particularly those of the green variety. Kale is my current favourite, it tastes a lot better than it looks and is densely packed with nutrition! Kale is a cruciferous vegetable – and in the Brassica family, but it packs far more of a nutritional punch than its other family members; cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Here are 12 reasons you should get more in your diet!

1. It’s full of flavonoids (45 different types) which have many antioxidant & anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. It’s loaded with vitamin K which is crucial for proper blood clotting

3. It also gives a good dose of vitamins A and C – in fact far more vitamin C than an orange.

4. Lots of minerals are also found, such as copper, potassium, phosphorus and manganese

5. Calcium is also more abundant in kale than it is in milk (so those myths that paleo will leave you deficient in calcium are completely unfounded)

6. Kale is a great source of sulphur – and we all know we should be eating more sulphurous veggies….

7. It's high in iron, essential for a good immune system.

8. Generally kale is a fairly cheap veg, so it’s great to pack out meals on a budget

9. Green fingers? Kale is a relatively easy veg to grow – and the best thing is it’s always fresh!

10. With curly kale, red kale, baby kale and even a purple kale – you can’t get bored of it!

11. Not that we care about calories, but kale is very low in calories

12. It’s also very low fat – but don’t worry, you can rectify this by cooking it in a generous amount of coconut oil!

How to eat it?

I often just stir fry some kale in coconut oil, but kale is also great in green smoothies – and if you haven’t tried kale chips yet, you’re missing out! If you’d usually eat spinach, try swapping it out for some kale in recipes. And if your family aren't keen on it, try steaming it, puréeing it and mixing it into dishes like stews and casseroles. They’ll never know!

Kale is also great raw in salads – and it goes really well mixed in with some scrambled eggs for a nutritious start to the day.

Are you a kale fan? How do you like yours – tell me you tips in the comments below!

Why Kale Is a Top Paleo Superfood

Kale has earned its reputation as a nutritional powerhouse — and for good reason. It's loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support nearly every system in the body. In a Paleo lifestyle where whole foods reign supreme, kale deserves a regular spot on your plate.

Its high vitamin K content supports bone health and proper blood clotting. Its abundance of vitamin C supports collagen production, while vitamin A helps keep your eyes and immune system strong. And let’s not forget the wide range of minerals — from iron and calcium to manganese and copper — all contributing to energy production, detoxification, and optimal function.

Beyond its nutritional profile, kale is incredibly versatile. It can be steamed, sautéed, blended, roasted, or eaten raw — meaning it’s easy to find a way to prepare it that suits your taste and routine. If you're not a fan of the texture, try massaging kale with olive oil or lemon juice to break it down before adding it to salads.

You can even hide it! Stir finely chopped kale into soups, stews, scrambled eggs, or slow-cooked dishes. It’s a fantastic way to sneak extra greens into your day — even for picky eaters.

Whether you're aiming for more nutrients, fibre, or simple meal variety, kale is an easy and affordable way to level up your Paleo meals.

Salt isn’t supposed to be white…

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What type of salt do you use in your cooking?

Despite all the warnings about how we should limit our sodium intake, if you eat a healthy unprocessed, natural diet, you may actually need more salt in your diet.

Salt shouldn't be the sodium chloride – a highly refined, processed white substance devoid of nutrients – which so many people consume. The common processed table salt that most people use in their cooking and to season their meals with, is missing over 80 minerals. Yet they only put ONE mineral back into processed table salts, and that’s iodine. So the only real benefit of table salt could be argued to be the iodine content (read what can happen if you get an iodine deficiency – and what to do to avoid it).

Natural Mineral Salt

Natural mineral salts can have as many as 84 minerals and trace minerals. That’s 84 minerals you might not get elsewhere.

There are so many different natural salts available, how do you decide which one to use? I like to try different types. I'm currently using Celtic Sea Salt in my cooking, and I have a Pink Himalayan Sea Salt grinder that I use to season my food.

I usually buy salt from iHerb as I find them so much cheaper and they have a much bigger range than my local health food store. IHerb currently have a Pink Himalayan Sea Salt grinder on sale for $3.24 – on which you can get a $5 discount* (or $10 if your order is over $40) using the promo code duv741. So if you've not tried mineral salts, why not give them a go and let me know what you think.

Which salt are you using at the moment? I’d love to hear about your favourites in the comments below.

