Paleo Archives - Page 17 of 34

Homemade Moisturiser Recipe skincare paleo-min

Paleo Skincare – Homemade Moisturiser Recipe

Everyone loves to pamper their skin, and in the colder months a moisturiser can be especially useful help prevent dry, flaking skin caused by cold winds and heating. Unfortunately the many commercial brands of moisturiser seem to come with so many added chemicals. Moisturisers often have harmful chemicals such as parabens added in order to preserve the life of a product. When you’re being so careful to have a clean, natural Paleo diet – the last thing you want to do is let these chemicals soak into your skin.

You can use coconut oil on your skin, but if you’re after something a little different, you might like to try making a homemade moisturiser.

The following recipe uses natural ingredients only and is designed to be kind and gentle to the skin, while also nourishing it through all of the seasons. Once set, this moisturiser is harder and firmer than traditional moisturises and can be used as a balm for the lips, elbows and any other areas of the skin with dry patches.

Natural skin moisturiser

Ingredients:

28g (1oz) of Shea Butter
21g (0.75oz) of cosmetic grade beeswax
20 mls of vitamin e oil, wheat germ oil or almond oil
Essential oils:
For greasy skin ad 10 – 20 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil
For dry skin add 10 – 20 drops of lavender or geranium oil
For sensitive/combination skin add 15 – 20 drops of camomile essential oil
Storage jar

The more oil added, the stronger it will smell so add the oils gradually first and build up to the desired strength.

NB: Be careful when making this as the beeswax can get very hot; take care not to get it on your skin.

Add the Shea butter to a saucepan and melt it on low on an oven ring or melt in the microwave. Once it has melted, give it a stir and then add the beeswax. Melt the beeswax either on an oven ring or in the microwave. Mix the Shea butter and beeswax together and then add your oil. Stir in your chosen carrier oil and then add the essential oils.

Once it has all blended together, add the mix to a small glass jar. Be careful not to touch the sides of the jar as it will be extremely hot. Leave it in its place to cool down. It is probably best left until the next morning.

Once ready the mixture can be used like a salve to soften skin and moisturise.

NB: Pregnant women should take medical advice before using essential oils.

Slow Roast Leg of Lamb paleo recipe dinner-min

Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb (Paleo Classic)

1 Comment

Seared Venison Loin with Allspice, Thyme and Minted Pea Mash paleo dinner recipe beef grass-fed-min

How to Make Seared Venison Loin with Allspice, Thyme and Minted Pea Mash

1 Comment

http://paleo.com.au/recipe-monkfish-and-sweet-potato-skewers/

Grilled Monkfish & Sweet Potato Skewers (Paleo BBQ)

1 Comment

Raw Kale Salad with Goji Berries, Sprouts and Pumpkin Seeds paleo primal lunch dinner-min

How to Make a Raw Kale Salad with Goji Berries, Sprouts and Pumpkin Seeds

1 Comment

Time to get healthy paleo rock bottom over indulged Christmas lose weight-min

Is It Time to Get Healthy?

Post Christmas is a popular time to readdress your goals. Perhaps you got a bit carried away with the festivities and have realised you are carrying more weight than is healthy? Or perhaps you have a few health issues that you want to concentrate on, and resolve once and for all? Now is the perfect time to get healthy!

It starts with food

Diet is a great place to start. Instead of waiting until all if the festive food has been eaten (we've all done that!) why not just throw it away – or give it to someone who will appreciate it? Your health will thank you!

Once you've cleared out all the not-exactly-paleo food – it's time for the good food! Make a list, plan out your meals for the next week and go and get some good wholesome paleo foods.

I like to make up big batches of dishes like soups and curries. It's great to freeze them in small portions, making it super easy to get healthy meals, quickly.

What about lifestyle?

Lifestyle is a huge health factor! In fact, I'd argue that even with a perfect diet unless you have got the lifestyle factors right it's almost impossible to get healthy.

How's your sleep?

Have late nights and difficult mornings started to creep in? Are you getting enough sleep? This is a great time to work out how much sleep your body needs – and how you're going to get it.

Connection

Another huge factor – do you have enough time in your life for your friends and family? Do you have enough time to relax and just be? If not – what can you change to create more balance in your life?

Get healthy with fitness

This is another important factor. Do you lift heart things and get in the occasional sprint? Being fitter seems to go hand in hand with overall health and well being. You don't have to start big – try walking more.

