Blog Posts Archives - Page 31 of 41

Underground-wellness-paleo-summit-online-event1-min

Paleo Summit – Review

I’ve finally got through listening to all of the Paleo Summit audio files. I’ve mainly been listening to them on my way to and from work, so I now need to go through the transcripts (or listen again with a pen and paper to hand) as there have been so many book recommendations and interesting points I should have made a note of.

This is my quick review of the presentations in the summit.

Sarah Fragoso – Author, Everyday Paleo; Paleo, Kids, and the Family.

Despite not having children, I really enjoyed Sarah’s talk, in fact I wish all families making a move over to a healthy lifestyle would be able to listen to her. She’s very realistic and everything she talks about is very accessible – as she’s been through the transtition to Paleo herself (with amazing results), with her own family.

Dr. Jack Kruse MD – Neurosurgeon; Leptin Circadian Cycles

I’ve been following Dr. Kruse’s blog for some time now and have been fascinated by his Leptin Reset. I sometimes find his blog quite hard to read (I often have to make notes and reword it, to make sense of it), so was interested to learn how his ideas would be conveyed by spoken word, rather than text. I thought he was a great speaker and that his ideas came across really well in his presentation. He spoke a lot about inflammation, which is something I’m really interested in. Dr. Jack Kruse seems to be on the bill at lots of Paleo events this year and I’m looking forward to hearing more!

Denise Minger – Author, Death by Food Pyramid; How to Win an Argument with a Vegetarian

After reading Denise’s critique of the China Study, I was looking forward to hearing her talk at the Ancestral Health Symposium last year – only for her presentation to clash with Mark Sisson’s! I was so pleased to hear her as part of this summit. She has a very different role in the Paleo-sphere, with her amazing ability to evaluate studies showing how what the media reports is often not what the data really shows. He talk covered a lot of Vegan/ Vegetarian studies and the issue of confounding variables and was one of my favourites from the summit. I’d love to invite her to (Paleo) dinner with some vegetarian friends! I can’t wait to hear more of Denise Minger.

Jimmy Moore – Podcaster, The Livin’ La Vida Low-Carb Show; How To Break Out Of The Grips Of Morbid Obesity And Embrace Healthy Living For Life

Whilst I listen to Jimmy’s podcasts regularly, it was nice to hear him as the interviewee for a change. I think Jimmy is a great speaker and I enjoyed hearing his transition from more of an Atkins low-carb approach, to a Paleo low-carb approach. I don’t think Paleo is, or should be a low-carb for everyone approach, but it was interesting to hear Jimmy Moore’s take all the same.

Keith Norris – Trainer, Efficient Exercise; Health versus Performance

I met Keith at the Ancestral Health Symposium, but hadn’t heard him present before, so had high expectations of this talk. It was interesting to hear about the difference between health and performance – and how so many athletes are actually not healthy.

Dr. Catherine Shanahan MD – Author, Deep Nutrition; The Paleo Diet vs. Top-Selling Drugs — Who Wins?

I think this was my favourite presentation. Very pertinent too as I know a few people who have been prescribed some of the specific drugs discussed in the talk. If only all doctors had this much knowledge and this approach with their patients. I'd love to hear Dr. Cate Shanahan talk again, hopefully she'll be talking at more Paleo events in the future.

Mark Sisson – Author, The Primal Blueprint; Ancestral Living Defined

I think Mark Sisson is a great communicator and is responsible for introducing Paleo/ Primal to so many people. I enjoyed his talk – this is another one I’d want people new to Paleo to listen to early on in their journey.

Erwan Le Corre – Founder, MovNat; MovNat: Moving Naturally

I saw Erwan’s talk at the Ancestral Health Symposium and was looking forward to hearing his accent again! An interesting talk, but I think his topic is best demonstrated, rather than talked about – to that end I’m really looking forward to having a MovNat session with him at PrimalCon in April!

Nora Gedgaudas – Author, Primal Body-Primal Mind; Safe Starches: To Eat or Not to Eat?

I’m a huge Nora Gedgaudas fan after hearing her at the Ancestral Health Symposium and again when she toured Australia last year with Nourishing Australia. She is such a good speaker, with a great skill in making the science understandable and accessible. I was glad the issue of safe starches was tackled in the summit, as there seems to have been a huge shift in the Paleo-sphere on the issue, with Paul Jaminet taking an opposing view. I’m still somewhat on the fence regarding safe starches; self experimentation is needed I think.

Paul Jaminet, Ph.D. – Author, Perfect Health Diet; The Evolutionary Evidence for the Optimal Human Diet

Paul Jaminet is so logical, rational and fantastic to listen to. I found his talk so interesting and valuable – this is one of the talks I need to listen to again, with a pen in my hand.

Diane Sanfilippo – Author, Practical Paleo; Practical Paleo Implementation

This would be another great talk for those new to this lifestyle to listen to. I’m looking forward to her book coming out.

Chris Kresser – Integrative Medicine Practitioner; An Update on Cholesterol

I always enjoy Chris Kresser’s appearances on Robb Wolfs the Paleo Solution podcasts, so I knew I’d enjoy his talk. This was a hugely interesting talk about Cholesterol that I wish CW doctors would listen to!

Mat Lalonde, Ph.D. – Research Biochemist, Harvard University; Invalid Inferences: An Organic Chemist’s Perspective on Paleo

I got to hear Mat speak at the AHS, I really like his style and approach. It was also interesting to hear how Mat actually eats himself!

Dallas & Melissa Hartwig – Health Educators, Whole9 Life; Paleo for Vegetarians

The Whole30 founders put out such good information (I was really pleased to get a free copy of their Whole30 success guide when I downloaded the Summit files) – it was interesting to hear another perspective on vegetarianism, which is often seen as the polar opposite to Paleo. I might have to play this one to my vegetarian friends…

Dr. Thomas O’Bryan – Gluten Sensitivity Expert; The Musculoskeletal Connection to Autoimmunity Disease

This was another highlight, not only did he explain gluten and auto immune responses he spoke at length about exactly what an allergy is, compared to sensitivites. I learn a lot from this talk and found Dr Thomas O'Bryan to be an excellent speaker who was very skilled at getting his message accross.

Matt Stone – Independent Health Researcher; Matt Stone Debunks The Paleo Diet

I'm glad the summit included a different perspective on Paleo, but this is a talk I won ‘t be in a hurry to listen to again. I found all of his ideas completely anecdotal – there didn't seem to be any science or studies to support his argument. He didn't seem to be debunking Paleo per say, but more low-carb – or people dogmatically refusing to change their macro-nutrient ratios. I just don't think it works like that. I'd be super interested to hear what you thought of Matt Stone's talk in the comments below.

Amy Kubal, RD – Registered and Licensed Dietitian; Paleo for Endurance Athletes

I'm really glad this was included. The more into fitness I get, the more I hear people talking about how you can't do Paleo and endurance sport – well Amy clearly shows otherwise, having won a marathon on Paleo herself! I wish all athletes would listen to this!

Reed Davis – Founder, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition; Stress, Hormones, and Paleolithic Man

Very interesting talk looking at the stress modern man is under versus the stress the Paleolithic man would have experienced.

Paul Chek – Founder, C.H.E.K. Institute; Living Primal: Instinct Before Intellect

There were some interesting points raised in this talk about getting back to the basics, but wonder if some people might find the start a little difficult to get into.

