Welcome to the Paleo hub – your starting point for everything related to the Paleo lifestyle. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your approach, this section brings together insightful articles, tips, and resources to help you eat, move, and live in a way that aligns with your evolutionary biology. From understanding the core principles of ancestral eating to busting myths and navigating modern challenges, explore everything from grain-free nutrition and primal habits to sleep, stress, and movement – all backed by science and real-life experience. Whether you’re looking for simple swaps, deep dives into Paleo science, or motivation to stay on track, you’ll find it all here.
20+ Unusual Things To Do With Avocado
Avocado is one of the ultimate Paleo super-foods. A great fat source and very versatile, avocado is great in salads and as a breakfast side. But there’s more to the fruit than that! Here is a list of 20 things you didn't know you could do with an avocado.
1. Freeze to use later
Peel and remove the pit and add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to a bowl, per avocado. Mash well together and freeze in an airtight bag (making sure you squeeze all the air out before sealing) for up to a year. A great way to preserve an overflow of avocados.
2. Remove the pit with no mess
Cut the fruit in half and hit a knife into the stone. Simply twist the knife to remove the pit.
3. Ripen fast
Put the unripe fruit in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana. After two or three days the avocado will be ripe.
4. Can’t wait?
If there’s not time to wait for it to fully ripen, cut from the fat end, as this is always the first part to ripen.
5. Drink it
Blend together an avocado, handful of spinach, a pear and some almond milk for a smoothie packed with good fats
6. Treat your hair
Nourish your hair by mixing an avocado, egg yolk and dash of olive oil. Leave this on your dry hair for 30 minutes before rinsing off and shampooing as usual. Your hair will be silky and soft.
7. Spice up your guacamole
Have you tried adding cumin and orange to your favourite guacamole recipe yet?
8. Pickle it
For a different take on avocado, try jarring it. Heat 250ml (1 cup) white vinegar, 250ml (1 cup) water and a tablespoon of salt in a pan until it boils. Cut three firm but ripe avocado into pieces and put in a jar. Pour the boiling liquid in the jar, and once cooled, put the lid on and allow to marinate in the fridge for a couple for days before using (should keep for a couple of weeks in the fridge)
9. Avocado ice cream
Blend an avocado, frozen banana, a few drops of vanilla extract and small tin of coconut milk. Freeze and once frozen, allow to thaw for a few minutes before serving.
10. Roast chicken
Try stuffing a chicken with a peeled avocado before roasting it
11. Make a chocolate pudding with it
Seriously – you have to try chocolate avocado mousse!
12. Save the pit and grow your very own avocado tree
Suspend the pit in a jar of water using toothpicks in the side of the stone, to submerge all but the top of the seed in water. Eventually the stone will break open revealing a root – and then finally a stalk! Then, quite a long time later you’ll have your own avocado tree and all the fruit you could possibly want.
13. Avocado curry?
Have you ever made a chicken curry with avocado as a base?
14. Roast it
Try roasting avocado, by peeling, removing the pit and slicing. Drizzle with oil and season, then bake at 200C (400F) for about 15 minutes. Roast avocado is great with a salad.
15. Eat the pit
Let the pit dry, grate it and add a small amount to a home-made enchilada sauce.
16. Avocado mayonnaise
Instead of adding mayonnaise to your meal, add pureed avocado instead.
17. Skin therapy
Make a face-mask with avocado, an egg white and a squeeze of lemon juice and wear it for 5 to 10 minutes to get the Vitamin A and E benefits directly on your skin.
18. Summertime treat
Make avocado ice lollies (popsicles) by blending avocado, coconut milk and lemon juice and freezing in popsicle moulds.
19. Make your own Avocado oil
If you've got time, patience – and lots of fruit – you can even make your own avocado oil
20. Avocado soup
Make an unusual – but delightful chilled avocado, cucumber and coconut soup. Blend an avocado, pinch of coriander, squeeze of line and small cucumber, then add a small can of coconut milk to the mix. Blend, then serve with some coconut flakes to garnish.