*Don't blame me if the price goes back up!

How Different Salts Affect the Flavour and Nutritional Profile of Your Food

Once you’ve made the switch from conventional table salt to a natural mineral salt, it’s hard to go back. Not only does real salt taste better, it enhances the flavour of your meals in a completely different way. That’s because those missing trace minerals don’t just add nutritional value — they also subtly shift the flavour profile, making food taste more vibrant and complex.

For instance, Himalayan pink salt tends to have a slightly earthy flavour, while Celtic sea salt carries a briny tang thanks to its moisture content. Try the same dish with each type, and you’ll notice how the salt can actually transform the overall taste experience.

What to Look for in a High-Quality Salt

When shopping for salt, here are a few features to keep in mind to ensure you’re choosing a high-quality, nutrient-rich option:

Colour: Unrefined salt is rarely pure white. It might be pink, grey, off-white, or even black depending on where it's sourced and the trace minerals it contains.
Texture: Good salt often comes in flakes or coarse crystals. These shapes preserve the structure of the salt and keep moisture locked in — something that helps retain both flavour and minerals.
Source: Look for salts harvested from clean, ancient sources like the Himalayan foothills or pristine oceanic regions. Many brands are transparent about their origin and mining process.
No Additives: Avoid any salt that contains anti-caking agents, bleaching agents, or added preservatives. These are signs of processing and usually mean minerals have been stripped away.

Is It Worth Switching Salts for Cooking vs Finishing?

Absolutely. Some salts are best suited for cooking, while others shine when sprinkled over a finished dish. Coarse grey sea salts like Celtic are ideal for cooking, as they dissolve well and impart deep flavour. Meanwhile, flaky salts such as Maldon are perfect as a finishing touch on grilled meats or roasted vegetables, offering a pleasing crunch and burst of flavour.

If you're using an unrefined mineral salt in both roles, you’ll not only elevate your dishes but also ensure you’re getting additional trace minerals in every meal — all without any synthetic additives.

Other Popular Natural Salts to Explore

If you’ve only tried Himalayan or Celtic salt, it might be time to branch out. Here are a few other mineral-rich salts worth experimenting with:

Red Hawaiian Salt (Alaea): This salt gets its reddish colour from iron oxide-rich volcanic clay. It’s particularly good with pork or grilled vegetables.
Black Lava Salt: Harvested in Hawaii or Cyprus and infused with activated charcoal, this striking black salt has a slightly smoky flavour and makes a stunning garnish.
Bolivian Rose Salt: Similar to Himalayan salt but harvested from ancient Bolivian salt flats, this variant offers a comparable mineral profile and flavour with a softer pink hue.
Persian Blue Salt: One of the rarest salts in the world, this salt forms naturally in ancient salt lakes and offers a sharp initial bite that mellows into a mild finish.

Salt and Hydration: The Missing Link?

For those following a low-carb or Paleo diet, proper electrolyte balance is crucial — and salt plays a starring role. Many people cutting refined carbs experience a drop in insulin levels, which in turn leads the kidneys to excrete more sodium. This can result in symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps, often referred to as the “low carb flu”.

By including a good quality natural salt in your daily routine, you can help prevent this imbalance. A pinch added to your water bottle, or incorporated into bone broth or smoothies, can make a noticeable difference to your energy and hydration levels — especially during exercise or warm weather.

How Much Salt Do You Really Need?

It’s true that excessive sodium from processed foods can be harmful, but if you’re eating a whole-food, home-cooked Paleo diet, chances are your sodium intake is naturally lower than most. Rather than aiming to avoid salt altogether, the focus should be on choosing the right kind — and using it mindfully to season and support your body’s needs.

Signs you may need to increase your salt intake include low energy, light-headedness (especially when standing), cravings for salty foods, or even muscle spasms. Always listen to your body, and consider working with a practitioner if you're unsure where your intake stands.

Salt Storage and Shelf Life Tips

Natural salts don’t go “off” in the traditional sense, but proper storage is still important. Because many unrefined salts retain moisture, they can clump if left in humid conditions. Here’s how to keep your salt in perfect condition:

Store in an airtight container away from moisture.
Use a ceramic or glass grinder to prevent metal corrosion when grinding salt at the table.
Keep large bags or tubs in a cool, dry pantry and decant smaller amounts for everyday use.