Start the Year with Clear Intentions

The post-Christmas period is the perfect opportunity to realign your goals and prioritise your wellbeing. With the distractions of the holidays behind you, this is a valuable time to reflect, reset, and commit to nourishing habits that will carry you through the months ahead. Whether you're starting from scratch or getting back on track, taking the first step is often the hardest — but also the most empowering.

Write Down Your Why

Before diving into a new regime, take a few moments to write down your reasons for wanting to make a change. Is it to improve your energy levels? Lose weight for good? Manage stress? Reduce chronic pain? Increase confidence? Being clear about your ‘why' will keep you anchored when motivation inevitably fluctuates. Stick that reason somewhere visible — your fridge door, bathroom mirror, or inside your journal — and refer to it often.

Set Achievable Milestones

Rather than jumping straight into an extreme overhaul, aim for realistic changes that feel doable. For instance:

Commit to eating a home-cooked paleo meal five days this week
Switch your afternoon snack from processed food to fruit and nuts
Add one extra hour of sleep by adjusting your evening routine
Replace one coffee a day with water or herbal tea

These micro-goals can create big results when they become regular habits. Once you’re consistent with one change, build on it. Progress is far more sustainable this way.

Build a Supportive Environment

Your surroundings can either support or sabotage your health goals. Take a look at your kitchen, home, and digital environment. Do they make it easy to stay on track?

Remove tempting foods that don't align with your goals
Stock the fridge: Have chopped veggies, boiled eggs, and cooked proteins ready to go
Use digital tools: Set up calendar reminders for workouts, meal prep, or even just to stretch
Limit distractions: Unfollow social media accounts that make you feel pressured or guilty, and instead follow ones that inspire and educate you

Create a Morning Routine That Works for You

How you start your day sets the tone for the rest of it. Creating a morning routine can give you structure and intention. This doesn’t have to mean a 5am workout or an hour of meditation. It could be as simple as drinking a glass of water, stepping outside for a few deep breaths, or doing five minutes of gentle stretching. The key is consistency and creating rituals that serve you.

Focus on Gut Health and Digestion

Your digestive system is at the core of your health, both physically and mentally. If you've over-indulged on rich or sugary foods over the holidays, you may notice bloating, fatigue, or even mood swings. Now is the time to support your gut with nourishing, fibre-rich foods like:

Bone broth
Fermented vegetables (like sauerkraut and kimchi)
Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
Prebiotic foods like garlic, leeks, and onions

Avoiding inflammatory triggers such as gluten, seed oils, and processed sugar can also help reset your digestive health. Listen to your body and note how it responds when you remove certain foods and reintroduce others.

Hydration Is a Non-Negotiable

After a festive season filled with indulgence and possibly more alcohol than usual, many people find themselves dehydrated. This impacts everything from your metabolism and digestion to your skin and energy levels. Start the day with a big glass of water, and aim to drink regularly throughout the day. Herbal teas, coconut water, and water-rich foods like cucumber and watermelon can also help with hydration.

Movement Should Be Enjoyable

If the thought of going to a gym fills you with dread, don't do it! Find a way to move your body that actually brings you joy. This could be dancing to your favourite music in the lounge room, swimming at the beach, or hiking with a friend. The best type of exercise is the one you’ll actually stick to. Even ten minutes a day is a great place to start.

Reduce Stress Where You Can

Chronic stress is one of the biggest roadblocks to good health. It affects your sleep, weight, digestion, immune system, and even your ability to make decisions. While some stress is unavoidable, learning to manage it better is crucial. Some simple ideas include:

Daily walks in nature
Breathing exercises or short meditations
Journaling at the end of the day to clear your mind
Creating a wind-down ritual before bed

Even something as small as lighting a candle and sipping herbal tea can signal to your nervous system that it’s time to slow down.

Reflect, Don’t Punish

Lastly, it’s important to approach this new chapter with kindness. The goal isn’t to punish yourself for holiday indulgences or past choices, but to gently guide yourself back into alignment with the way you want to feel. Progress is not linear, and perfection is never the goal — consistency and compassion are. If you slip up, just begin again. No shame, no guilt, just a chance to learn what works better for you next time.

What Does Your Ideal Healthy Life Look Like?

Take a few minutes to visualise what your healthiest self would look like. How do you feel when you wake up? What’s your energy like throughout the day? What foods are you eating? What do your relationships and downtime look like? This mental image can help you stay on track when things get challenging. Whenever you feel lost or unmotivated, come back to that vision and remember what you're working towards.