21. Use avocado as a baby’s first food
Avocado is an ideal first food for babies starting solids. It’s naturally soft, easy to mash, and full of healthy fats essential for brain development. For Paleo families raising their kids with ancestral nutrition in mind, mashed avocado is a nutrient-dense alternative to processed baby foods.
22. Create a creamy salad dressing
Instead of traditional dressings that may contain seed oils and additives, try blending half an avocado with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs to create a Paleo-friendly creamy salad dressing. It’s thick, flavourful, and totally dairy-free.
23. Use avocado to thicken soups and sauces
Instead of using cream or flour to thicken soups or sauces, add a ripe avocado towards the end of cooking and blend it through. It adds a velvety texture without altering the flavour too much, and keeps the dish firmly within Paleo guidelines.
24. Bake avocado fries
Cut avocado into wedges, dip them in whisked egg, coat with crushed almond or coconut flour, and bake until crispy. These Paleo-friendly “fries” are a perfect side dish or snack — crunchy on the outside, buttery on the inside.
25. Make a green Paleo hollandaise
Combine avocado, lemon juice, egg yolks, and ghee in a blender to create a green twist on hollandaise sauce. Ideal for eggs or roast veggies, this sauce adds richness and healthy fats to your meals.
26. Make an avocado fat bomb
For those following a low-carb Paleo or keto-Paleo approach, fat bombs made from avocado, coconut oil, cacao powder, and a touch of vanilla can be a great high-fat snack that keeps you satiated.
27. Use avocado in baking
Swap out butter or oils in Paleo muffin or brownie recipes and replace with mashed avocado. It keeps baked goods moist and dense without affecting flavour, while sneaking in extra nutrients.
28. Add avocado to Paleo sushi
Avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats to your Paleo sushi rolls. Wrap with cauliflower rice and nori sheets, then fill with sliced avocado, cucumber, and salmon for a delicious and grain-free sushi experience.
29. Soothe sunburn with avocado
The nourishing oils and antioxidants in avocado can be used to relieve sunburned skin. Mash and apply directly to the skin for 15 minutes before rinsing off — ideal for sensitive areas after an Aussie summer day.
30. Upgrade your breakfast scramble
Add diced avocado right at the end of your scrambled eggs or omelette. It not only brings a creamy contrast to the texture, but the combination of protein and fat makes for a more satisfying Paleo breakfast.
Avocados: The Paleo All-Rounder
Avocados go far beyond simple slices on toast (which, let’s be honest, isn't very Paleo). They’re one of the most versatile and nutritious additions to a whole-food, ancestral lifestyle. With a bit of creativity, this humble fruit can feature in every meal — from breakfast to dessert — and even in your skincare routine.
If you’ve discovered an out-of-the-box way to use avocado that fits the Paleo lifestyle, I’d love to hear it in the comments!
PrimalCon 2013
I’m just back from a fantastic Paleo trip to America (Jet Lag is most definitely not Paleo). A couple of weeks after PaleoFX in Austin, Texas, I made my way to Oxnard, California, for my third year at Mark Sisson’s PrimalCon weekend. Unlike the Ancestral Health Symposium, or PaleoFX, PrimalCon is a hands on practical weekend. As well as hearing about all things Paleo – the focus is on doing.
With relatively small numbers of attendees – and lots of different presenters, there’s a chance to meet and speak to everyone. There are lots of regulars, who attend each year, but it was also great to meet so many new faces – as well as some others from Australia and the UK!
With Kelly Starrett and the Gokhale family, there were several session on posture, mobility – and the correct way to stand and move to avoid injury. Whilst these sessions were completely different, it was interesting that their methods and ideas are completely complimentary – hardly surprising as they’re based on how we’re supposed to move.
Another highlight of PrimalCon for me was finally meeting Sarah Fragoso of Everyday Paleo – who really is every bit as lovely and knowledgeable in real life as she is on her podcast!
Chef Rachel Albert gave another fantastic cooking demonstration. It’s amazing how many simple tips I pick up each year, despite being a regular in the kitchen myself!
I also loved William Vives Kettlebell session and as usual, learnt lots of new techniques that I can’t wait to practice at my Crossfit box. There were a few other fitness sessions too, such as barefoot running and sprinting techniques – and I especially loved the Olympic Lifting session – I can’t wait to master that!