Wrapping It Up: The Case for Ditching White Salt Forever

If you’re still using supermarket table salt, now’s the time to upgrade. Not only are mineral salts better for your health, they also elevate your meals with nuanced flavours that refined salt can’t match. Whether you stick with a favourite like Celtic or Himalayan, or explore some of the more exotic salts from around the world, it’s a simple change that pays dividends in both taste and nutrition.

So next time you reach for the salt shaker, take a moment to consider what’s actually in it — and what’s missing. Your body (and your tastebuds) will thank you.

11 weird unusual paleo ingredients you need to try

11 unusual paleo foods you need to try

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If you've noticed you’re eating the same few foods day after day, maybe it’s time to shake things up?! Here are 11 unusual paleo friendly ingredients to change up your diet!

Kelp noodles

Who needs spaghetti when you can have these instead?

Fish eyes

Packed full of nutrition

Porcini powder

Add some of this Porcini powder into stews for a really deep flavour

Lambs necks

Cheap and a great base for a stock

Mineral Mountain Salt

So you've tried pink Himalayan and Celtic sea salt, how about mountain salt to get some different minerals into your diet?

Banana flour

I know, I know, it’s high in fructose. But if you've got a special occasion coming up, this Banana flour would make for an interesting paleo baking session!

Sweet potato flour

Another interesting ingredient to experiment with

Cricket bars

Yep, insects packed for your convenience

Aji Amarillo

Next time a recipe calls for chilli, try some Aji Amarillo instead for more of a sweet spicy flavour

Black garlic

And better still, try fermenting it

Dulse flakes

A really good way to get more iodine into your diet, but warning – they do have quite a strong flavour!

Which unusual foods have you tried lately? Have you tried any on my list – and if so – what did you think?! Let me know in the comments, below.

Why It’s Worth Trying Weird Paleo Foods

One of the biggest traps in any diet is falling into a food rut — eating the same 7 meals on repeat. But the Paleo diet is full of exciting and underused ingredients that can dramatically increase your nutrient diversity, introduce you to new flavours, and even support sustainability.

Take cricket bars, for example. Insects are one of the most sustainable protein sources available, and when processed into bars, they’re surprisingly tasty and convenient. Kelp noodles are another game-changer — low in carbs, quick to prepare, and loaded with trace minerals.

Even ingredients like banana flour and black garlic can add intrigue to your meals and give you a break from the usual Paleo staples. When you use dulse flakes or Aji Amarillo, you’re not just adding flavour — you’re adding a broader spectrum of nutrients that your body may be missing from a more repetitive menu.

Trying something unusual once a week can help you stay inspired and curious about the way you eat — which makes long-term Paleo living more enjoyable and sustainable.

Have you tried any strange or surprising Paleo-friendly foods lately? I’d love to hear your experiences — especially if you’ve cooked with anything wild or wonderful!

If you had $2000 to spend on paleo things – what would you buy?

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What would you buy if you were given $2000 to spend on your paleo lifestyle?

Purely hypothetical, but let’s say you were given $2000 to spend on Amazon. On yourself. You’ve got half an hour to choose, before the offer expires. All those gadgets and books you’d love, but could never justify.

Instead of buying the entry model food processor, you could get the top of the range model. Instead of buying one good knife, you could buy the whole set.

What’s on my list?

Cooking Equipment:

A Vitamix Blender

So I've got a big standard food processor, but wouldn't you just love your very own vitamix blender?

An Ice Cream Maker

I’d use this once in a blue moon, so I’d never be so extravagant as to buy one. But imagine the paleo ice cream you could make in one of these?

Global Knives

I've heard good things about these knives, so I’d make sure I invested in a good set. I'm sure they’d last a lot longer than the cheap knives I have in my kitchen!

Slow Cooker/ CrockPot

When I bought mine, I didn't give any thought to the size – and I've always been so disappointed with how small mine is. If I’m going to use it, why not make enough for the freezer, instead of just that night’s dinner?! So high on my list would be a much bigger model.

Fitness

Pull Up Bars

I really want to be able to master pull ups. If I had a pull up bar attached to my ceiling, I like to think I’d practice every time I walked by!