Dr. Allison Siebecker – Naturopathic Doctor; Paleo Digestive Troubleshooting

This was a very interesting talk that I learnt a great deal from. So many people seem to have digestive issues, which Dr Siebecker talked about at great length. Anyone with any form of digestions issues needs to listen to this presentation!

Dr. Daniel Chong – Naturopathic Doctor; Earthing as an Essential Nutrient

I've been hearing more and more about earthing, so was interested to hear this talk. This probably isn't one I'd recommend to someone skeptical of the Paleo lifestyle, but it made so much sense to me!

Stephanie Greunke, RD – Registered Dietitian; Ditch the D Word!

Perhaps this would be a useful perspective to someone new to this way of life, but I didn't learn anything new from this talk. I'm not bothered whether you call it a diet, a nutrition plan or a regime – the name makes no difference to how I eat!

Dean Dwyer – Blogger, Beyond Primal; The Inner Game of Paleo

I'm glad someone like Dean was included in this summit. Dean was overweight and did a lot of research, finding a sustainable way to live – and getting to the right weight. A lot of people in the Paleosphere came into it without needing to lose weight, so it's good to hear from someone who is an example of how it can be done.

If you missed the presentations the upgrade is still available with all of the files.

Have you made your way through the presentations yet? Which ones did you like (and dislike?) – and who would you like to hear next time?

Primal Smoothies

10 Comments

I've started to have smoothies some mornings when I'm in a particular rush, since they are so quick to make and can be packed with nutritionally dense Paleo foods. I'm also going to start making up a smoothie to take to the gym with me – that way I'll be able to have something in the post work-out window – I often miss this valuable time, in my return from the gym.

Today I tried a smoothie from Primal Toad's Toadally Primal Smoothies ebook, the “Clumsy Popeye”. I thought this one would be a good choice after an early morning gym session, as it is packed with antioxidants – and protein in the form of protein powder.

I put water, frozen blueberries, cashew butter, Chocolate Primal Fuel, spinach coconut milk & ice in my blender for a few minutes – and then served, with some shredded coconut on top. It doesn't get much easier than that! I thought the spinach taste might not be to my liking, but the main tastes were the chocolate, coconut and cashews – I really enjoyed it and will definitely be making this one again. There's a whole section on green smoothies, which I'm keen to try – it seems like a good way to get in lots of good nutrients.

Customising Your Paleo Smoothies

Once you’ve nailed a basic smoothie formula, the fun really begins. Paleo smoothies are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to suit your nutritional needs, taste preferences, or even your current goals — whether that’s fat loss, increased energy, or post-workout recovery. Unlike many store-bought smoothies, which are often packed with sugar and dairy, homemade versions give you total control over every ingredient.

Think of smoothies as a blank canvas: you’ve got your base, your greens, your fat, your protein, and optional extras like spices, superfoods, or fermented add-ins. You can mix and match depending on what you have available or what you’re craving that day.

Suggested Paleo Smoothie Components

Here’s a simple breakdown of smoothie building blocks to make your own delicious and nutrient-packed blend:

Liquid base: Water, coconut water, almond milk, coconut milk (canned for richness), herbal tea, or even cooled bone broth for a savoury twist.
Fruit: Frozen berries, banana (preferably green-tipped), mango, kiwi, or pineapple in moderation. Berries are lower in sugar and higher in antioxidants, making them a Paleo favourite.
Vegetables: Spinach, kale, cucumber, zucchini, celery, or even cooked pumpkin or beetroot. Greens are great raw, while root veggies often benefit from being pre-steamed or roasted.
Protein: Collagen peptides, egg yolks (if you're comfortable using raw), grass-fed beef protein powder, or leftover shredded meat (yes, really!).
Healthy fats: Avocado, nut butter, coconut cream, chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Flavour and texture boosters: Raw cacao powder, cinnamon, ginger, vanilla extract, fresh herbs (mint or basil), and shredded coconut.

Balancing each of these elements ensures your smoothie keeps you satisfied, supports your blood sugar levels, and provides steady energy throughout the morning or post-gym session.

Five Delicious Paleo Smoothie Ideas

If you're after inspiration, try these simple blends — all Paleo, all quick to make, and all packed with flavour:

1. Tropical Greens Smoothie

1 cup coconut water
1 frozen banana
½ cup mango chunks
1 handful of spinach
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Juice of half a lime

Blend until smooth. Add a few ice cubes for an extra chilled treat.

2. Post-Workout Chocolate Recovery

1 cup almond milk
1 scoop chocolate collagen or Paleo-friendly protein powder
1 tablespoon almond butter
½ frozen banana
1 teaspoon raw cacao powder

Top with shaved dark chocolate (85% or higher) for a decadent finish.

3. Creamy Avocado Mint

1 cup coconut milk
½ avocado
5–6 fresh mint leaves
¼ cucumber, peeled and chopped
½ green apple

This refreshing blend is perfect for warm mornings or after a sauna session.

4. Berry Gut-Healing Blend

1 cup water or herbal tea
½ cup frozen mixed berries
1 scoop grass-fed collagen peptides
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Great for digestion and anti-inflammatory support.

5. Cinnamon Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

1 cup coconut milk
½ cup cooked pumpkin
½ frozen banana
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 teaspoon cinnamon + pinch nutmeg

This one is warming, comforting, and ideal for cooler mornings.

Should You Add Supplements to Smoothies?

One of the advantages of smoothies is their ability to deliver targeted nutrients. This can be especially useful if you’re recovering from intense training, trying to boost your immunity, or struggling with gut issues. Consider including:

Collagen or gelatin: Great for joint health, skin elasticity, and gut repair.
Magnesium powder: Supports relaxation, sleep, and recovery — especially useful post-exercise.
Spirulina or chlorella: Algae powders that offer a rich source of micronutrients and detoxification support.
Probiotic capsules: You can break these open and add the contents to support gut flora.
Functional mushrooms: Like lion’s mane for focus or reishi for calm — just ensure they’re from a clean, reputable source.

Of course, always be cautious with dosages and observe how your body reacts — especially when trying new supplements. Sometimes less is more.

Batching Smoothies in Advance

If you're regularly on the go, pre-batching your smoothie ingredients into freezer bags or glass jars can be a game-changer. Simply portion out all your dry and frozen components into containers, then in the morning, tip them into the blender with your chosen liquid. This reduces mess and prep time, making it easier to stay consistent with your healthy habits.

Tips for Blending Success

Always blend your greens and liquid first before adding frozen fruit or harder ingredients — this gives a smoother consistency.
If you find your smoothie separates quickly, try adding a teaspoon of chia seeds or avocado for natural emulsification.
Use glass jars with lids to take smoothies with you. They’re eco-friendly and don’t absorb smells like plastic.

Reclaiming the Convenience of Real Food

Smoothies are a brilliant example of how Paleo doesn’t have to mean complicated. With the right ingredients, you can have a nutrient-packed meal ready in under five minutes — ideal for busy mornings, post-workout refuelling, or those times when your fridge looks uninspiring. By blending real, whole food ingredients, you get all the convenience of a shake, without the downsides of processed powders or bottled drinks filled with additives.

So next time you’re short on time, don’t skip your nutrition. Fire up the blender, get creative, and enjoy the simplicity of real food — in a glass.

Do you often have smoothies? Are they something you have as a meal, or as a post workout recovery drink?

Paleo Doughnuts

2 Comments

Why pick the fake version when you can have Peach Doughnuts instead?

