Happy Blog Anniversary to Me!

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

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

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

Happy anniversary!

Reflecting on Three Years of Paleo Blogging

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

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

Highlights From the Last Three Years

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

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

Why I Started This Paleo Blog

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

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

How the Paleo Movement Has Evolved

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

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

Reader Impact: The Real Success Stories

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

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

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

Top Blog Posts Over the Years

Looking back, it’s fascinating to see which posts have resonated most with readers. Here are some of the all-time favourites:

1. How to Make Bone Broth – A classic that never goes out of style. Gut health, immunity, and flavour all in one cup.
2. Paleo Lunchbox Ideas – Practical tips for packing Paleo meals on the go.
3. Is It Paleo? – The definitive guide to the grey areas of Paleo eating. From sweeteners to dairy and beyond.
4. Paleo in Australia – A look at what makes following a Paleo lifestyle unique in our part of the world.

If you're new here, these are great places to start. And if you're a longtime reader, feel free to revisit them — many have updated tips and links.

The Future of Paleo Blogging in Australia

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

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

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

What You Can Do to Support the Blog

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

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

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

Gratitude for the Community

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

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

Here’s to the Next Three Years!

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

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