You’ve Got This

This is your chance to create a version of your life that feels energising, sustainable, and true to who you are. You don’t need to be perfect — just committed to showing up for yourself, one small choice at a time.

I'd love to hear what your health focus is this season. Have you set any new intentions? What will your first steps be?

Paleo diet recipe Christmas Lemon and Thyme Guinea Fowl dinner lunch-min

Lemon & Thyme Guinea Fowl for Christmas (Paleo)

1 Comment

The paleo guide to Christmas dinner lunch meal plan recipe diet-min

The Ultimate Paleo Guide to Christmas Dinner

So on the face of it you might be thinking Paleo and Christmas don’t go together. Perhaps you need to have a week or two “off” your Paleo diet until the festivities are over? Not so fast! Your Christmas Dinner might just be a lot more Paleo than you realised!

Turkey

Turkey is a fantastic Paleo meat! Make sure your turkey is from a good source and fully pastured (you might need to order this in advance to ensure you get a good one!) and you’ll have a great high protein, low carb meat to base your lunch around.

Gravy

Use the meat juices to make a beautifully Paleo gravy. Once you’ve made a proper gravy, you’ll wonder how you used to eat instant gravy mixes!

Cranberry Sauce

Cranberry sauce and turkey is an amazing combination – and of course cranberries are Paleo – just make your own sauce instead of buying a sugar laden version, perfect for Christmas dinner

Paleo Cranberry Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

750ml (3 cups) of cranberries
Juice of two oranges
1 tsp orange zest, finely grated
1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Paleo Cranberry Sauce How To:

Boil the orange juice and add the cranberries. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 5 – 10 minutes until the berries have all burst and released their flavour. Remove from the heat and add the cinnamon and zest. Stir and allow to cool before refrigerating. Will keep for a few days in the fridge.

Potatoes

Potatoes are off the menu – but all is not lost! Just replace them with sweet potatoes which are perhaps even more delicious.

Brussels Sprouts

Sprouts are a perfect green, so pile them up high! If you’re not so keen on the taste try cooking them up with a bit of ginger for a great taste.

Christmas Pudding

Traditional Christmas puddings are often very wheat and sugar based – but who says you have to be traditional? How about chocolate avocado mousse for afters?

Creating the Ultimate Paleo Christmas Experience

While it might take a little extra planning, a truly delicious and satisfying Christmas meal that’s entirely Paleo-friendly is absolutely within reach. From festive drinks and snacks to innovative side dishes and decadent desserts, there are endless ways to celebrate the season without breaking from your healthy lifestyle.

Festive Starters to Kick Off the Meal

It’s easy to get stuck on the mains, but a good starter sets the tone for the whole feast. Impress your guests and satisfy your hunger with options like:

Prawn skewers with lime and coriander: A refreshing seafood starter perfect for an Aussie summer Christmas.
Devilled eggs with avocado and paprika: A creamy and satisfying bite with festive flair.
Charcuterie board: Use nitrate-free cured meats, olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber spears, and raw nuts to build a Paleo-friendly grazing platter.

Christmas Vegetables – The Paleo Way

Skip the marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes and grain-laden stuffings. This year, focus on whole, seasonal vegetables prepared in ways that enhance their natural flavour. Try:

Maple-roasted carrots and parsnips: Tossed in coconut oil and a drizzle of 100% pure maple syrup, these are a sweet and savoury hit.
Cauliflower gratin: Replace traditional cheese sauce with one made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and almond milk for a creamy bake.
Roasted beetroot with thyme: Earthy, vibrant, and packed with nutrients, beets bring colour and flavour to the table.

Fresh Summer Salads for the Southern Hemisphere

For those of us celebrating Christmas under the sun, a crisp salad is the perfect addition to a warm weather meal. Some ideas include:

Watermelon, cucumber and mint salad: Light, hydrating and festive in colour.
Roasted pumpkin and spinach salad: Add toasted pepitas and a lemon-tahini dressing for extra zing.
Shaved fennel and apple slaw: Crunchy, sweet and ideal for cutting through the richness of roast meats.