PINK DOUGHNUTS INGREDIENTS: Donut: Enriched Unbleached Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron as Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Enzyme, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Palm Oil, Water, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Whey (a milk derivative), Skim Milk, Yeast, Contains less than 2% of the following: Salt, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda), Defatted Soy Flour, Wheat Starch, Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Cellulose Gum, Soy Lecithin, Guar Gum, Xanthan Gum, Artificial Flavor, Sodium Caseinate (a milk derivative), Enzyme, Colored with (Turmeric and Annatto Extracts, Beta Carotene), Eggs; Strawberry Icing: Sugar, Water, Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean and/or Cottonseed Oil, Contains 2% or less of: Maltodextrin, Dextrose, Soybean Oil, Corn Starch, Salt, Titanium Dioxide (Color), Sodium Propionate and Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives), Citric Acid, Polyglycerol Esters of Fatty Acids, Agar, Soy Lecithin (Emulsifier), Natural and Artificial Flavor, Red 40.

PEACH DOUGHNUTS INGREDIENTS: Peach

I know which one I'd rather!

Why Paleo Doughnuts Make Sense

Let’s be honest – doughnuts (or donuts, if you’re from the US) are usually a sugar-coated shortcut to a blood sugar crash. They may look pretty in pastel pink with sprinkles on top, but have you ever read the ingredients label? You practically need a chemistry degree to decipher it. Hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, artificial flavours, gums, emulsifiers, stabilisers, colours – it’s a long list of things your great-grandmother wouldn’t recognise as food.

So why do we crave them? Because they’re sweet, soft, indulgent, and everywhere. But that doesn’t mean we have to choose the fake, factory-made version. With a bit of creativity, you can enjoy Paleo doughnuts made from real, nourishing ingredients – or even go the super-simple route and bite into a ripe, juicy peach instead. Honestly, sometimes the best alternative is the one nature already made perfectly.

What’s Wrong With Traditional Doughnuts?

The ingredients list I posted above speaks for itself, but let’s break it down. Most commercial doughnuts are:

Loaded with sugar – and not just one type. You’ll often find white sugar, dextrose, corn syrup, and high-fructose corn syrup all in one bite.
Full of refined grains – typically white flour that’s been bleached, stripped of nutrients, and enriched artificially.
Pumped with poor-quality fats – including hydrogenated soybean or cottonseed oil, which are inflammatory and highly processed.
Artificially coloured and flavoured – Red 40, titanium dioxide, synthetic “strawberry” flavours… it’s more science lab than kitchen.
Preserved for shelf life – with additives like sodium propionate and potassium sorbate.

Even the ones marketed as “baked, not fried” or “gluten-free” often still rely on processed ingredients and heavy sweeteners. If you’re living a Paleo lifestyle – or even just trying to eat more whole, natural foods – they simply don’t belong on the menu. But that doesn’t mean you have to miss out.

Enter: Paleo Doughnuts

Paleo doughnuts are everything traditional doughnuts are not. They’re made with real ingredients, have no grains, no refined sugars, and no seed oils. But they’re still satisfying, flavourful, and even indulgent – especially if you make them with almond meal, coconut flour, eggs, and a little natural sweetness from fruit, dates, or raw honey.

There are plenty of ways to create a doughnut that’s 100% Paleo-friendly and still feels like a treat. Whether you prefer baked, pan-fried, or raw varieties, you can enjoy something delicious without compromising your health goals.

Wholefood Swaps for Doughnut Cravings

So, you want something sweet, round, and maybe even a little nostalgic – but you don’t want the ingredient list of a science experiment. Here are some easy, Paleo-friendly swaps for conventional doughnuts:

Grilled or chilled stone fruit: Fresh peaches, nectarines, or plums sliced into rounds can mimic the look and mouthfeel of a soft doughnut. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon and a drizzle of almond butter for extra satisfaction.
Baked Paleo doughnuts: Made using almond or coconut flour, eggs, mashed banana or sweet potato, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. A silicone doughnut mould is your best friend here.
Raw doughnut bites: Blend soaked dates, shredded coconut, almond meal, and a splash of vanilla extract. Roll into balls and press flat into doughnut shapes. Chill or freeze and enjoy as a quick snack.
Paleo pancake stacks: Use a ring mould to shape small pancakes and stack them up like mini doughnuts. Top with coconut yoghurt and a few berries for a fun twist.

Simple Baked Paleo Doughnut Recipe

Here’s a quick, no-fuss recipe you can whip up in under 30 minutes:

Ingredients:

1 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch of sea salt
2 eggs
1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana
2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup or raw honey (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
Grease a silicone doughnut tray or line with parchment if needed.
In one bowl, mix dry ingredients. In another, whisk the wet ingredients.
Combine both mixtures and stir until smooth.
Spoon into doughnut moulds and smooth the tops.
Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden and firm to the touch.
Cool completely before removing from moulds. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Optional topping? Dust with a little cinnamon or dip in melted dark chocolate (85%+ for the strict Paleo folks).

Why Peaches Make the Perfect Doughnut Replacement

Let’s not overlook the hero this post: the humble peach. In season, they’re nature’s answer to doughnuts. Juicy, sweet, and already shaped like a little ring if you slice them just right. Try this:

Cut a fresh peach into thick slices (crosswise).
Use a small round cutter (or the end of a piping tip) to remove the stone and create a doughnut hole.
Grill lightly or serve raw.
Top with a dollop of coconut cream, almond butter, or even a little cinnamon and cacao nibs.

It’s a playful way to enjoy fruit, especially for kids – or anyone trying to wean off sugar-laden commercial treats. Plus, it’s 100% Paleo-compliant, budget-friendly, and actually supports your health rather than sabotaging it.

What About Kids and Paleo Treats?

If you’re raising Paleo kids (or even just aiming for fewer artificial foods in their diet), doughnuts are one of those treats that tend to pop up at parties, school functions, and supermarkets. Having a nourishing option ready to go can help avoid those all-or-nothing food battles.

Try involving your kids in the cooking process. They’ll love mixing the batter, choosing toppings, or decorating their own fruit “doughnuts” with coconut flakes, chia seeds, or sliced strawberries. It makes Paleo eating more fun – and far more sustainable in the long run.

Store-Bought Paleo Doughnuts: Do They Exist?

In some places (especially in cities like Sydney or Melbourne), you might find Paleo-friendly doughnuts at farmers markets, boutique cafés, or health food bakeries. Just make sure to check the ingredients carefully. Even if it’s gluten-free or grain-free, some versions may use sweeteners, oils, or gums that don’t align with strict Paleo principles.

If in doubt, it’s always better to make your own. That way you know exactly what’s going in – and you can tweak the recipe to suit your taste, lifestyle, or dietary needs.

Final Thoughts: Redefining Treats the Paleo Way

Paleo doughnuts are less about mimicking junk food and more about reclaiming the idea of what a treat can be. When you choose whole, nutrient-dense ingredients – even in baked goods – you’re supporting your body, your energy, your mood, and your long-term health.

And if all else fails, just grab a peach. Or a plum. Or a slice of chilled watermelon. Because in the end, nature still makes the best sweets of all.

What’s your favourite way to satisfy a doughnut craving without falling into a sugar spiral? Share your tips in the comments – or tag me on Instagram if you’ve made your own Paleo-friendly doughnuts. I’d love to see them!

12 Ways to Eat Paleo on a Budget

8 Comments

It seems to be a common belief that eating a Paleo diet is expensive. It definitely can be costly, but there are many ways you can eat good quality Paleo foods, without spending a fortune. There’s also the consideration of your future healthcare costs – I like to see my Paleo nutrition as an investment in my lifelong health (not to mention the cost of sick days I've not required). So, doing Paleo on a Budget?