Kettlebells

Likewise I’d love my own set of kettlebells

Lifestyle

Grounding Mat

Now this might sound a little odd, but I’d also buy a grounding mat/ earthing sheet to make sure I always had a connection to the earth, even inside my house. Got to be a good thing for days when you’re stuck indoors

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

This might seem a little odd too, but I'm trying hard to reduce my exposure to blue light after sunset. This should really help to regulate circadian rhythm and improve sleep. As much as I try, it’s so hard to minimise all blue light – especially living in a built up area. Special orange lenses glasses like this could make a big difference.

Books

There are so many paleo related books on the market at the moment (compared to only two or three a few years ago!), so I’d definitely order a few I've not yet read.

You can see the rest of my wishlist here

I’d love to see what you’d buy if you were given a $2000 Amazon voucher. So tell me in the comments – what would you buy?!

Happy 3rd birthday blog anniversary 3 years paleo network

Happy Blog Anniversary to Me!

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Wow – I wrote my first post on this blog three years ago today! Doesn't time fly? By that time I’d been eating paleo for the best part of a year, had lost loads of weight and was feeling amazing. I’d set this blog up ages before I plucked up the courage to start writing. I just attended my first Ancestral Health Symposium in California in August 2011 and came back full of enthusiasm ready to start the Paleo Network!

Since then we've now got Paleo Meetup Groups in every state in the country, I've written 5 recipe ebooks and the Paleo Network Facebook page now has over 79,000 followers! Who’d have thought!

I can’t wait to see what the next three years brings. I wonder, perhaps paleo will be mainstream by then?!

Happy anniversary!

Reflecting on Three Years of Paleo Blogging

Celebrating a Paleo blog anniversary isn’t just about marking time — it’s about reflecting on the journey, the growth, and the incredible community that has formed along the way. When I hit publish on that very first post, I had no idea where it would lead. What started as a passion project has become a full-blown movement, with thousands of readers across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond joining in the Paleo conversation.

The past three years have been filled with recipes tested (and retested), scientific studies read, Paleo events attended, and connections made with like-minded people from all walks of life. It’s amazing how one small decision — to finally share my journey — has rippled out into something so rewarding.

Highlights From the Last Three Years

Let’s take a moment to look back at some of the milestones and standout moments that have shaped this Paleo blog:

The First Ancestral Health Symposium — Travelling to California in 2011 was a turning point. Being surrounded by passionate researchers, doctors, athletes and fellow Paleo followers was incredibly inspiring. It reinforced how powerful ancestral health principles are when applied in the modern world.
Launching the Paleo Network Facebook Page — What started as a few friends and followers has now grown to a vibrant community of over 79,000! The support, questions, and shared recipes have turned a simple page into a valuable hub for connection and motivation.
Publishing Five Recipe Ebooks — From breakfast ideas to hearty dinners, these ebooks have become staples for many of you. It’s been incredibly fulfilling to know these recipes have made their way into so many Aussie and Kiwi kitchens.
Creating Paleo Meetup Groups Across Australia — One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been building real-life community. From Brisbane to Perth, passionate Paleo people have come together to share meals, swap stories, and build friendships.

Why I Started This Paleo Blog

Before I launched the blog, I spent nearly a year immersed in the Paleo lifestyle. I was losing weight, gaining energy, and watching old symptoms disappear — yet I struggled to find local support or practical information tailored to the Aussie experience. So many blogs and books came from American authors, using unfamiliar ingredients or referencing food systems we just didn’t have here in Australia.

I wanted to create something that felt local, relatable, and real. A place where Aussies and Kiwis could find practical advice, community events, and accessible recipes. And that’s exactly what this blog has become — thanks to you.

How the Paleo Movement Has Evolved

In just three short years, the Paleo movement in Australia has grown from a niche idea to a powerful force in health and wellness. Back in 2011, it was rare to find grass-fed meat at the supermarket or bone broth on café menus. Now, it’s hard to walk through a health food store without spotting Paleo snack bars, collagen powders, or references to ancestral nutrition.

Media coverage has exploded, podcasts are everywhere, and many mainstream dietitians are now familiar with (or even supportive of) Paleo principles. There’s been pushback too, of course — but that’s part of any shift that challenges the status quo. The important thing is: Paleo is now part of the health conversation. And that’s a huge win.