Paleo-Friendly Stuffing Alternatives

Traditional stuffing is a no-go on Paleo, but you can still recreate the flavours you love with a few simple swaps. Use a mix of ground nuts, vegetables, and herbs for a nutrient-rich alternative. One easy combo:

1 cup almond meal
1 celery stalk, finely chopped
1 small red onion, diced
1 egg (to bind)
Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary and parsley

Mix, stuff into your turkey or bake separately for a crisp top and soft centre.

Celebratory Drinks That Stay on Track

Let’s face it — drinks are often where a lot of hidden sugar creeps in. This Christmas, swap sugar-laden punch and soft drinks for refreshing, low-sugar options like:

Kombucha cocktails: Mix plain kombucha with lime juice and a sprig of rosemary for a grown-up mocktail. Add vodka if you’re including alcohol.
Infused waters: Think strawberries and basil, or cucumber with lemon and mint.
Iced herbal teas: Brew rooibos or hibiscus tea, chill, and serve over ice with citrus slices.

Decadent Paleo Desserts for a Sweet Finish

Just because you’re skipping sugar and grains doesn’t mean dessert has to be dull. A few indulgent options:

Paleo pavlova: Made with whipped coconut cream and topped with fresh summer berries. You can find variations that use coconut sugar or monk fruit as a sweetener.
Spiced poached pears: Cook pears in a blend of orange juice, cloves, cinnamon and star anise for a warm and elegant dish.
Chocolate coconut truffles: Blitz dates, cacao powder, and shredded coconut in a food processor, roll into balls and refrigerate.

Gifting With a Healthy Twist

Food-based gifts can still be Paleo! Surprise friends and family with treats like:

Jars of homemade almond butter spiced with cinnamon
Sun-dried tomato and olive tapenade
Raw energy balls in festive wrapping

These thoughtful gifts support your healthy values and show others how delicious clean eating can be.

Mindful Eating During the Festive Season

It’s not just what you eat that matters, but how you eat it. Slowing down, chewing thoroughly, and staying present during meals can help you enjoy your food more and avoid overeating. Remember to listen to your hunger cues and take breaks between servings.

Leftovers That Last

One of the perks of hosting is having leftovers. Instead of letting them go to waste, plan creative meals like:

Turkey lettuce wraps: Add avocado, shredded veggies, and a squeeze of lime.
Sweet potato hash: Combine leftover roasted veg with eggs for a Boxing Day brunch.
Bone broth: Use your turkey carcass to make a healing, collagen-rich broth for soups and sauces.

Celebrate the Season, Your Way

Ultimately, your Christmas doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. If you love a fully traditional spread, tweak it to be Paleo-compliant. If you prefer something fresh and modern, build a menu from scratch. What matters most is how the food makes you feel — energised, nourished, and joyful.

How are you making your Christmas meal Paleo this year? Whether you’ve got a creative twist on a classic or a brand new favourite to share, I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

Roasted festive spiced nuts christmas paleo diet recipes-min

Spiced Festive Paleo Roasted Nuts

1 Comment

9 ways to keep it paleo at Christmas holiday diet health-min

9 Ways to Keep it Paleo This Christmas

With all of the festivities at this time of year, you might be worried about keeping it Paleo? Well, with a bit of planning and organisation, there’s no need to worry about foregoing your health this Christmas.

Remember how you feel after you eat gluten/ drink alcohol/ eat something that doesn't agree with you.
Organise to host your own party/ dinner, early, to ensure you have control over the menu. You’ll be surprised how many friends will ask you for the recipes!
If you’re going out of Christmas events try eating before you leave, as when hunger strikes it’s harder to avoid the bad options
Call the venue ahead to check on the menu options, and see how they can accommodate you. You’ll find many places happy to tweak their Christmas menu to accommodate.
If you’re going to a friend's event, bring your own dishes to ensure there will be some good options you can have
Don’t let anyone pressure you into eating badly – often people seem keen to sabotage the good efforts of others (perhaps because it makes them feel better about their own bad choices) – so be prepared!
Don’t be afraid to lie – sometimes it’s just easier to say you have an allergy or intolerance instead of explaining why you eat this way (have you ever done this?)
If you have the chance to organise a Christmas event yourself, choose a venue with more paleo options – or better still arrange an event that isn't based around food.
If you do fall off the wagon, tomorrow is another day. Don’t beat yourself up over it – but don’t let the slip justify more bad eating! Move on and eat well again.