These are a few ways I've found to keep it Paleo – and economical.

1. Buy less popular cuts of meat.

The popular cuts are expensive because everyone wants them. White meats like chicken breast and tender meat (from the parts of the animal that do little work) such as loin and fillet are the most expensive, as they can be cooked quickly with good results.

Whilst a lot of the cheaper cuts could be tough (if you cooked them in the same way as the expensive meats), when you change how you cook you can make the meat amazingly tender and juicy. Slow cooking is a great way to cook these types of cuts, without making them tough and dry. It almost seems a waste to make casseroles and stews without using mutton, shoulder, brisket, chuck, blade, skirt or topside steak! Most of the animals we eat can (and should) be eaten nose to tail – even the bones are great to make bone broths and stocks with.

Chicken necks – a cheap option

My butcher doesn't display the less popular cuts, but can always provide me with inexpensive cuts like forequarter chops, pork hock, beef and pork cheeks and organ meats like liver and heart. I've not yet been brave enough, but brains, onglet (from inside a cows ribcage), pigs trotters and tripe are also used in recipes and have great nutritional profiles! I get bones for next to nothing from my butcher. I've also found kangaroo to be a really cheap meat here in Australia.

2. Move away from the supermarket/ grocery store

Whilst it’s definitely quicker and easier to get everything you need from under one roof, it is rarely the cheapest option. They are less likely to have the cheaper, more unusual cuts of meat and non-uniform vegetables – and you’re not likely to have much idea where to produce came from. Where they may sell some items at very cheap, competitive prices – often the price reflects the quality. Look to butchers, greengrocers, farms, health food stores, online stores and farmers markets.

3. Research

Don’t just buy from the first place you find, ask around and find out about other local sources. Prices vary significantly between shops/ farms/ online stores – find out which source is best for which item. I was surprised to find a few things are actually cheaper to have shipped from America, instead of buying locally – even with the shipping fees.

4. Buy in bulk

Big-ticket items such as coconut oil vary wildly in price, and often have sales and discounts for buying in bulk. Look out for offers and stock up when there is a chance. Another great saving can be had by buying large quantities of meat – such as half a cow. If you have a freezer this will keep for a long time and you’ll have a great variety in different cuts. You can join together with friends to save even more by sharing the meat; perhaps you can even come to an arrangement where your friends store some for you (if you don’t have a big enough freezer). There’s also a time saving to be had as grocery trips won’t need to be so frequent with a fully stocked freezer.

5. Buy at the end of the day

Farmers markets and stores often reduce prices significantly just before they close for the day. If you delay your shopping you can often save a lot of money with some great bargains; just make sure you freeze or use the produce straight away before it passes its best.

6. Buy direct

Cut out the middle man and buy directly from the farm! There may be a CSA scheme near you, a farmers market, or a farm shop. Not only can this be cheaper, but you’ll know exactly where your food comes from and will have a lot more confidence in the quality.

7. Eat seasonally

If you want to eat strawberries in the middle of winter – you have to pay for it! Keep an eye on what is in season and adjust your menus accordingly. Not only is eating in season cheaper, the produce is likely to be local and there are many biological arguments to support only eating food that is in season.

8. Plan your week

So much food is thrown away – a huge waste of money. I now spend time at the weekend working out what I’m doing for the week ahead and planning what I will eat each day. I then buy just the food I need for those meals (or plan to defrost meat from the freezer). This has significantly reduced waste and saves a lot of time too.

9. Be flexible

If you’d planned beef, but lamb is on special – be flexible and take advantage of the offer. Not only will you save a lot of money, but you might also discover a great new dish you’d never have tried otherwise!

10. Make more

When I cook, I always make more than I need for one meal. I then either eat it again for dinner the next night (or even breakfast), or freeze it ready for an instant home cooked meal in the future.

11. Stop buying lunches and coffees

I don’t know how expensive lunches are where you live, but here in Sydney buying lunch is about $10 a day – and despite making a Paleo-friendly choice, I'm always dubious about the quality of the ingredients. I now make lots of lunches at the weekend and bring these into work each day. I've probably saved enough to buy a grass-fed cow since I've been doing this, as each lunch costs under $2 to make – and has far superior ingredients.

Fortunately I don’t like coffee – but I'm amazed how much people seem to spend on this each and every day, it seems like such an extravagance when they could easily make their own – or dare I suggest drink water instead (spot the non-coffee drinker)

12. Stop eating out

Eating out is so expensive and is so often such a compromise on nutrition – particularly when you have to please non-Paleo friends. I've recently been having friends over for dinner – and going to their houses for dinner. I find this so much more enjoyable. You get to showcase your cooking, make food that is Paleo, from great ingredients – and perhaps even demonstrate to your friends exactly what Paleo is. Once you rotate with a few different friends you’re likely to have saved a lot of money – and probably had far more enjoyable evenings!

Do you find Paleo expensive? What tips have you found to reduce the cost?

Paleo Comfort Foods

5 Comments

I've had Julie and Charles Mayfield’s “Paleo Comfort Foods” cookbook for some time. Despite reading it from cover to cover, I had not actually got round to cooking from it, until earlier this week.

I was limited for time, but wanted to make a Paleo friendly appetizer/ hors d'œuvre to take along to a Primal dinner I was going. The bacon wrapped dates recipe looked perfect. I usually try to steer away from dried fruit as it is so high in sugar, but in serving something like this before dinner each person only has two or three, so the sugar impact is minimised.

These are so many different variants of this meat wrapped dish – angels on horseback (oysters wrapped in bacon), devils on horseback (prunes of figs wrapped in bacon) and even the British favourite pigs in blankets – cocktail sausages wrapped in bacon. The version in Paleo Comfort Foods is very simple, using just dates, bacon and almonds inside.

I quite simply pitted the dates, replacing the stone with a couple of raw almonds. I then cut some organic bacon to size and wrapped it around the date, holding it in place with a cocktail stick (actually, several cocktail sticks!). I put these in the oven to crisp the bacon, turning a couple of times.

I find Australian bacon seems to contain a lot less fat than American bacon (I'm always surprised American’s get enough bacon grease left over to be able to use it for other things). This makes it harder to mould the bacon around the date, but using more cocktail sticks did the job!

I also made the Carrot & Fennel salad (again!) from the Everyday Paleo Cookbook, which is fast becoming a favourite! Why have a boring salad, when you can have something a bit different?

I love to take time cooking, but sometimes it’s nice to have Paleo dishes that can be made quickly and simply.

My Paleo Comfort Foods book is full of paper markers on all of the recipes I intend to try – hopefully I'll get a chance to try some of the sauces – Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Gravy and Barbecue sauce this weekend – handy recipes to have up my sleeve as they can go with so many meals. I'm also interested in the Paleo bread recipe – I wonder whether this would be a good alternative to offer to those friends who find bread to hard to give up?

Have you tried any of the recipes from Paleo Comfort Foods yet? Which is your favourite cookbook?

Expanding Your Paleo Repertoire

Once you’ve mastered the simpler starters and salads, the real fun begins with exploring heartier comfort food classics. Recipes such as meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, and even fried chicken can all be adapted to be Paleo-friendly. Instead of breadcrumbs, almond meal or coconut flour can provide a suitable crunch, and ghee or animal fats can take the place of butter for that perfect texture and taste.

