10 things you didn't know about offal organ meat nutrients paleo primal diet-min

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Offal

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You’re read about how offal is a true super food, packed with nutrients. Perhaps you use it regular in your cooking, maybe you've tried my chicken liver pate recipe? Here are ten little know facts about organ meats…

1. There are two types of offal, red offal and rough offal. Red offal refers to the parts of the animal above its diaphragm, such as the heart, lungs, spleen, ox tail, skirt, sweetbread and gullets. Rough offal is the name given to the parts of cattle from the rumen area, i.e. intestines, tripe, heads and heels.

2. The liver of Polar bears is very dangerous to humans, being far too high in Vitamin A. Indiginous populations never eat Polar bear livers. Seal livers are equally toxic.

3. Similarly the internal organs of the fugu pufferfish are very toxic – and if not prepared properly can be fatal.

4. Skirt (i.e. onglet steak or hanger steak) gets it’s unique savory taste from it’s close proximity to the diaphragm and kidneys.

5. Sausage skin is traditionally made from the intestines of sheep, pig or ox.

6. Demand for offal is far greater in the winter months, whilst in the summer relatively little is sold – this makes the summer months a good time to get cheaper prices.

7. Whilst the term offal used to just refer to the entrails, it is now taken to mean all of the insides, abdominals and extremities. The terms “organ meats” and “variety meats” are also used instead of offal.

8. The word “offal” comes from “off fall”, and literally refers to the pieces of the animal that fall away as the carcass is butchered.

9. Offal from birds is known as giblets.

10. If you find the taste of offal a bit much (and tolerate dairy), try soaking it in milk overnight before cooking it.

What do you think of offal? Do you eat it regularly – and what is your favourite type?

10 things you didn't know about offal organ meat nutrients paleo primal diet-min

10 (and a Half) Ways to Add More Fat to Your Diet paleo diet LCHF low carb high fat-min

10 (and a Half) Ways to Add More Fat to Your Diet

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A big factor in my own weight loss and controlling my hunger has been increasing my fat intake. I find that when I eat more fat, I am full for far longer, don’t feel hungry, feel more energetic and have much better weight loss results.

So many foods are actually high in protein, not fat. As excess protein is converted into glucose, I'm careful to not eat more protein than I need to – which makes it even more important to increase fat intake.

Exactly how do you add more fat to your diet?

Dairy is a popular source of fat, so a key factor is how well you tolerate fat. You may be better on a strict Paleo diet, with no dairy – or on a lacto-Paleo (or Primal diet), which allows the inclusion of dairy. Weston A Price is also an approach which includes dairy. Instead of being strict about it for the sake of being strict, I think it’s far more important to learn how your body tolerates (or does not tolerate) dairy. I used to avoid all forms of dairy, recently however, I've been experimenting with dairy, specifically butter, which I’ve been eating with most of my meals. If you do decide to have dairy, make sure it’s good quality, perhaps you can have raw dairy, where you live.

10 (and a Half) Ways to Add More Fat to Your Diet paleo diet LCHF low carb high fat-min

Top 10 ½ ways to add more fat to your diet:

1. Avocados

Avocados are a great source of fat – and very versatile. You can eat them on their own with a spoon, or sliced up alongside your dinner. Or you can get inventive and cook a curry with avocado, or even make a smoothie or mousse with avocado.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is such a good oil – and being stable at high temperatures, great to cook with. When you cook in coconut oil, be generous with your serving – and if you've cooked meat for example, pour the remaining oil over the meat before you serve it.

3. Coconut Milk

If you like the taste, coconut milk or cream is a good base for many meals and smoothies. In fact, coconut is a great source of fat generally, get some coconut flakes to snack on!

 4. Animal Fats

Perhaps the best fat sources, lard, tallow, mutton fat, bacon fat and even goose fat (though careful with the omega ratio) are great to cook in.

 5. Butter (and ghee)

Butter is my current favourite. I add a generous wedge of butter to all of my vegetables just before I serve them. Many of the nutritional goodness of vegetables is fat soluble, so adding fat to your veggies is a good way of making sure you get the maximum nutritious benefit. Butter can be added to almost anything – and it tastes great.

6. Olive Oil

Whilst I wouldn't cook with it, olive oil is fantastic to dress a salad in. Sprinkle on a few nuts, add a boiled egg, some meat, avocado and perhaps some cheese and you can make a big improvement to the fat content of a salad.