Stocking Your Paleo Pantry for the Holidays

One of the best ways to ensure you stay on track over the festive season is to be prepared at home. Having a well-stocked Paleo pantry gives you endless options when unexpected guests drop by or you’re asked to bring a plate to a Christmas event. Consider including:

Almond flour and coconut flour: Essential for Paleo baking, whether you’re making shortbread, muffins or a festive loaf.
Coconut cream and coconut milk: Perfect for creamy sauces, curries or Paleo desserts like panna cotta.
Raw nuts and seeds: Great for quick snacks or for creating your own nut-based cheese balls, truffles or trail mix.
Dried fruit (no added sugar): For sweet treats, homemade fruit mince, or even a quick fruit and nut bark.
Natural sweeteners: Stock up on raw honey, 100% pure maple syrup, or monk fruit if you're doing some festive baking.

Hosting a Paleo-Friendly Festive BBQ

Living in Australia, our Christmas celebrations often involve a barbie. The good news? A Paleo Christmas BBQ is easy, delicious, and will win over even your non-Paleo guests. Here are a few ideas:

Skewers: Use marinated lamb, beef or chicken with capsicum, zucchini and red onion. Serve with a herbed avocado dipping sauce.
BBQ prawns: Marinated in garlic, chilli and olive oil, these are always a crowd favourite.
Grilled pineapple: A sweet side that doubles as dessert when paired with cinnamon and coconut yoghurt.
Zucchini fritters: A great side or starter, made with coconut flour and herbs.

Surviving Office Christmas Parties

Work functions can be tricky to navigate, especially when food and drinks are involved. Here are a few practical strategies to stay in control:

Offer to bring something: If your party is a bring-a-plate event, make a dish you can enjoy, like meatballs with homemade dipping sauce.
Stick to sparkling water or soda water with lime: No one will question your glass and you’ll stay hydrated and clear-headed.
Focus on people, not food: Make it your mission to catch up with colleagues, rather than hover near the buffet table.
Use small plates: If you do eat from the provided food, go for smaller portions and avoid returning for seconds.

Creating New Holiday Traditions

So much of the festive season is steeped in tradition, but there’s no rule that says those traditions can’t evolve. Consider introducing some new rituals that align with your lifestyle:

Paleo cookie baking day: Gather the kids or some friends and bake a few batches of festive cookies using almond flour and natural sweeteners.
Beach or bushwalk brunch: Start Christmas Day with movement and nature, rather than sugary cereals or pastries.
Secret Santa with a twist: Instead of gifting chocolates or wine, encourage homemade gifts, wellness items, or experiences.

Emotional Eating and the Festive Season

It’s worth acknowledging that Christmas can bring up emotions. Whether it's stress, grief, or overwhelm, food is often used as a comfort. Being mindful of your emotional triggers and preparing strategies in advance can make all the difference. Try:

Journalling: Write down what you’re feeling instead of reaching for food.
Breathwork or meditation: A few minutes of stillness can reduce anxiety and help you make intentional choices.
Connecting with someone: Call a friend or go for a walk with a family member to talk things through instead of internalising stress.

Decoding the Dessert Table

When you’re surrounded by pavlovas, trifles, and Christmas cakes, it’s tempting to give in. But you can still indulge without the sugar crash. Prepare your own desserts or scout out alternatives that align with your values:

Coconut and cacao truffles: Made from dates, raw cacao and shredded coconut — festive and satisfying.
Paleo chocolate bark: Melt dark chocolate and top with crushed nuts, dried cranberries, and orange zest.
Berry and coconut whip: Blitz frozen berries and coconut cream for a quick and healthy ice cream substitute.

Mindset Shifts for a Joyful, Healthy Christmas

Above all else, the most important factor in staying Paleo during the holidays is your mindset. Try reframing the season not as a time of restriction, but as an opportunity to honour your body with foods that energise and heal you. Instead of focusing on what you “can’t” have, think about what you choose to enjoy — food that supports your long-term goals and keeps you feeling vibrant.

And remember, the goal is not perfection — it’s progress. If you make a less-than-ideal choice, acknowledge it, move on, and make your next meal nourishing. You are not defined by a single event, meal or day.

Make It Your Own

Your festive season doesn’t need to follow someone else’s rules. Whether you opt for a quiet Paleo picnic by the beach or a lively roast with friends, the most important thing is that it works for you. With a little creativity and planning, you can enjoy every part of the season — without compromising your health.

What new traditions or favourite Paleo swaps are you bringing into your festive season? Share your ideas and help inspire others to keep it healthy and joyful!