Reader Impact: The Real Success Stories

Of all the statistics — page views, Facebook likes, ebook downloads — the ones that matter most are the stories I’ve received from readers like you. Here are just a few:

A mother in Melbourne who reversed her child’s eczema by removing grains and seed oils from their diet
A FIFO worker in Western Australia who used this blog to create a portable, Paleo-friendly meal plan that helped him lose 15kg
A couple in Auckland who found their local Paleo meetup through the blog and now host monthly dinners for their community

These are the reasons I keep writing. These are the stories that make every late-night post and recipe experiment worth it.

The Future of Paleo Blogging in Australia

As I look ahead to the next three years (and beyond), I’m more excited than ever. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up:

More in-depth guides – covering topics like histamine intolerance, ancestral skincare, and food sourcing tips tailored to Australia and New Zealand
Real food travel guides – for cities and regions around Australasia that support a Paleo lifestyle
Member-only content – think downloadable shopping lists, monthly meal plans, and deep-dive interviews
Events and retreats – once the world fully opens up, I’d love to organise in-person experiences to connect us all

I’ll also continue to share the personal side of this journey — the wins, the struggles, the experiments — because I believe health is deeply human. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.

What You Can Do to Support the Blog

If this blog has helped you over the last three years, there are some easy ways you can support its growth:

Share your favourite blog posts on Facebook or Instagram
Leave a comment – I love hearing from you!
Subscribe to the newsletter for early updates and exclusive content
Download the ebooks or recommend them to friends
Join your local Paleo Meetup Group

Every little bit helps keep this blog alive and thriving — and lets me keep creating free content for the community.

Gratitude for the Community

This blog is nothing without its readers. Your questions, encouragement, recipes, and shares have kept me going through every stage of this journey. From day one, I’ve wanted this space to feel like a conversation — and it absolutely does.

So thank you. Whether you’ve been here since the very first post or found the site yesterday, I’m so glad you’re part of this community.

Here’s to the Next Three Years!

As I blow out the metaphorical candles on this Paleo blog anniversary, I’m filled with appreciation and excitement. The Paleo world continues to evolve, and I can’t wait to keep sharing that journey with you — one blog post, one recipe, and one step closer to vibrant health at a time.

Happy anniversary to the blog — and thank you for being part of this wild, nourishing ride!

Are You Addicted to Your Smartphone?

Do you have a smartphone obsession? I know I do…

A few weeks ago, I was in Singapore for a couple of days on a stopover. After an insane bill the previous time I’d been overseas, I turned the data off on my iPhone. There was no wifi where I was staying, so for the first time in a very long time, I found myself completely cut off from the internet. And you know what, it was great. I was completely “in the moment”. I walked around without a soundtrack. I read a book. And I didn't have a clue what was going on in the world. If only I could do it more often.

Are you addicted to your smartphone too?

Is it going to rain today?

I wonder what Sarah’s up to?

I wonder how to make a paleo birthday cake?

Have I been paid yet?

Whatever the question, there’s an app for it. Bored, there’s always something to read or a game to play, right at your finger tips.

Living in the moment

It’s hard to live in the moment when you spend all day on your smartphone. All the incredible views you miss, the people who walk past, who you didn't even see. The real life moments missed when you were updating your Facebook status. The sounds of nature and life blocked out by your earbuds.

What are you missing out on?

Can’t sleep?

You go on your smart phone because you can’t sleep – or can’t you sleep because you've got into the habit of using your smart phone before bed? The blue light that streams out of your phone in a darkened room, is your brain mistaking that as a cue that it is day time and you should be active and alert?

The restaurant challenge

The last time you went out for dinner, did your companions check their phone during the meal? If so, this is a great game to implement next time – and you could get a free dinner out of it!

Digital Detox: Reclaiming Your Time and Attention

Smartphones are incredible tools. But they can also become shackles, keeping us tethered to a constant stream of notifications, updates, and distractions. If you've ever felt a wave of anxiety when your phone battery dips below 10%, or reached for your device without thinking during a moment of boredom, you're not alone. Many of us have developed a deeply ingrained dependency — and it’s time to take back some control.

Recognising the Hidden Costs of Constant Connectivity

It’s easy to justify phone use under the guise of productivity or staying informed. But behind those pings and endless scrolls are subtle consequences:

Fragmented attention: Multitasking between apps and alerts can reduce our focus and cognitive performance. That podcast you’re half-listening to while flicking through Instagram? Neither gets your full attention.
Relationship strain: Ever had a conversation with someone whose eyes keep drifting to their screen? We’ve all done it — and we’ve all felt dismissed by it.
Reduced creativity: Boredom often precedes creativity. But when we never allow ourselves to be bored — because we’re constantly stimulating ourselves digitally — we miss the chance for creative insight.