7. Pork Crackling

Not only does pork rind taste great, it’s another good source of fat. A word of caution though – it’s really important with pork to ensure it’s high quality – ideally pasture raised and organic.

8. Eggs

Eggs are a great fat (and protein) source. Just make sure you eat the yolk! If I make cauliflower rice I often stir in an egg just before I finish cooking it as a hidden boost.

9. Bones

Ok, so I'm not suggesting chewing on bones, but some good quality grass-fed bones make a great bone broth full of good fat.

10. Nuts

Whilst you have to be careful with nuts as they can have a poor Omega 3/ Omega 6 ratio – and they can be easy to over indulge in – they are a great fat source. I prepare a small serving of nuts to take to work with me, making sure I have a good mix to ensure I get the different nutritional benefit each type gives.

10 ½. Nut Butters

On a similar thread, nut butters such as almond, cashew and macadamia are also good, with the same note of caution about the Omega balance.

I’d love to hear your views on eating more fat. How much fat would you estimate you eat, and what are your top sources?

Apple Cider Vinegar the health benefits paleo diet ACV ideas-min

Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apple cider vinegar is a tasty garnish which is a beneficial addition to your food on the Paleo diet. As part of your Paleo diet, you may like to try and incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) in some when you can, as it is known to offer a wide range of health benefits. Instead of turning to anti-ageing lotions and potions, Apple Cider Vinegar is a good alternative as it is known to slow down the signs of ageing. The reasons for this are that it is high in minerals and potassium which are good for the complexion. Apple cider vinegar is also known to reduce and clear up problems with acne, whether taken orally or applied directly to the skin when diluted with some water.

If you are suffering from a nasty cough which is often the case during the winter, Apple Cider Vinegar is known to reduce the effects and clear it up. It is also beneficial for clearing up the sinuses, so if your immune system needs a bit of a boost, apple cider vinegar will really help. There are a number of other benefits to making apple cider vinegar a part of your daily diet, including the fact that it promotes digestion as it promotes healthy bacteria throughout the body. It can also help with menstrual cramps and act as a way of encouraging weight loss. These are the reasons why Apple Cider Vinegar is such a huge part of the Paleo diet.

Apple Cider Vinegar can also be taken to combat constipation, as it is known to improve the movement of the bowels. It is well worth introducing Apple Cider Vinegar at the start of your journey with the Paleo diet, so you can reap the benefits of it from the offset.

Apple Cider Vinegar the health benefits paleo diet ACV ideas-min

How To Add Apple Cider Vinegar To Your Diet

There are many ways in which you can incorporate Apple Cider Vinegar as part of the Paleo diet. As your diet will include eating a lot of salads and vegetables, it can act as a garnish to improve the taste of your foods and make them more enjoyable. It is a much healthier alternative to using mayonnaise as your garnish, as this won’t offer all the healthy benefits as Apple Cider Vinegar.

Another way to consume Apple Cider Vinegar is to add a drop of it to a glass of water to it in the morning. You will soon notice the benefits of it on your skin and how you feel. You only need to use a little of it on a daily basis, so even if you don’t particularly like the flavour of it, it shouldn't over-ride the taste of your foods.

If you want to achieve the best health benefits from your Paleo diet, stock up on loads of meat, fresh fish, vegetables and fruits the next time you do your weekly shopping. In addition, make sure Apple Cider Vinegar is on your list to make your foods tastier and include some seeds for eating as one of your snacks. If you can’t resist chocolate, make sure you choose dark chocolate as this is rich in anti-oxidants. There is no reason why you should be craving unhealthier foods on the Paleo diet and with the addition of garnishes such as the Apple Cider Vinegar; you will be much less likely to fall off the wagon.

Do you regular use Apple Cider Vinegar? I’d love to hear how you use it, please share in the comments below!

Betaine and the Paleo Diet Homocystinuria Homocysteine-min

Betaine and the Paleo Diet

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Betaine is one of the many nutrients found in the body and it offers many ways to help our bodies function better and to look and feel healthier. As such, Betaine is a vital nutrient to consume as part of our diet and there are many foods which contain Betaine and offer numerous other health benefits. Betaine can be found in animals, plants and microorganisms and it is responsible for breaking up the fats and protein in the body. It enables the heart and blood vessels to function more effectively. The other benefit of Betaine is that it helps in treating homocysteine, which is a very harmful amino acid which can be obstructive to our blood vessels and cause strokes.