Planning for Everyday Paleo

It’s one thing to cook Paleo on a weekend when you’ve got the time – but what about weekday dinners or lunch prep? The best thing about the Paleo Comfort Foods cookbook is that many of the recipes scale well. You can make a big batch of meatballs, patties, or vegetable bakes on a Sunday and eat well all week. Pairing dishes with a zesty side salad or roasted root veg keeps things interesting and ensures you’re not relying on nuts or fruit to fill you up.

Entertaining Paleo Style

One of the biggest questions I get is what to serve friends who aren’t Paleo when entertaining. Dishes like bacon-wrapped dates are perfect because they feel indulgent, but they’re actually quite simple. Add a fresh salsa, guacamole, or a nut-based dip, and you’ve got a winning platter. Many of the dishes from Paleo Comfort Foods work well as shared meals – think casseroles, slow-cooked stews, and oven bakes with layered flavour and a side of roasted greens.

Making Paleo Work for Families

If you’ve got kids or a partner who’s not completely onboard with Paleo, it helps to start with the familiar. That’s why the idea of comfort food is so powerful – people love familiar textures and flavours. Paleo lasagne with zucchini ribbons, shepherd’s pie with cauliflower mash, and slow-cooked brisket are usually big wins in most households. Making a weekly meal plan from the cookbook and getting the family involved can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.

The Importance of Good Ingredients

With any Paleo recipe, the outcome hinges on the quality of the ingredients. Organic or pastured bacon, fresh herbs, and high-quality oils make a noticeable difference. If you’re already investing the time to cook from scratch, it makes sense to source the best ingredients you can. Supporting your local butcher or farmers market not only supports your health but your community too.

Getting Creative and Adapting Recipes

Not every recipe needs to be followed to the letter. One of the strengths of Paleo Comfort Foods is that it encourages experimentation. You might swap out almonds for macadamias, add rosemary or chilli for a twist, or serve with a side of sauerkraut or kimchi. Once you become comfortable with a few go-to techniques, you'll find it's easy to modify and adapt for your own preferences and pantry.

Final Thoughts on Paleo Comfort Foods

Whether you’re just starting out on your Paleo journey or looking to expand your culinary skills, Paleo Comfort Foods is a great companion. It strikes a balance between accessible meals and the kind of indulgent food you might have thought was off-limits. With a little prep and creativity, even a busy week can be full of delicious, comforting Paleo dishes. I’ll definitely be sharing more of my favourites from this book as I try them – and I’d love to hear yours too!

Is It Paleo?

4 Comments

I'm sure, like me, you've seen lots of question on Paleo forums, asking if a particular processed food is Paleo. Perhaps friends, inspired by your positive changes, are making similar nutritional moves themselves –asking for your guidance on what is and isn't “Paleo” along the way.

A Return to SAD Foods?

The food raising the question generally seems to be some kind of snack or sauce, perhaps a nod towards the person’s previous SAD diet. Often the first ingredient is arguably “Paleo”, perhaps some kind of meat, vegetable – or as it often the case in processed foods – water. But the further down the list you go, the ingredients become less and less agreeable. There is often some form of sugar or sweeteners, preservatives, stabilisers, my favourite “natural flavours” – which really could mean just about anything – and perhaps the catch all “spices”. So maybe there isn't a lot of wheat; but not a lot is still some wheat! Things like gluten seem to linger in the body for a long time, so complete abstinence makes a lot of sense – there’s no such thing as low-gluten.

The other issue is that nutritional information panels don’t display the quality of the ingredients. If they don’t specify that the beef is organic and grass-fed – I think we can assume it almost certainly is not. Would you have bought the ingredients yourself – and if not, why are they suddenly acceptable just because they’re in a packet or bottle?

Unless you've made something, from ingredients you've sourced and understand; can you ever really know what you’re eating?

No Time?

Processed foods are, no doubt, easier, quicker and cheaper. That’s surely part of the reason we’re in this nutritional mess in the first place. As with lots of things in life, the best things generally aren't the easiest things! Yes, you can buy mayonnaise for a few dollars and use it instantly – or you can invest time and make your own Paleo Mayonnaise knowing exactly what you’re eating – and what you’re not. I know which I’d rather.

I often wonder whether the person asking the question is hoping to gain approval to revert, at least in part, to their old pre-Paleo ways. Whilst some processed foods are clearly a lot more Paleo-friendly than others, I do wonder where to draw the line. If you “allow” a mass-produced tomato sauce with a few dubious ingredients – perhaps that canned chicken soup doesn't look so bad?

So, is it Paleo?

Almost everything I buy doesn't have a nutritional label. Meat from the butcher, eggs and vegetables generally don’t come in packets with nutritional information – and if they do, they are the only ingredient – or I don’t buy it. The only exceptions in my supermarket trolley that I can think of are coconut milk (if I could grow my own, I would!) and nut butters, which I very rarely use.

As a general rule, I think it’s fair to say; if you have to ask, it isn't Paleo!

Decoding the Ingredients List

Learning to read ingredients lists is a skill worth developing if you're serious about sticking to a Paleo approach. The most deceptive products are often marketed as “natural” or “healthy,” yet are packed with hidden nasties. Even “organic” products can include preservatives or sweeteners that don’t align with a Paleo lifestyle. Always start by checking how many ingredients are listed – and if there’s anything you wouldn’t cook with at home, put it back on the shelf.

Keep an eye out for alternative names for sugar, such as maltodextrin, glucose syrup, rice syrup, agave nectar, or evaporated cane juice. These are all refined and processed, even when dressed up with more wholesome-sounding names. Likewise, look for hidden sources of gluten like malt extract, hydrolysed wheat protein, or anything containing the word “barley” or “rye.”

Marketing Gimmicks and Greenwashing

Just because something is labelled “gluten free,” “low carb,” or “paleo-inspired” doesn’t mean it’s actually Paleo. Food marketers are savvy and know that slapping a few buzzwords on the packaging can appeal to health-conscious consumers. “Keto-friendly” doesn’t mean grain-free. “Dairy free” doesn’t mean it’s made from clean, recognisable ingredients. And “all natural” could still mean full of seed oils and preservatives.

True Paleo eating isn’t about following trends – it’s about opting for real, whole, unprocessed food. The moment something has to be shelf-stable for 12 months, you can bet something unnatural has been added. Make it a habit to ignore the front of the label entirely and flip straight to the ingredients list on the back. That’s where the truth lies.

Reframing Convenience

It’s easy to associate convenience with packaging – but what if you reframe convenience as preparation? If you batch cook on a Sunday and fill your fridge with roast veggies, boiled eggs, grilled chicken, and a jar of homemade sauce, you’ve made your weekday choices easier, healthier, and cheaper. That’s real convenience.

Having a few Paleo staples on hand means you’ll be less likely to reach for the bottled dressing or pre-packaged protein bar. A few minutes of planning each week can eliminate the need to compromise on quality just because you’re short on time.

The Slippery Slope of “Just This Once”

Perhaps the biggest risk with borderline processed foods is not what they contain – but what they represent. It’s easy to rationalise one small deviation, especially when it feels like a minor indulgence. But what starts as a “once off” treat can subtly lead back to old habits. The psychological effect of reintroducing packaged foods often snowballs faster than you think.

This doesn’t mean perfection is the only way forward. Life will always present moments when you have to make the best possible choice, not the perfect one. But the more honest you are with yourself about those decisions, the easier it becomes to stay intentional about your food choices.