When Digital Becomes Default

Most of us don’t realise just how often we turn to our phones. It’s become the default response for boredom, loneliness, stress, and procrastination. Waiting in line? Phone. On the train? Phone. At a red light (hopefully not while driving)? Phone. It’s almost reflexive. But awareness is the first step in changing behaviour.

Try keeping track of your screen time for a few days — most smartphones have this feature built-in now. You might be shocked by the totals. Many people spend the equivalent of a full-time job each week on their devices — often without realising it.

Simple Swaps to Rebalance Your Digital Diet

If going completely without your phone sounds impossible, start with small changes. These simple swaps can help loosen the grip your phone has on your daily life:

Swap the bedtime scroll for a physical book — you'll wind down more naturally.
Replace your morning phone check with a walk, some stretching, or journalling.
Keep your phone in another room during meals — even if it’s just dinner for one.
Delete one app that’s a time sink (you know the one) and see how you feel after a week.

The Joy of Disconnection

When was the last time you truly allowed yourself to be unreachable? No buzzing, no checking, no passive consumption. Just you and your surroundings.

Try this for an afternoon: leave your phone at home and go to the park, beach, or local café with a notebook or just your thoughts. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but then comes the clarity — the quiet mental space that allows your thoughts to settle and creativity to emerge.

Many people report that some of their most profound ideas, realisations, or peaceful moments come during phone-free time. You might just discover that disconnecting from the digital world helps you reconnect with yourself.

Digital Boundaries: Tools to Help You Take Control

There are also practical tools to help reduce screen time and encourage healthier phone use:

App blockers: Apps like Freedom, StayFocusd, or built-in screen time settings can help you limit usage of specific apps or create phone-free windows.
Grayscale mode: Switching your phone display to black and white makes it less enticing, reducing your likelihood of mindless scrolling.
Notifications audit: Turn off non-essential notifications. You don’t need to be alerted every time someone comments on a post or sends a game invite.

Rethinking Social Validation

One of the hardest habits to break is the constant checking for likes, messages, and updates. It’s addictive — and for good reason. Social media platforms are designed to trigger dopamine hits with every notification.

But what if you gave yourself permission to miss a few updates? To be the last to know what’s trending? Chances are, it won’t impact your life in any meaningful way — but the freedom you gain from not constantly checking might just be transformative.

Reconnect with the Physical World

Use your reclaimed time to do things that nourish you physically and emotionally:

Cook a meal from scratch without filming it for Instagram.
Go for a walk without earbuds and listen to the sounds around you.
Meet a friend for coffee and leave your phones in your bags.
Start a hobby you’ve been putting off — knitting, painting, gardening, journaling.

Life happens offline. And while phones can enhance it, they shouldn’t be allowed to consume it. Set a few small challenges this week: perhaps one day with no phone after 8pm, or a Sunday with your phone switched off until noon. You might be surprised how much lighter and more present you feel.

Redefining Your Relationship With Your Phone

Phones are not inherently bad. They can help us learn, connect, and capture beautiful moments. But when they start taking more than they give — it’s time to reassess. Like any tool, the value comes from how and when it’s used.

So the next time you instinctively reach for your phone, pause. Ask yourself: is there something I could be noticing, enjoying, or doing instead? You don’t need to delete your socials or move to a cabin in the woods. But you do deserve some space from the constant digital chatter — if only to remember what life feels like without it.

The phone-fast challenge?

Could you go without your phone for 24 hours? No phone, at all. Leave it at home. I’d love to hear if you’re game enough to go without your phone for 24 hours, what you did instead – and if you felt better for it. Do share in the comments below!

9 surprising ways to get your five a day

9 Creative and Unexpected Ways to Get More Veg and Fruit

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We all know we're supposed to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. Apparently it doesn't really matter what you choose for your five portions, more fruit than veg, it makes no difference. Whether your portions are frozen, canned, dried or part of a drink – it's all good.

Agree?

Well, in the interest of your health, I now present nine different ways you can get to your five a day. And of course once you've got there, you can eat whatever you like for the rest of the day!