Homocystinuria is an illness which results from high levels of homocysteine and it can lead to extreme tiredness and fatigue, which is why it is essential to ensure we have the right amount of Betaine in our bodies. One of the other advantages of Betaine in our diets is that it increases the function of our metabolism, so is a good nutrient for promoting weight loss. It reduces fluid in our bodies which can lead to a fluctuation in our weight. It is important to intake the right amount of Betaine and not consume too much or too little of this essential nutrient, as it has the potential to lead to health problems.

Betaine is also thought to reduce the fatty deposits which can occur on the liver, often with alcoholics or those who suffer from illnesses such as diabetes. It is also thought that Betaine works well together with B vitamins so that the body is more protected from outside ailments which can lead to a weakened immune system and low resistance to colds and flus.

Betaine and the Paleo Diet Homocystinuria Homocysteine-min

Intaking Betaine

On average, humans will consume about 1 gram of Betaine from any standard diet, but this is a lot higher when following the Paleo diet. Betaine can be found in supplements, but it is also found in a variety of foods, which is the most beneficial way of consuming the nutrient. The Paleo diet encourages the consumption of a number of different foods which have a high content of Betaine, such as vegetables which are known to have high levels of Betaine. The two most effective vegetables to eat as a means of raising Betaine levels are beets and spinach, although there are many others which have smaller levels of Betaine.

The main Betaine content of beets is found in the peel and the flesh and there are many ways to introduce it into the diet as part of the Paleo way of living. Beets can be boiled and mixed up with other vegetables to create a really tasty salad. You can also add some apple cider vinegar to create an even more flavoursome salad, while maximising the benefits to your health. Beets are also full of other vitamins and nutrients which act as an antioxidant to improve the immune system and promote a healthier body.

It is also quite simple to add spinach to your meals and this is a great food choice for increasing consumption of Betaine. Spinach is a really tasty addition to a salad or side dish which can be eaten raw or boiled. It also protects against homocysteine which makes it the perfect choice for a healthier diet and lifestyle. Spinach offers numerous other benefits to the health and should be a regular addition to your meals on the Paleo diet.

You can also find Betaine in other food groups which are encouraged as part of the Paleo diet, including fish, such as haddock and trout. A good meal which will keep your Betaine levels high would consist of fish and plenty of vegetables, in particular spinach and beets. You can also add shellfish to your diet if you want an easy alternative to your meals with a good level of Betaine.

The variety of good foods available on the Paleo diet and the fact that it improves Betaine levels further increases the importance of this type of diet. Unlike other diets which are only useful for weight loss and are more like fads rather than a way of life, the Paleo diet offers an important way to change your life positively for the future. There are many ways to incorporate all of the right foods with plenty of nutrients, including Betaine into your meals and these do not need to be complicated to prepare.

Do you get enough Betaine in your diet?

Why You Need To Stop Buying Ground Beef minced mince-min

Why You Need To Stop Buying Ground Beef

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So many recipes call for ground beef (or mince meat, depending on where you’re from). It’s on sale in every supermarket and butcher, but what exactly is in it – and should you buy it?

What Actually Is It?

The point of mince meat, is to use all of the bits of the animal that can’t be used elsewhere. Commercially produced ground beef will typically contain parts from hundreds of different carcasses. This product is also a good way to make use of old dairy cattle, and other animals that wouldn't be used for the popular cuts of meat. A pack of ground beef could contain all sorts of different parts of thousands of cows, yet the ingredients will still say “100% beef”.

Why You Need To Stop Buying Ground Beef minced mince-min

The E. Coli Risk

The other significant problem with ground beef, is the health risk.

E. Coli can get into the food chain when the dirty exterior (and particularly any faeces) come into contact with the inside of the meat – the bits that go into the mince.

In a small scale operation cross contamination like this is unlikely, but in a large processing plant, where workers are under pressure to turn around as many animals as possible, the risk is far higher. The way ground meat is made, means any bacteria that has accumulate on the surface of the meat will rapidly permeate through the whole product.

Where so many animal parts are present in one product, the risk is obviously greatly increased. To mitigate the risk, the meat is often vacuumed, washed with hot water and lactic acid, but these measures do not guarantee safety.