As always, the food was absolutely fantastic. A local Paleo food truck (so jealous we don’t have those in Sydney!) provided a lot of the catering, and there was such a huge variety of grass fed meats, burgers, salads, veggies, nut butter – and an amazing coconut bark! It’s so nice to be able to dive into all of the food on offer, without even having to ask what is in the meatball sauce. You just know it’s 100% Paleo!
What would you most enjoy about an event like PrimalCon? The people, food or particular activities?
Why You Should Put a Hands-On Paleo Retreat Like PrimalCon on Your Bucket List
After attending several Paleo-themed conferences over the years, there’s something uniquely special about immersive events like PrimalCon. Unlike more academic gatherings that focus on lectures and research, PrimalCon invites you to live and breathe the Paleo lifestyle in real-time — from how you move and cook to how you connect with others. It’s less about information overload and more about integration. And that’s where the magic happens.
When you’re surrounded by people who understand and share your values, everything clicks. You’re not the “weird one” asking for no bun or wondering about seed oils. You’re in a space where nutrient density, barefoot biomechanics, and ancestral movement patterns are the norm. And even better — you get to apply all that knowledge through workshops, demos, and shared experiences.
Movement as a Central Theme
One of the things that stood out most at PrimalCon was the diversity of movement sessions. Whether it was kettlebells, sprint drills, Olympic lifts or posture-focused workshops, every physical session focused on form, function, and sustainability. No one was there to burn calories or beat personal bests — the emphasis was on moving well for life.
The sessions led by mobility experts like Kelly Starrett were especially eye-opening. Even if you think your posture and technique are solid, there’s always something new to refine. Having hands-on guidance in a relaxed outdoor setting was a real treat — and much more effective than a 10-minute YouTube video or a rushed gym class back home.
The barefoot running and sprinting clinics were also a highlight, teaching us how to harness the natural power of our feet and use momentum more efficiently. Practicing these skills on grass with immediate feedback from seasoned coaches was both fun and educational — and left many of us rethinking our standard running shoes.
The Power of Community
Let’s be honest — living a Paleo lifestyle can feel isolating at times. Whether it’s dealing with social situations, navigating supermarket labels, or explaining your food choices to colleagues, it’s easy to feel like you’re swimming against the tide. But at events like PrimalCon, you’re suddenly surrounded by people who “get it.”
Conversations flow easily. You’re swapping tips about organ meat recipes, discussing fasting strategies, or bonding over shared podcast favourites. The friendships that form over the course of the weekend often last well beyond the event. For many attendees, PrimalCon becomes an annual reunion of sorts — a time to reconnect with old friends and make new ones, all while continuing to grow in your own health journey.
Eating Paleo Without Thinking Twice
One of the most liberating aspects of PrimalCon was being able to enjoy meals without stress or second guessing. Everything on offer was fully Paleo — grass-fed meats, vibrant salads, hearty vegetables, bone broth, fermented sides, and some impressive grain-free treats. No scanning ingredient lists or negotiating with waitstaff — just pure, delicious, nourishing food made with intention.
It’s hard to describe the relief of knowing every bite you take aligns with your dietary values. For those of us used to bringing emergency snacks to social events or eating before we go out “just in case,” this was a true luxury. It also served as a reminder of how delicious Paleo food can be when prepared with creativity and quality ingredients — no deprivation, no blandness, just full-flavoured meals that fuel performance and recovery.
Workshops That Go Beyond Food and Fitness
In addition to the movement and cooking sessions, PrimalCon included lifestyle and mindset workshops that explored other vital pillars of ancestral health. From improving sleep quality and reducing blue light exposure, to managing stress and improving relationships, these sessions acknowledged that true wellness isn’t just about what you eat or how you train — it’s about how you live.
One particularly memorable session explored the importance of play and leisure in modern life. Guided games, laughter and creative movement reminded us that health isn’t always serious business — and sometimes, the best form of recovery is simply having fun in the sun.
Who Is PrimalCon Perfect For?