1. A bottle of fruit juice

That's right, 150ml of processed fruit juice is enough to tick of one of your 5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables. So they may have up to 8 teaspoons of sugar in a bottle – but that's not important enough for us to worry about.

2. Baked Beans

Who knew? Apparently the sauce alone is nutritious enough to count as a portion. Don't worry yourself about the added sugar, they're clearly a health food.

3. Fruit Chips/ Crisps

Just replace the potato chips with fruit chips and you're winning! The best thing is that as they're dried, the sugars are concentrated making them even more appealing!

4. Sweets/ Lollies/ Candy

Why have broccoli as one of your portions when you have have the sweet stuff!

5. More Sweets/ Lollies/ Candy

Best to have two packets, rather than one, to get you closer to your five a day…

6. Fruit Juice

Water you say? No – that won't help you get to your five a day target. Have a fruit shoot instead. (Ingredients: Water, Sugar, Orange Juice from Concentrate (8%), Citric Acid, Natural Flavouring, Antioxidant (Ascorbic Acid), Preservatives (Potassium Sorbate, Dimethyl Dicarbonate), Stabiliser (Xanthan Gum), Natural Colour (Carotenes) – that's all healthy good stuff, right?)

7. McDonalds Soda

You know those days when it's really hard to find anywhere to buy fruit and vegetables? Well luckily for you McDonalds can help you get your five a day.

8. Pasta Shapes

Pasta. Shapes. Are. Good. For. You.

9. Strawberry Bars

Marketed directly at school children make sure you incorporate these in your diet. They've even got healthy vegetable oil them.

Ingredients: Concentrated Apple Puree (an average of 282g Apple used to prepare 100g of School Bars®), Dehydrated Apple (20%), Maltodextrin, Oligofructose, Vegetable Oil, Concentrated Juices of Apple (3%), Strawberry (1.8%) and Pear (1%), Gelling Agent (Pectin), Natural Colour (Anthocyanins), Natural Flavouring, Malic Acid, Preservative (Sodium Metabisulphite)

I hope this post has helped you out. Have you had your five a day today?

Dessert for Diabetics on a Paleo Diet

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My gran is just about to start receiving “Meals on Wheels”, which is a great service. In principle. Vulnerable people (mainly the elderly) are provided with a cooked nutritious meal at lunchtime. For many recipients, this will be the main nutrition they get in that day, so it’s really important that the meal provides the nutrition they need. Especially for those with conditions like diabetes, you'd think?

Each day (it’s even available on Saturdays and Sundays) they offer a choice of a main course and a choice of dessert. The main course choices, as you might expect are a traditional meat based meal, or a vegetarian option. And the desserts? Yep, hot, cold or diabetic.

I was really shocked to see diabetic desserts – and even more surprised to see what they are. You’d maybe expect low-carb options, like a cheese board perhaps. But no, they’re traditional sweet desserts, such as cakes and pies.

Looking at the definition I found on the web of what the diabetic options should consist of, it’s clear the providers of nutrition are stuck with conventional wisdom. “Desserts for diabetics must be sweetened with artificial sweeteners or sweeteners combined with a minimal amount of sugar”.

How about making desserts sugar (and sweetener free) entirely – or even swapping the dessert out for a starter instead!? Where did the idea that all meals must be finished with a dessert come from anyway?

As meals on wheels only provides one meal a day, they have some helpful recommendations as to what diabetics should eat for the rest of their meals:

That's right – diabetics should get 6-11 servings of bread and grains a day! DIABETICS! Also, note the low-fat recommendations. Those diabetics have got to steer well clear of anything so much as resembling fat, and instead go for low-fat options, that have replaced the fat with carbohydrates. Oh, and fruit – go right ahead.

Rethinking Diabetic Nutrition: Beyond Outdated Guidelines

When it comes to supporting our elderly population, especially those managing diabetes, food should be medicine. Meals on Wheels is a brilliant initiative, but it urgently needs to modernise its approach to nutrition. The idea of serving sugar-free cakes and artificially sweetened pies as “diabetic-friendly” options might seem considerate on the surface, but it reflects a deeper problem – the reliance on outdated dietary guidelines that have long been challenged by more current nutritional research.