What’s The Solution?

For me, the solution is making my own ground beef. I have bought an old fashioned, hand operated mincer, that clamps to my kitchen counter. This means I can buy my own grass-fed organic beef, from my trusted butcher. This way I know exactly what my minced meat contains, I can make it fresh when I need it, and won’t need to store it, which will help the bacteria risk.

Do you make your own ground meat? I’d love to hear your thoughts on minced meat, and whether you’re happy to buy it, or make your own.

Do You Really Know What You've Been Eating horse meat scandal paleo diet-min

Do You Really Know What You’ve Been Eating?

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Have you read about the horsemeat scandal in the UK? It seems that many products being sold as containing beef, have actually contained horsemeat. More and more products are being discovered across many brands as well as the supermarkets own brands. Most of the products are processed ready meals, with things like lasagne and spaghetti bolognese having been added to the scandal so far. Initially it was claimed “some” of the meat was horsemeat, but now it appears in some cases 100% of the meat has been found to be horsemeat.

Paleo Diet Horsemeat Scandal

One of the French food companies involved in the scandal, bought the frozen meat from a Cypriot food trader, who had bought it from a Dutch food trader, who had purchased the meat from two slaughterhouses in Romania. The French company then sold the horsemeat to a factory in Luxembourg, which was then sold under the Swedish brand Findus. This meat appears to be making it’s way into countless brands and products – with Findus just being the tip of the iceberg.

There is also concern that the horses may have been given the horse drug bute (phenylbutazone), which depending on the source you read, could be very harmful to humans if it gets into the food chain.

What ARE You Eating?

Most of the outrage so far seems to be at the fact that people have been eating horsemeat. Which yes, is outrageous and completely unacceptable (can you imagine if a similar scandal happened with pork?) But isn’t the biggest issue here that no one knows exactly what is in these processed food products? If they didn’t even know (and tell the consumers) that a frozen lasagne contains 100% horsemeat and 0% beef, how can we have any confidence about the other ingredients in the meal?

Even if the “beef” label is right on a product, with so much trading and smoke and mirrors masking the origin of the meat, I think we can be fairly confident a frozen ready meal is never going to contain grass-fed organic meat. In fact, I wonder how many different animals have contributed to the meat found in one ready meal? I guess it could be hundreds.

And what about the other ingredients? Is the tomato base of the spaghetti bolognese mainly tomatoes?  Or is it bulked out with cheaper chemicals? Are the tomatoes that are used organic, or rather grown in glass houses with chemicals to help them grow as quickly as possible. Can we even be certain the tomatoes aren’t genetically modified?

Paleo Diet GMO Tomatoes Ingredients

How Can You Get Confidence About Your Food?

The only way to be certain about what you’re eating is to make it yourself. However busy you are, I don’t think there is ever a good reason to by ready made instant meals. It’s just not worth it. It’s also very important that as well as making your own food, you’re careful about the ingredients you use, particularly meat. It really is worth buying organic, grass-fed, pasture raised meat, from as close to the farm as you can get it (perhaps you can order from the farm directly, or use a local butcher who does). Always ask your butcher where the meat is from and how it was raised – and if he doesn’t know, it’s probably time to find a new butcher.

For most people reading this, ready meals aren’t likely to be an issue. But eating out probably is. It always bothers me that when you eat at a restaurant, or in a food court, the same issues apply. Where do they get their ingredients from? If they don’t make a big thing about their meat being grass-fed and organic, well, it probably isn’t. In the long term, the best thing is to ask in the restaurant. Hopefully this way the message will get through that people care, and want to eat good quality ingredients. There are some good restaurants who pride themselves on their local, seasonal organic produce – you just have to find them.

Isn’t it ironic that the sale of raw dairy, from a small farm with well raised animals, is illegal in many places; yet it seems to be common practice to sell food products without even being able to trace what the contents is, or where it comes from?

What are your thoughts on the food industry and the ingredients they use? And what about the horsemeat scandal? I’d love to hear where you stand, so please share your comments below.

Do You Really Know What You've Been Eating horse meat scandal paleo diet-min

Probiotics and the paleo diet-min

Should You Take Probiotics?

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Probiotics are constantly being advertised, but what are they, exactly? And if you follow a good, healthy Paleo diet, should you consider taking them?