You don’t have to be an elite athlete or long-time Paleo follower to enjoy a retreat like PrimalCon. In fact, it’s ideal for anyone who:
- Wants to deepen their understanding of the Paleo lifestyle through practical experience
- Is looking to reconnect with their body through better movement and mobility
- Values community, connection, and real-world support
- Needs a reset from the modern world to recharge and realign their health goals
- Enjoys spending time outdoors, eating amazing food, and learning from experts in a relaxed setting
It’s not about perfection — it’s about progress. Whether you’re there to fine-tune your deadlift, improve your sleep, or finally learn how to ferment vegetables, there’s a place for you.
Planning Your Own Primal Retreat
If a trip to California isn’t on the cards right now, why not take inspiration from the PrimalCon model and plan your own mini-retreat? Gather a few like-minded friends, head to a nature reserve or beachside location, and plan a weekend of real food, outdoor movement, campfire chats, and digital detoxing. You don’t need a big budget or a famous host — just good people, good food, and a shared commitment to health.
And if you do get the chance to attend PrimalCon in the future — jump on it. It’s more than an event. It’s a full-body, full-soul experience that will leave you recharged, refocused, and reconnected with what matters most.
Have you been to PrimalCon or a similar hands-on Paleo event? What was your biggest takeaway? I’d love to hear about your experience — or what you’d hope to gain from attending one in the future.
The Paleo Snack Recipe Book
My post of Paleo Snack Ideas has been so popular, that I've created a new recipe ebook on Paleo snacks.
As well as lots of simple snack ideas that work well on a Paleo diet, the recipe book contains almost 80 pages of recipes. These recipes are for simple snacks that you can make and take to work, serve to children, travel with, eat after dinner, drink or use to help you on your weight loss journey. There's a snack recipe for every taste and situation! By popular demand I've also include a chapter on grab and go Paleo snack recipes.
As well as clear, easy to follow recipes, the book also features beautiful photos of most of the recipes to inspire you! The book also includes an introduction into the Paleo diet and the place of snacks on this plan.
These are some of the recipes and photographs featured in the Paleo Snack recipe ebook
The book is currently on sale for $17 and can be purchased by credit card, debit card or paypal. It comes with a 30 day guarantee and instant download. I'm also currently offering further discounts if you buy two or three of my recipe ebooks together! My recipe ebooks are currently available in digital format – I will update this page as soon as the print versions are available.
I'd love to hear your feedback on the ebook!
Buy Two or more Paleo Recipe Ebooks and Save
The book is $17, but I offer big discounts if you buy more than one of my recipe books in one transaction – you can find the bulk prices here.
Why Paleo Snacks Matter More Than You Think
Snacking gets a bad rap in many dietary circles, but on a well-formulated Paleo diet, the right snacks can play a vital role in keeping your energy stable, curbing cravings, and helping you stay on track — especially when life gets busy. Having nutritious snacks at the ready means you’re far less likely to fall off the wagon or reach for something that doesn’t support your goals.
Whether you're transitioning to Paleo, managing blood sugar levels, or trying to fuel long days at work or with the kids, the recipes in The Paleo Snack Recipe Book are designed to make healthy eating simple and delicious at every stage of your journey.
Who This Recipe Book Is For
This book was created for anyone looking for real-food, grain-free snack ideas that are easy to make, transport, and enjoy without second-guessing the ingredients. Whether you’re doing Whole30, following a strict elimination phase, living a flexible Paleo lifestyle, or just trying to eat fewer processed foods, you’ll find snack ideas that meet your needs and support your goals.
If you’ve ever struggled to find healthy options between meals, or you’ve been stuck relying on the same few snack staples, this book will help expand your go-to options with fresh ideas and bold flavours. And if you’re preparing snacks for kids or family members with food intolerances, there are plenty of kid-approved and allergen-conscious recipes included as well.
What You’ll Find Inside the Paleo Snack Recipe Book
Spanning nearly 80 pages, the book includes snack recipes for every occasion — from salty and savoury to sweet and satisfying. Here's a closer look at some of the snack categories featured in the book:
- On-the-Go Snacks: Perfect for work, travel, or school lunchboxes. These include homemade jerky, seed crackers, and trail mixes without hidden nasties.
- Sweet Treats: Made with whole food ingredients like dates, coconut, cacao, and nuts — but without the refined sugars or grains.