Home-Made Alternatives That Taste Better

If you're tempted by a store-bought version of something you used to love, try making your own Paleo-friendly alternative instead. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create versions of your favourites that taste better, nourish your body, and skip all the dodgy additives.

Craving tomato sauce? Simmer diced tomatoes, garlic, and herbs in olive oil. Blend until smooth.
Need mayo? Whisk egg yolks, lemon juice, and avocado oil until thick and creamy.
Want something sweet? Try a date and nut bar made with a food processor and five clean ingredients.

Most of the time, these homemade versions store well in the fridge and last several days. Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in them – and what isn’t.

Social Situations and Shared Meals

One of the most common times processed foods sneak in is during shared meals or social events. You may not want to be “that person” reading every label at a friend’s barbecue or questioning ingredients at a dinner party. But there are respectful ways to honour your health without being awkward.

Bringing your own dish to share, politely declining mystery sauces, or eating beforehand are all viable options. If you do choose to eat something questionable, be honest with yourself about the choice and accept any consequences – whether it’s digestive discomfort or a temporary slip in energy. Awareness matters more than rigid rules.

Finding the Grey Area

Not everything is black and white, and not every Paleo enthusiast agrees on every ingredient. Some people tolerate small amounts of dark chocolate or raw honey. Others occasionally use almond flour baked goods or coconut aminos. The key is to find a balance that works for you while still staying as close to unprocessed, natural foods as possible.

If a product contains one or two borderline ingredients that you recognise, tolerate well, and don’t use often, it may be something you’re okay including occasionally. But if you find yourself justifying choices frequently, it might be time to reassess and simplify.

Building Your Own Standards

The Paleo label isn’t a pass or fail test. It’s a template to build your own standards around food. Start by asking: Does this food support my health? Will it nourish me or inflame me? Is it made from real ingredients I recognise and trust?

Once you develop your own non-negotiables, it becomes easier to shop, cook, and eat with confidence. For some, that might mean absolutely no seed oils. For others, it might mean prioritising grass-fed and pasture-raised meats. Your version of Paleo can evolve as your needs do – just make sure you’re moving forward, not back toward convenience culture.

Final Thoughts on the Paleo Litmus Test

In the end, the question “Is it Paleo?” isn’t really about the food at all – it’s about your values. Are you prioritising real nourishment, intentional living, and long-term health? If so, you’ll know what to do the next time you pick up a packet and feel unsure. The best foods rarely come in plastic. And if you have to ask? You probably already know the answer.

Are there some border-line foods that you consider Paleo? What do you buy that has an ingredients list?

Intermittent Fasting

16 Comments

I'm love it when people ask me about Paleo, which happens more and more often. They are normally very interested as I explain to them why I don’t eat grains, or avoid fat. I explain about fitness and how I don’t do chronic cardio – they’re still interested. I explain about the importance of sleep and sunshine – they’re even more interested. This is the point at which I've learnt to stop.

Every time I've mentioned Intermittent Fasting they look at me like I'm crazy – and I realise I've completely lost them. To someone carbohydrate adapted the thought of not eating every few hours is unthinkable. The response I often hear is how dangerous fasting is, as, apparently, your body will immediately go into “starvation mode”, storing fat and using muscle for fuel. They never have any evidence to back up this belief, it’s seems to be just a repetition of conventional wisdom they once heard. From a source they can't remember.

I did a lot of research before I first tried Intermittent Fasting. I think it’s best done on easy, stress-free days and as yet, I've not fasted on training days. My preferred method of Intermittent Fasting is to have my evening meal and then not eat again until my evening meal the following night. Because my diet is very low in carbohydrate (so I don’t have to worry about avoiding wild fluctuations in my blood sugar levels), and not shy in fat, I don’t feel hungry and find it easy to wait until the evening for my first meal of the day. I also find on the day of the fast and the day after, I often have a lot more energy than usual.

I think fasting is a good exercising in learning hunger isn't something that must be feared and avoided. It makes a lot of sense to me from an evolutionary standpoint – we haven’t always lived in times where food was constantly available. I'm also very interested in studies suggesting fasting appears to be very beneficial from a biological perspective.

What do you think about Intermittent Fasting? Do you fast? How do you explain it to people?

Why Intermittent Fasting Makes Sense on a Paleo Diet

Intermittent fasting (IF) has become one of the most talked-about lifestyle strategies in recent years — and for good reason. Especially when paired with a Paleo diet, fasting can help optimise fat metabolism, improve energy levels, and support long-term health goals. But what makes intermittent fasting such a natural fit for those eating a real food, grain-free, low-carb lifestyle?

A Return to Evolutionary Eating

From an ancestral point of view, fasting simply reflects how humans have eaten for most of history. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors didn’t have 24/7 access to supermarkets or snacks. Instead, food was often consumed after long periods of activity — or not at all, when hunting wasn’t successful. Intermittent fasting, therefore, mimics these natural rhythms, teaching the body to become fat-adapted and resilient.

By eliminating grains, sugars, and other highly processed foods — all of which spike insulin and drive hunger — Paleo eaters are uniquely positioned to benefit from fasting. When your metabolism runs on fat instead of sugar, going without food for longer stretches becomes not only feasible but energising.

Intermittent Fasting Benefits (Backed by Science)

Research into intermittent fasting continues to grow, with studies pointing to numerous health benefits, including:

Improved insulin sensitivity and reduced risk of type 2 diabetes
Cellular repair and autophagy, clearing out damaged cells
Fat loss, particularly around the belly and internal organs
Reduced inflammation and oxidative stress
Mental clarity and focus, likely due to increased ketone production
Support for longevity, via pathways associated with caloric restriction

Unlike traditional diets that involve constant restriction or counting calories, IF allows you to eat until satisfied during your eating window — which many people find more sustainable.

Common Fasting Methods (And What Works for Paleo)

While there are many ways to approach intermittent fasting, the most common protocols include:

16:8 – Fast for 16 hours, eat within an 8-hour window (e.g. 12pm–8pm)
20:4 – A more condensed eating window for advanced fasters
24-hour fasts – One meal a day (OMAD), or dinner-to-dinner fasting once or twice per week
5:2 method – Eat normally 5 days a week, reduce calories significantly (e.g. 500–600) on 2 non-consecutive days

For Paleo followers, many prefer 16:8 or 24-hour fasts paired with nourishing, whole food meals. Starting your fast after dinner and breaking it the next evening works particularly well with a high-fat, moderate-protein approach.

But Isn’t Fasting Dangerous?

The “starvation mode” myth is one of the most persistent — and least evidence-based — arguments against intermittent fasting. While long-term extreme caloric restriction can slow metabolism, short-term fasting (12–24 hours) does not result in muscle loss or metabolic shutdown. In fact, fasting can boost human growth hormone (HGH), preserve lean muscle, and enhance fat burning — especially when paired with strength training and proper nutrition.

Of course, fasting isn’t suitable for everyone. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding, underweight, or have a history of disordered eating, consult a practitioner before trying IF. And always listen to your body — fasting should feel challenging, not stressful or punishing.

How to Make It Easier

Stay hydrated: Herbal teas, water, and black coffee can all help
Stay busy: Fasting is easier when your mind is occupied
Eat nutrient-dense meals: What you eat when you eat matters
Break your fast gently: Prioritise protein, healthy fats, and vegetables

Is Intermittent Fasting Right for You?

Like all aspects of Paleo, the key is personal experimentation. Start slow, ease in, and observe how your body responds. Many people are surprised to find just how much mental and physical freedom comes from not needing to eat all the time.