Why the Conventional Approach Falls Short

Traditional diabetic dietary guidelines are still rooted in the high-carbohydrate, low-fat philosophy that rose to prominence in the 1980s. While this was once believed to help manage blood glucose levels, we now know that excessive carbohydrate consumption – particularly refined grains and sugars – can cause significant blood sugar spikes, contributing to insulin resistance over time. This makes the recommendation of 6–11 servings of bread, rice, and cereal daily especially problematic for individuals with diabetes.

Even when desserts are labelled “diabetic-friendly”, they often include ultra-processed ingredients and sweeteners that may still cause a metabolic response. These sweeteners can also maintain a preference for sweet foods, making it harder to adopt healthier habits long term.

The Real Needs of Diabetics

What elderly diabetics truly need is stable blood sugar and real nourishment. That means meals built around whole, unprocessed foods, rich in nutrients, moderate in protein, and containing healthy fats to promote satiety and help regulate insulin levels. High-fibre vegetables should form the base of each meal, supported by quality protein sources like free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, or oily fish, and unrefined fats such as olive oil, avocado, and coconut.

The obsession with low-fat diets has done far more harm than good, especially in vulnerable populations. Fat is not the enemy – in fact, it’s crucial for hormone production, brain health, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Replacing fat with processed carbohydrates and sugar-free sweeteners only inflames the very issues it aims to mitigate.

What Should a Diabetic-Friendly Meal Look Like?

Here are a few practical examples of meals that could truly support diabetic health without relying on gimmicky desserts or misleading low-fat claims:

Roast chicken with steamed broccoli and roasted pumpkin – add a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkle of sea salt for flavour and healthy fat.
Grilled salmon with zucchini noodles and sautéed spinach – loaded with omega-3 fats and fibre.
Beef and vegetable stew – slow cooked with root vegetables like swede and turnip instead of potato, which helps keep the glycaemic load low.
Omelette with mushrooms, capsicum, and herbs – a brilliant source of protein and B vitamins, perfect for any time of day.

For dessert? Skip it. Instead, offer a nourishing starter like a cup of bone broth or a side salad with lemon dressing – something to stimulate digestion without a blood sugar spike.

The Role of Fibre and Fermented Foods

For elderly people in particular, digestive health is paramount. A fibre-rich diet can help regulate blood sugar, improve bowel function, and reduce inflammation. Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, or coconut yoghurt (unsweetened) can further enhance gut health and immunity — something that becomes increasingly important with age.

Rather than offering ultra-processed “low-fat” puddings, why not introduce small portions of these powerful foods into regular menus? They may not be traditional, but they align more closely with the metabolic needs of someone managing diabetes.

Rethinking the Role of Dessert Entirely

The notion that every meal must end with something sweet is entirely cultural. Many traditional societies across the world do not regularly include dessert in daily meals. Offering a choice of dessert to someone with type 2 diabetes – especially when it’s essentially a sugar-laden option masquerading as healthy – feels more like a marketing gimmick than a health strategy.

Instead, institutions like Meals on Wheels could be leading the way by breaking the dessert habit altogether. What if the optional extra were a nourishing mini snack pack for later in the day – like a boiled egg, some sliced cucumber with hummus, or even a homemade seed cracker with avocado?

Supporting Caregivers and Families

Of course, it’s not just the meal providers who need to adapt. Families and caregivers also need clear, updated resources on what a truly diabetic-supportive diet looks like. That includes guidance on the types of fats to encourage, how to reduce carbohydrate dependence, and how to replace processed foods with real, nutrient-dense options.

Empowering those around the elderly is just as important as changing what’s on the plate. A collaborative, evidence-based approach is what will ultimately lead to better health outcomes – not just for diabetics, but for all elderly Australians relying on community food services.

A Call to Action for Change

It’s time to move away from the outdated dietary guidelines that continue to dominate public health institutions and food services. We must stop equating “low-fat” with “healthy” and start embracing the real science of blood sugar regulation and metabolic wellness.

Meals on Wheels and similar services have an enormous opportunity to improve not only the health but also the dignity of their recipients. No more artificial sweeteners disguised as health food. No more sugar-free jelly with hidden thickeners. No more pretending that bread and margarine are essential daily staples for diabetics.

Instead, let’s push for whole food meals, full of colour and nutrients, that honour the complexity of diabetes and support longevity and quality of life.

What Do You Think?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Are you or someone you know receiving Meals on Wheels or a similar service? What changes would you make if you could design a new menu from scratch – one that actually helps people thrive? Leave a comment below and be part of the conversation.