- Post-Workout Fuel: Balanced combinations of protein and carbohydrates to help you recover and refuel after movement.
- Drinkable Snacks: Smoothies, broths, and other liquid options for when chewing feels like too much effort but nourishment is still needed.
- Kid-Friendly Snacks: Designed to please picky eaters with fun shapes, colours, and textures — but still made with 100% real food.
Each recipe includes simple instructions, a full list of ingredients, and clear preparation steps. The photos accompanying many of the recipes are there to inspire and help you visualise what the final result should look like.
How These Snacks Fit Into a Paleo Lifestyle
The Paleo philosophy centres on eating nutrient-dense, whole foods while avoiding modern processed ingredients that disrupt digestion, hormones, and metabolic health. That means no gluten, grains, dairy (unless tolerated), refined sugar, seed oils, or additives.
All the recipes in this book are compliant with these principles and focus on ingredients like nuts, seeds, meat, vegetables, fruit, coconut, natural sweeteners, and spices. They’re designed to support steady energy, satiety, and nutritional balance — without relying on modern snack traps like crisps, protein bars, or ultra-processed convenience foods.
Each snack recipe can easily be paired with meals or added to your meal prep rotation to keep your weekly planning simple and stress-free.
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Options
Many of the snacks in the book can be made ahead in batches, making them ideal for meal prep Sundays or busy weeks where you want to stay organised. Some can even be stored in the freezer, so you always have something nourishing to reach for — instead of defaulting to less optimal options when hunger strikes.
This is especially useful if you’re cooking for multiple people or trying to reduce the time you spend in the kitchen during the week. Just portion, store, and grab as needed.
Why Homemade Snacks Are Better
It’s tempting to reach for pre-packaged “Paleo” snacks from the supermarket — but many of these still contain questionable ingredients, high levels of dried fruit or nut-based sweeteners, and hidden additives or oils. By making your own snacks, you get full control over every ingredient and can adapt recipes to suit your personal preferences and dietary needs.
Making your own snacks is also a great way to cut down on food waste. Use up ripe bananas in muffins, leftover herbs in seed crackers, or extra roast vegetables in savoury mini frittatas. It’s a smart, sustainable way to eat — and your wallet will thank you too.
Bundle and Save
If you're enjoying this snack recipe book, don’t forget that there are savings available when you purchase multiple recipe ebooks at once. Whether you're interested in breakfasts, lunches, dinners, or treats, you can create your own bundle of resources at a discounted rate. Find all the details on this page.
Snack Smarter, Live Better
Snacks aren’t just something to tide you over — they’re an opportunity to nourish your body between meals, maintain energy, and keep your health goals on track. With this ebook, you’ll have everything you need to prepare delicious, nutrient-dense snacks that work with your lifestyle, not against it.
Whether you’re planning your weekly meals, looking for new lunchbox fillers, or simply want better options for your afternoon slump, The Paleo Snack Recipe Book is your go-to guide for smarter snacking.
Have you tried any of the recipes yet? I’d love to hear which ones are your favourites, or what snack you'd love to see added in the future!
43 Awesome Paleo Cooking Hacks That You Aren’t Using
Are you using these Paleo hacks? These simple tips and tricks will save you time and hassle – and make your time in the kitchen far more productive – and your Paleo recipes better!
Please share your favourite Paleo cooking secrets in the comments below, or if you have a better method than my suggestions, please share!
1. Before cooking asparagus, coat the stalks in salt and leave to cure for 20 minutes. Rinse off the salt and prepare as normal, you’ll find they taste far better.
2. When you grind meat for homemade burgers or sausages, try adding in some bacon for great flavour. You can also grind in some offal and no one will ever know.
3. When making a salad, always keep the dressing separate. That way it can be added just before serving to make sure your salad is crisp instead of soggy.
4. To reduce tears and keep it together, don’t cut into the root of an onion when dicing.
5. When you buy fresh basil, make it last longer by keeping it at room temperature and with the stems in water.
6. To stop your chopping board (and everything you chop after) smelling of garlic, smash garlic cloves in a sealed plastic bag using the back of a knife.