So — do you practise intermittent fasting as part of your Paleo lifestyle? Which fasting window works best for you? Have you noticed changes in your energy, digestion, or weight? Share your story in the comments below — I’d love to hear how IF is working for you.

The Paleo Summit

6 Comments

I've been really enjoying the Paleo Summit this week! There's still a couple of days left of this free online event, and some great speakers to come – I'm especially looking forward to hearing Dallas & Melissa from Whole9 talking about Paleo for Vegetarians – and Dr. Catherine Shanahan comparing the Paleo diet to prescription drugs!

My favourite presentations so far have been Denise Minger, Nora Gedgaudas and Mark Sisson – but unfortunately I've been really busy this week and haven't had a chance to catch them all in time. I'm especially annoyed I missed Dr. Jack Kruse as I've been really interested in reading his ideas on Leptin, so had high expectations for his talk.

Anyway, if you haven't already, there's still time to register and catch the last few days. It's free to register and the videos stay online for 24 hours.

If like me you've had a busy week and have missed some or all of the summit, you can upgrade and download audio files, transcripts and videos which you can enjoy at your leisure. I plan to listen to the 23 audio files on my way to work, that should provide several weeks of great listening!

Why Events Like the Paleo Summit Are So Valuable

In a world full of conflicting nutritional advice, online events like the Paleo Summit offer a refreshing opportunity to hear directly from a wide range of respected voices in the real food movement. These summits not only educate and inspire, but they also help foster a sense of community — something that can be especially powerful when you’re following a lifestyle that diverges from the mainstream.

What makes the Paleo Summit stand out is the diversity of its speakers. From scientists and doctors to authors and long-time practitioners, the event provides access to a huge depth of knowledge. Whether you're completely new to Paleo or you’ve been living this way for years, there's always something new to learn — especially when experts dive into emerging research or challenge assumptions with evidence and experience.

Key Themes Emerging from the Summit

This year’s Paleo Summit has touched on a wide variety of fascinating and practical themes. A few key topics that have stood out so far include:

The link between nutrition and chronic illness: Several speakers have explored how shifting to a nutrient-dense, low-inflammatory diet can support recovery from autoimmune conditions, metabolic syndrome, and even mood disorders.
Hormone health and leptin regulation: While I missed Dr. Jack Kruse’s talk, his focus on leptin is one of the more advanced areas of discussion in the Paleo space. Leptin plays a key role in appetite regulation, metabolism, and fat storage — understanding it can help unlock more effective, personalised strategies for fat loss and energy balance.
Adapting Paleo to modern lifestyles: From the role of functional movement and stress management to navigating the workplace and family settings, many talks have included practical strategies for integrating Paleo principles into real life.
Vegetarian and plant-focused adaptations: I'm particularly interested to hear Dallas and Melissa Hartwig’s take on Paleo for vegetarians. Their Whole30 program has already helped thousands of people reset their eating habits, and I’m curious how they approach Paleo for those who eat little or no animal products.

Learning on Your Own Time

One of the best things about the Paleo Summit format is the flexibility. Life doesn’t stop for nutrition events, so being able to download and revisit talks later is incredibly helpful. Whether you're commuting, walking the dog, or making dinner, having the audio files to listen to makes absorbing this valuable content much more manageable.

I’ve found that listening to these talks away from the screen actually helps the ideas sink in more deeply — especially when I can rewind or pause to take notes. With over 20 presentations included in the upgrade pack, it’s a brilliant resource for continuing education that you can refer back to again and again.

Standout Presenters You Shouldn’t Miss

While everyone will have their personal favourites depending on their interests, here are a few presenters whose sessions stood out for their clarity, depth, and insight:

Denise Minger: Known for her deep dives into nutritional data and her myth-busting approach to conventional wisdom, Denise always delivers thoughtful, evidence-based arguments — often laced with humour and candour.
Nora Gedgaudas: With her background in neurofeedback and nutritional therapy, Nora bridges the gap between food and mental wellbeing. Her insights into how ancestral diets affect the brain are eye-opening.
Mark Sisson: A long-time leader in the Paleo and Primal world, Mark’s ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way is what makes his work so popular. His practical advice around movement, rest, and ageing well is especially valuable.

If you're time-poor and want to start with just a handful of talks, these are a solid place to begin. But don’t overlook the lesser-known speakers — often these are the sessions that introduce new perspectives and challenge your current thinking.

Why Summits Like These Spark Long-Term Change

Sometimes it only takes hearing the right phrase or concept explained in the right way for something to click. That’s what makes live or time-limited events so impactful — the momentum and sense of collective learning push you to take action. Whether that’s recommitting to meal prep, experimenting with fasting, or finally understanding why sleep and stress are affecting your energy levels, these summits provide both the why and the how.

They’re also a fantastic resource to share with friends or family members who are curious about your approach to health but don’t know where to begin. The professional, science-backed talks provide a level of authority and reassurance that goes beyond casual conversation or blog posts.

Looking Ahead: Applying What You Learn

Once the summit wraps up, the real challenge (and opportunity) lies in applying the knowledge. I like to jot down 3–5 action points from each speaker — small, specific ideas to experiment with. It could be something as simple as shifting your breakfast to include more protein and fat, or adding a daily walk to your routine. Over time, these incremental changes add up to serious progress.

If you’ve purchased the upgrade, consider creating a weekly listening plan. One talk per week is enough to keep you inspired without feeling overwhelmed. And if you find a particular speaker resonates with you, look them up — many offer books, podcasts, and courses that can deepen your understanding even further.

Still Time to Join In

There's still time to catch the final days of the summit if you haven’t registered. Head over to this link and sign up for free access to the remaining presentations. And if you want to make the most of it long after the event has ended, the download pack is well worth it — especially if you’re hungry for ongoing inspiration and education on all things Paleo.

Have you had a favourite talk or speaker that’s shifted your thinking? I’d love to hear your highlights from the Paleo Summit and how you plan to put them into action!

Have you been listening? Which have been your favourite presentations of the Paleo Summit so far?

Paleo Elevator Pitch

An Elevator Pitch is a very brief summary, which describes something briefly and with few words.

When people ask me what Paleo is and why I eat the way I do, I could talk for hours – it's hard to summarise something I'm so passionate about in just a few sentences. But that's precisely what I challenged myself to do in this video – this is my Paleo Elevator Pitch!

I'd love to see your video responses on YouTube – and what your Paleo Elevator Pitch would be in the comments below….

Why a Paleo Elevator Pitch Matters

Imagine you’ve got 60 seconds in a lift with someone curious about Paleo. Do you launch into ancestral health theory? Mention micronutrients and evolutionary biology? Or do you just mumble something about “eating like a caveman”?

This is where your Paleo elevator pitch comes in.

For those of us who’ve experienced the benefits — weight loss, clearer skin, better sleep, fewer cravings — it’s easy to get carried away. But a short, compelling, non-cringeworthy explanation is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your Paleo toolkit.

What Makes a Great Elevator Pitch?

Whether you’re explaining Paleo to your hairdresser, your cousin, or a new colleague, your pitch should be:

Brief (30–60 seconds)
Accessible (avoid jargon)
Personal (focus on your experience)
Inviting (make people want to ask more)

Sample Paleo Elevator Pitches

The Everyday Pitch
“I eat a Paleo diet — basically lots of meat, fish, vegetables, eggs, and good fats. I avoid grains, sugar, and processed food. Since I switched, my asthma disappeared, my energy’s up, and I just feel better.”