Probiotics are, for the most part, live organisms such as bacteria that people consume in order to gain several health benefits. But how is this possible? After all, people often take antibiotics to deal with bacteria inside their bodies that are causing problems. Well, the thing is that there is a distinction to be made between good bacteria and bad bacteria. In normal circumstances, the body has a pretty good balance between the two so the bad bacteria cannot do any damage. However, there are situations such as being ill where this balance is lost. Therefore, taking probiotic supplements allows you to regain the balance and prevent a lot of further medical complications.

Probiotics and the paleo diet-min

There are many different kinds of bacteria found in probiotics supplements and they all come with various health benefits. One of the most common genera is lactobacillus, which contains over 50 species of bacteria used in probiotics. These species can also be found in yoghurt and are usually effective at preventing certain infections as well as diarrhoea and skin disorders.

The genus of bacteria that makes up for almost 90% of all good bacteria found in the human body is bifidobacteria, which contains around 30 different species. They are immediately present in our bodies since birth and can help with various problems such as dental cavities, abdominal pains, bloating and bowel problems.

There are four other major bacteria genera found in the body: saccharomyces boulardii, streptococcus thermophilus, enterococcus faecium and leuconostoc. Each of them contains various species that have a positive effect on the human body, in one way or another.

For the most part, the healthy benefits that come from taking probiotic supplements impact two major areas: our digestive tract and our immune system. They affect our digestive tract because, as mentioned previously, they restore the balance between good bacteria and bad bacteria which can shift due to stress, bad diet, lack of sleep, drug usage etc. Their goal is to not let the bad bacteria grow in large amounts as this can lead to problems, but they also do not eliminate it completely since our bodies do have certain uses for it. Probiotics also help by eliminating toxins, chemicals and other harmful substances from our digestive tract while also helping absorb nutrients and delivering them to the cells that require them.

Probiotic supplements also have an impact on our immune system. They do not necessarily make it stronger, but by keeping the balance they ensure that the immune system is operating at maximum efficiency. Whenever this does not happen we are prone to being attacked by germs and this can lead to bad medical complications in some people. Allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders and infections are common results of this problem.

Therefore, taking probiotic supplements can have quite a positive effect on our bodies. However, they require the same care and attention as normal supplements, making sure that the brand is reputable (i.e. Paleo compliant) and that you take the recommended dosage.

Do you take any type of Probiotic alongside following the Paleo diet? And if so, which brand do you use?

73 Paleo Dinner Ideas paleo diet primal suggestions list-min

73 Paleo Dinner Ideas

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What are you having for your Paleo Dinner tonight? Have your dinners started to get repetitive and boring? Or perhaps you’ve got a joint of meat sat in your fridge and are looking for some inspiration about what dinner to make with it? My Paleo dinner recipe book is full of dinner recipes – you can check it out here. Meanwhile, here are some Paleo dinner ideas to cook and enjoy tonight…

Chicken Paleo Dinner Options

There are so many options with chicken! If you’ve got some chicken at home, perhaps one of these ideas will give you some inspiration?

  • Thai green curry
  • Chicken Fajitas. Either skip the tortillas or use lettuce, or Nori wraps instead
  • Chicken casserole – make it in your crockpot/ slow cooker for an instant dinner
  • Chicken kebabs
  • Bacon wrapped chicken breasts
  • Roast chicken
  • Chicken salad with mango
  • Lemon chicken in the slow cooker
  • Jerk chicken
  • Quick & easy chicken curry
  • Paleo chicken pad thai
  • Avocado Cashew chicken

Paleo dinner cover

 Fish Paleo Dinner Suggestions

Fish is a great choice for Omega 3 – just make sure you get good quality seafood – and ideally line caught fish.

  • Salmon burgers
  • Paleo Sushi using nori wraps and cauliflower rice
  • Pan seared tuna with lime and steamed veggies
  • Smoked haddock omelette
  • Chilli crab
  • Salt & pepper squid
  • Shrimp salad
  • Chowder
  • Baked trout & roasted vegetables
  • Seared scallops
  • Muscles with garlic
  • Seaweed salad
  • Paleo paella
  • Fish stew

SAD Dinners

Missing a SAD favourite? Try the Paleo version!

