Everyday Paleo
I was really pleased to receive a few new Paleo books last week – I've got quite a lot of reading to do! I thought I'd start with Everyday Paleo, which, as a longtime reader of Sarah Fragoso's blog, I've been looking forward to.
I hadn't realised how inclusive this book was going to be – it covers everything, including what the idea of Paleo is and how you can start from scratch. One of my favourite topics sleep is also covered, as well as stress. There is also a big section about fitness (understandable, given that the author is a trainer) and a lot of recipes.
There is a big family and children focus with the book too, which I'm sure would be a great help for families looking to make the move to Paleo. There is lots of advice on introducing Paleo to children and even Paleo lunchbox suggestions.
The recipe ingredients look like they will convert quite well to Australian availability – but I'll be trying a few out myself later this week. I'm particularly looking forward to cooking up the Albondigas Soup and the Meaty Pumpkin Souffle.
Why Paleo Cookbooks Are Still Essential in a Digital Age
With endless free recipes available online, you might wonder whether investing in a physical Paleo cookbook is still worthwhile. But there’s something powerful about having a tangible guide you can flick through, dog-ear and scribble notes on. A thoughtfully curated cookbook like Everyday Paleo offers more than just meals — it delivers structure, inspiration, and lifestyle context all in one place. For those new to Paleo or looking to recommit, this kind of immersive guide can help establish strong, sustainable habits.
Sarah Fragoso’s cookbook stands out because it blends practical tips with family-friendly meals and foundational knowledge. Rather than overwhelming you with complex protocols or exotic ingredients, it gently walks you through what it means to live Paleo — not just eat that way. From resetting your pantry to managing stress and sleep, books like this are about building a holistic, realistic approach to ancestral health.
Practicality and Simplicity for Busy Lives
One of the standout features of Everyday Paleo is how approachable the recipes are. Designed with families in mind, they focus on wholesome, everyday ingredients and quick prep times. For those juggling work, school drop-offs and general life chaos, this makes the transition to a Paleo lifestyle far less daunting.
Meals like Albondigas Soup and Meaty Pumpkin Soufflé are hearty, nourishing and perfect for batch cooking. They freeze well, are budget-friendly, and — importantly — satisfy fussy eaters. The ability to cook one meal for the whole household without needing “special” alternatives is a massive win for any parent attempting to bring their family along on the Paleo journey.
How Everyday Paleo Supports Beginners
Unlike many cookbooks that dive straight into the recipes, Everyday Paleo spends time laying out the “why” behind the lifestyle. This helps readers make informed decisions and stay committed long-term. The introductory chapters guide you through cleaning out your pantry, shopping efficiently, and even handling social situations or skeptical relatives — all key pain points for those transitioning to real food living.
Sarah’s personal voice comes through clearly in the writing. It’s relatable, encouraging and non-judgmental, which is especially valuable for those who may feel overwhelmed by big lifestyle shifts. There’s also attention given to managing cravings, building new habits, and dealing with challenges like eating out or travelling — practical advice that makes the book more than just a collection of meals.
Integrating Paleo into Family Life
For families, one of the biggest barriers to trying Paleo is figuring out how to get everyone on board — especially children. This book addresses that head-on. With clear advice on how to make gradual changes, involve kids in cooking, and explain the “why” in age-appropriate ways, it becomes a manual for household transformation.
Lunchbox suggestions, kid-approved dinners, and advice on navigating picky eating make this an ideal book for parents. Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, the strategies Sarah shares can help you create a home environment where healthy eating is the norm — not a battle.
What Makes a Great Paleo Cookbook?
As more Paleo cookbooks have hit the market, the quality varies widely. The best ones, like Everyday Paleo, do several things well:
- Accessible ingredients: No need for obscure or expensive items.
- Clear instructions: Great for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
- Visual appeal: High-quality photos that inspire and guide.
- Lifestyle integration: Goes beyond food to cover mindset, movement, and stress.
- Meal planning support: Helps you build a weekly rhythm without burnout.
If you’re building a small but mighty Paleo library, it’s worth choosing books that meet all these criteria. Having a handful of go-to references that you genuinely use is better than collecting dozens of books that gather dust.
Adapting Recipes for Australian Kitchens
Although written in the US, Everyday Paleo translates well for Australian readers. Most ingredients can be found easily at local supermarkets or health food stores. If a particular cut of meat or vegetable isn’t available, substitutions are usually straightforward — for example, swapping US-style pork sausage for preservative-free chipolatas or using butternut pumpkin where another squash is mentioned.
For measurements, it’s easy to convert US cups to metric or use visual approximations. Over time, you’ll get a feel for portions and ratios that suit your household, making the recipes even easier to follow. Plus, with the emphasis on whole food ingredients rather than processed products, you're already ahead when sourcing locally.
Exploring More Paleo Cookbooks and Authors
Once you’ve worked through Everyday Paleo, there are several other authors worth exploring who bring unique perspectives to the ancestral health space. From the precision of Robb Wolf and the science-rich content of Chris Kresser to the family-friendly flair of Danielle Walker and the Aussie-focused approach of Quirky Cooking, there’s a Paleo book for every stage of your journey.
When choosing your next title, consider what your current challenge is — whether it’s time-saving meals, gut healing, hormone balance, or entertaining — and find a book that meets that specific need. The right resources can motivate you, re-inspire your cooking, and help you stick with Paleo even when life gets busy.
Stay Curious, Keep Cooking
Diving into a new Paleo cookbook is about more than just expanding your recipe collection — it’s a chance to reconnect with your health goals and inject variety into your meals. Even if you only take away a few new techniques or meal prep tricks, each book adds something to your toolkit.
As I work my way through the rest of the books I received, I’ll be sharing more reviews and highlighting the recipes that become staples in my kitchen. If you’re reading something new or have a favourite Paleo cookbook I should know about, I’d love to hear your recommendations too.