The Evolutionary Pitch
“I eat the way humans did before industrial food. It’s about real food — meat, seafood, veggies, fruit, nuts — and cutting out the stuff we never evolved to eat, like grains and seed oils.”

The Health-Focused Pitch
“After struggling with fatigue and weight, I tried a Paleo diet. I started eating real food, ditched the sugar and processed stuff, and my body just responded. It’s about fuelling yourself properly.”

The Minimalist Pitch
“I eat whole, natural foods and skip the modern junk. More steak and veggies, less cereal and seed oils. That’s it!”

How to Craft Your Own

Want to make your own perfect pitch? Try this 4-part formula:

What is it?
“Paleo is about eating real food our bodies are designed to thrive on…”
What do you eat?
“…like meat, veggies, fruit, eggs, and healthy fats.”
What do you avoid and why?
“I avoid grains, sugar, and seed oils — they mess with my energy and digestion.”
What’s one result you’ve seen?
“Since I started, my asthma’s cleared up and I’ve got more energy than ever.”

What Not to Do

Avoid turning people off by:

Listing everything you avoid without context
“No grains, no dairy, no sugar, no legumes, no fun” sounds joyless.
Getting too technical too fast
“It reduces zonulin and promotes tight junction integrity” is true — but save it for the nerds.
Sounding preachy
Lead with personal experience, not judgement or rules.

Using Video to Connect

Filming your elevator pitch, like I did (yes, in an actual elevator!), is a great way to:

Practise explaining Paleo simply
Connect visually with your audience
Build confidence when sharing your story

Sure, it might feel a little awkward (mine still makes me cringe), but video is powerful. It’s searchable, shareable, and more relatable than a long blog post.

A Few Real-World Situations

At Work
When someone notices your lunch or skips the office cupcakes, they’ll ask questions. Keep it light:

“I feel better eating whole foods — no grains or sugar. It’s pretty simple, really.”

At a Party
If someone offers you bread or cake, be polite and brief:

“Thanks, but I don’t eat grains — I follow more of a Paleo way of eating. No big deal.”

With Family
They’ll want to know if this is a phase. Try this:

“I’ve been doing it for a few years now and it works. I eat lots of fresh, natural food — it’s not a fad, it’s just what suits me.”

The Deeper Message Behind the Pitch

At its core, Paleo isn’t about rules – it’s about rethinking how we nourish ourselves. It's about:

Listening to your body
Valuing sleep, movement, and sunlight
Opting out of the chronic disease industrial complex
Simplifying food in a world obsessed with diets

The elevator pitch is just a way in – an entry point to conversations that can change lives.

Your Turn

What’s your version of the Paleo elevator pitch?

Is it quirky? Serious? Scientific? Relatable?

Drop it in the comments – or better yet, film your own video (no matter how cringey it feels – we’ve all been there). Let’s make it easier to talk about ancestral health in a way that makes sense in the modern world.

Paleo baby babies SAD diet nutrition pregnancy pregnant-min

Paleo Babies vs SAD Babies: What’s the Difference?

22 Comments

I went to a first birthday party at the weekend, which was, as you might imagine, crowded with babies, toddlers and small children. It was actually quite hard to work out which baby went with which grown-up – I’m sure lots of the other guests were probably thinking some belonged to me too!

I've not been around children much since I found Paleo, but knew the whole junk food thing was likely to be an issue with small children. However, what I saw, was very different to what I was expecting. And sadly, not in a good way.

I expected to see babies picking food up from the floor and putting it in their mouth. I expected to see toddlers demanding brightly coloured and attractively presented party food. I expected to see some children being given junk food and some children being given real food.

What I saw was far more upsetting.

The infants were interested in gaining possession of the squeaky giraffe. Opening the door. Closing the door. Opening the door. Closing the door. Sliding on the wooden floor. My car keys. Trying to reach the toy at the very bottom of the toy box. They were not interested in the party food. A few of the babies were interested in the shiny colourful chip packets, but not the contents.

The parents however, continually gave the small children chips and biscuits and sweets. The children didn't ask – the parents just gave. The parents genuinely seemed to think they were being kind, giving the children something nice at a party. When given this food the children stopped their exploring, ate the food – clearly enjoying it (it’s designed to taste good after all) – and either resumed their playing, or indicated they wanted more. Hardly surprising once they’d been given that first taste.

What I was most shocked about was seeing parents giving party “food” to other people’s small children. In fact, this seemed to happen before they gave the food to their own child. It seemed to be done as an act of good manners, much like opening the door for someone instead of going through it yourself, first. I didn't once see a parent ask another parent if it would be ok to offer the toddler some (soy!) chips. I didn't see any parents looking concerned that someone else was giving their child party “food” either.

I would have loved to have seen the blood sugar levels of these babies throughout the party. Lots of the babies started to get tired and irritable towards the end of the party, which seemed expected and normal by the parents. I can’t help wondering how much of this was “normal” and how much was impacted by the huge (especially relative to their small size) sugar rush they’d been fed. Do strict Paleo-fed babies get overtired as regularly, I wonder?

One mother decided her baby was teething and needed to chew on a breadstick to help, offering breadsticks to any other babies who might have the same complaint. I'm quite sure our ancestors got through cutting teeth without the need for bread; wouldn't bones be something more effective to chew on in this situation? Surely giving a teething baby bread, just creates other problems?

I realise when you have children you can’t control what other parents do. But I thought you’d be in complete control of what your own child ate. Are you supposed to make a speech at the start of a party, expressly forbidding any well-meaning friends from feeding your child? Should you hand out cards to everyone with these rules? Does someone sell baby-grows with the slogan “Don't Feed Me! I'm Paleo”?

I imagine it’s could be hard to explain to other parents why you don’t want your child to eat grains, sugars, dairy and processed foods. Particularly when talking to parent who feeds their child a CW “healthy” diet of organic whole grains and low fat foods. I’d hate to be perceived to be criticising other parents – though I guess this is exactly what I am doing in this post! Perhaps I would take the cowardly way out and pretend my child had severe allergies to gluten and dairy. People often seem to be a lot more sympathetic about allergies than they are about choosing to omit certain “food” groups.

I think my main issue is that at such a young age children are completely dependent on their parents for their nutritional requirements. It’s also, I’d imagine, the most crucial stage in their development. I just wish more parents would understand that their baby has no requirement for grains or processed foods. They've never had them before – they don’t know what they taste like – they certainly don’t crave chips! Once a child is old enough to think logically for themselves I think a degree of responsibility can pass over to them for their nutrition. But this certainly doesn't happen before they can run – or even walk!

I can’t remember if it was Sarah Fragoso or Chrissy Gower speaking at the Ancestral Health Symposium last year about their children and eating Paleo. One of the was describing how her child had been strictly Paleo since birth and the lady at the check-out had commented on her surprise that the child was not asking for candy. She replied that her child didn't know what it was, having never had it before. This really got me thinking, if you don’t know what something is, you won’t miss it – or need it. I think there is an argument to let older children try SAD food, but when the child is so young they can’t even speak or walk, I absolutely think these foods should be strictly absent from their diet.

Anyway, I don’t have children. What would I know? Perhaps when I do I’ll realise how completely impractical and ridiculous my nutrition ideas are and start buying bulk packs of bread sticks and cereal with pictures of cartoon characters on the box. I kind of doubt it though.

I’d love to hear your comments on this. If you have small children, how do you deal with other parents? Is it common for other well meaning adults to feed your child?