  • Make a Paleo pizza with a nut flour base
  • Spaghetti bolognaise with zucchini noodles
The Paleo Recipe Book Paleo Diet Primal Cookbook Brekkie

Beef Paleo Dinner Ideas

Beef is another very versatile dinner choice, with literally thousands of menu options. Try one of these ideas tonight.

  • Bunless burgers with sweet potato fries
  • Meatloaf
  • Lasagne (using eggplant and zucchini instead of pasta)
  • Paleo meatballs
  • Beanless chilli
  • Spicy beef curry made with coconut milk
  • A traditional roast beef dinner with roasted veggies
  • A beef and broccoli stir fry
  • Beef stew
  • Beef stuffed capsicum/bell peppers
  • Beef stroganoff
  • Cottage pie topped with cauliflower mash
  • Beef Goulash
  • Beef Bourguignon
  • Steak & Eggs
  • Cinnamon beef hash
  • The classic meat pie

 Lamb Paleo Dinners

I always forget how much I enjoy lamb. Fancy one of these on your menu tonight?

  • Shepherds pie topped with sweet potato mash
  • Lamb shanks with cauliflower rice
  • Lamb skewers
  • Slow roasted leg of lamb
  • Lamb tagine
  • Lamb hotpot
  • Lamb chops and mint sauce
  • Lamb burgers served with a Greek salad
  • Rogan Josh

Paleo Pork Dinners

You can do a lot with pork – this is one meat that I especially recommend getting the best quality possible. Ideally try to get pasture raised pork.

 Other Meats & Offal Dinners

For a nutritional boast, how about something more unusual – or some offal?

  • Liver & onions. The classic combination – not to mention packed with goodness
  • Chicken liver salad with poached egg
  • Oxtail soup
  • Barbequed Kangaroo

Winter Paleo Diet Dinners

Something comforting for cold winters nights

What are your favourite dinners? I’d love to hear some more dinner ideas from you, in the comments below! And if you enjoyed this post, please like and share it.

73 Paleo Dinner Ideas paleo diet primal suggestions list-min

Paleo diet arthritis rheumatoid Osteoarthritis Psoriatic-min

Arthritis and the Paleo Diet

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Unlike many other diets, the Paleo diet is renowned for the fact that it not only encourages weight loss but it can also help with a number of illnesses. One of such illnesses is arthritis which is caused by the inflammation of joints and is particularly common in females. Arthritis can occur in any part of the body and contrary to popular belief; it is not just a health problem which affects old people. Arthritis can occur at any time and any age and it can have a huge effect on a person’s standard of life. The illness causes a lot of swelling and pain throughout the body which can make everyday tasks a huge upheaval.

It is thought that a person’s diet can influence their likelihood of developing arthritis at any stage of their life and there are specific food groups which can actually encourage inflammation of the joints, leading to arthritis over time. The most common foods which are said to enhance the likelihood of arthritis are wheat and grains as they contain a protein called lectin, which is not easy to digest and thus can encourage inflammation.

Paleo diet arthritis rheumatoid Osteoarthritis Psoriatic-min

 

As the Paleo diet completely discourages the consumption of wheat and grains it is thought that it can be hugely important in preventing arthritis and reducing the effects for those who already have the condition. The foods which we know are popular as part of the Paleo diet, including fresh fish and vegetables are anti-inflammatory which means they can reduce the risk of suffering from arthritis. A high intake of Omega-3 in the diet is the perfect way to maintain a good standard of health and this is the reason it is so widely encouraged with the Paleo diet. These food groups are easier to digest which makes them a much healthier option when it comes to taking care of our bodies.

There are many people who will turn to anti-inflammatory tablets as a means of combating the symptoms of arthritis, rather than looking more closely at diet and how this can have an effect on the condition. There is a common misconception that grains are important as a means of increasing fibre intake, but in fact this isn't really the case. Vegetables which are non-starchy and fresh fruit actually contain much more fibre than what you would find in grains, so skipping these from your diet will not have any adverse effects on the body and overall health.

Grains also have a lack of essential vitamins, including A, C and B12, so there is no reason why they have to be part of any healthy diet. The key foods on the Paleo diet such as vegetables, meat and fruit have these in abundance so are a much healthier choice when it comes to looking after your diet.

In order to take good care of the body from the inside to the outside and setting it up for a long and healthy life, the diet we choose to follow is vitally important. As we all know, there are lots of diets which are constantly introduced but many of these focus entirely on lowering weight as opposed to keeping us healthy. There are many diets which will help us lose weight very quickly but these can actually be very detrimental to health. The Paleo diet on the other hand can offer a way to enhance our quality of life which is what makes it so popular and the reason why the popularity continues to grow.

Arthritis can be hugely dilapidating and can even be so severe that it can prevent people from carrying out normal day to day tasks and being able to work. The Paleo diet is the ideal way to introduce the right food groups in order to help prevent this illness or significantly reduce the effects of it. It is not a quick fix though, it takes a lot of dedication and following it to the letter – and the longer this is done, the easier it becomes. The incorporation of exercise together with the Paleo diet can provide a quicker way of combating arthritis and preventing the stiffness of the disease which can cause major health issues.

If you suffer from arthritis  I’d love to hear how Paleo has helped and how much difference it has made. Surely following a real food, Paleo diet is a much safer health option than consuming tablets, which are only really a temporary resolution.

13 paleo uses for coconut aminos soy sauce alternative healthy primal diet-min

13 Paleo Uses For Coconut Aminos

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Long before I went Paleo, I used Soy Sauce in almost all of my cooking, thinking that not only did it taste good – but that I was adding a super health food to my diet. Now, I've replaced Soy Sauce with Coconut Aminos in all of my cooking.

Buy Coconut Aminos Soy

What’s So Wrong With Soy?

As I researched I formed the opinion that rather than being healthy, Soy is actually quite the opposite. As a legume, Soy contains Lectins, which turn your Leptin sensitivity haywire, confusing your hunger and energy signals. The high levels of Phytates in soy are also undesirable, since they bind to minerals, ensuring that they are unavailable for your body to absorb.

Soy has a high Goitrogen content. Goitrogen interfers with the Thyroid, so can lead to Hypothyroidism. My biggest concern with Soy however, is the plant estrogens it contains (isoflavones) – which have the effect of raising estrogen and decreasing testosterone. Think man boobs and all sorts of undesirable effects through unbalanced hormone levels.

Avoiding Soy…

Fortunately, it is easy to avoid Soy products. Firstly, I find that by using so many different ingredients in my cooking, it is so much tastier that I don’t need to add any extra flavour. Just by changing the herbs and spices I use, I can completely change the taste of a recipe anyway.

But – for those occasions when nothing else will do, I have found Coconut Aminos to be a great alternative to Soy.

What Is Coconut Aminos?

Coconut Aminos is essentially the sap of a coconut tree, or the juice from coconut blossoms. The tree is tapped to collect the aminos, which is then dried in the sun to evaporate, or can be fermented. The sap from the tapped tree will continue to produce sap for years to come.

The aminos is loaded with amino acids (apparently 14 times more than soy sauce) and packed with minerals and vitamins.

13 paleo uses for coconut aminos soy sauce alternative healthy primal diet-min

 

13 Things You Can Do With Coconut Aminos

  • Marinate a steak in coconut aminos, garlic, coconut oil, salt and pepper for a few hours before cooking
  • Make Paleo Sushi using nori wraps, cauliflower rice and fish, and serve with coconut aminos as a dipping sauce
  • Use for making beef jerky
  • Add to Paleo chilli for a deep flavour
  • In fact, try it in any tomato based dishes to cut the acidity of the tomatoes, make the dish a darker colour and replace the need to add salt
  • Marinate chicken in it before adding to a stir fry
  • Use in fermented foods like Kimchi
  • Perfect for Asian inspired dishes like Nasi Goreng
  • Use in soups and stews instead of adding salt
  • Add to the baking tray when roasting a chicken to brown the skin when basting the bird.
  • Mix coconut aminos, balsamic vinegar, mustard, oive oil and a squeeze of lemon to make a delicious salad dressing
  • Add to sweet potato chips with olive oil and coriander before baking in the oven.
  • Slice and de-seed and avocado, pierce with a fork, then pour on balsamic vinegar and allow to soak in. Then fill the hole up with coconut aminos and eat with a spoon.

Where Can You Get Coconut Aminos?

If you’ve not tried it before, you can often find Coconut Aminos at your local health food shop. Alternatively, a few places online stock it. I get mine from  iherb (who offer $10 discount for first time customers), as I order most of my herbs, spices and supplements from there in bulk.

What do you use Coconut Aminos for? Share your suggestions below.