7. If you’re not going to finish your lettuce in one go, prevent it from turning brown by wrapping in a paper towel in the fridge and storing in a plastic bag.
8. Clean cast iron cookware by scrubbing with salt; never use detergent!
9. Lay a chicken on onion halves and chunks of leek, instead of using a roasting rack. The onion will make a great gravy after absorbing the chicken juices.
10. Use a very fine grater or microplane to add vegetables to salads and dressings. Try adding microplaned orange and fennel to a vinaigrette dressing.
11. Make sure you keep your kitchen knives sharp, not only is it fast and easier – it’s actually a lot safer too….
12. ….and on the subject of knives, keep the tip in an old wine cork when storing in the kitchen drawer.
13. Add salt early on in your cooking – and make sure you keep tasting your dish as you cook it, and adjust your additions accordingly.
14. When frying salmon, fry with the skin side down. When it has cooked to the stage where over half has gone from pink to white, turn the heat off and flip the salmon over. The remaining heat will cook it to perfection.
15. To make sure onions store for longer, keep them in a glass jar, with the root left as is.
16. Always make stock in the biggest batches you have room for. Freeze any excess stock in small portions, ready to use as the base of a dish whenever you need them.
17. Salt your chopping board before chopping up herbs; this will keep them on the chopping board!
18. Freeze stock, left over wine and any left over sauces in ice cube trays as a great way to make a quick sauce – or add depth to an existing sauce without having to wait hours for it to defrost.
19. Use a skewer of cake tester to check how well done your fish, meat – and even vegetables are.
20. Before pan frying, always make sure your pan is super hot!
21. Add a pinch of salt to the water before boiling eggs. This will help to prevent the shells from cracking.
22. After boiling vegetables, use the remaining water for stock, or freeze to crush later and use in a smoothie. If those options don’t appeal, use the nutrient loaded water to feed your veggie patch or house plants.
23. When making hamburger patties, push a hole in the centre. This will make sure they cook faster and more evenly.
24. Give the contents of your pan room to breath – never overcrowd, or you’ll be steaming your food rather than sautéing it!
25. Before carving and serving meat, always give it a few minutes to rest
26. To prevent a roast chicken having an overcooked breast and tender legs, break up the legs and the breast. This means you can remove the breast sooner, ensuring the whole bird is moist.
27. Before frying fish or meat, make sure it is as dry as possible, by laying it on paper towels for a few minutes before cooking. This will help to make the skins nice and crispy by making sure you’re frying rather than steaming.
28. To make sure your garlic is sweet, rather than bitter, make sure you buy it as fresh as possible – and if it has green shoots – don’t use it.
29. Store empty containers and jars with a pinch of salt, to absorb any odours and keep them smelling fresh.
30. Check your eggs are fresh by placing them in a bowl full of water. If the rise to the top, they aren’t as fresh as they should be! You want an egg that sits at the bottom, or near to it.
31. After blanching vegetables, plunge them in a bowl of iced water. This stops the cooking process and will result in bright veggies.
32. Instead of rigidly sticking to a shopping list, try being flexible without it. Go to the shop or farmers market and base your meals around what ever is fresh, seasonal and local.
33. Try cooking your steak by firstly cooking the fatty edge, holding it in place with tongs. This will release fat into the pan, making sure when you cook each side it is as juicy and full of flavour as possible.
34. The secret to great roasted vegetables is heat! Preheat the oven and empty roasting tin, before adding the veggies, oil and sea salt.
35. If you’re cooking with steak, eggs or butter, bring them out of the fridge and keep them at room temperature for an hour or so before cooking for a far better flavour.
36. Roll citrus fruit in your hands before juicing it to increase the amount of juice you can extract. Also, never store citrus fruit in the fridge as it significantly reduces the flavour.
37. Prepare first. Do all of your slicing and dicing before starting to make your dish.
38. Never try a new recipe or ingredient for the first time before an important dinner! Practice, practice, and do as much of the prep as you can the night before.
39. Make sure you store spices in a cool dark place, not next to the oven. To get the maximum flavour from spices, try toasting or sautéing them before adding them to your recipe.
40. Before working with chilli, rub coconut oil into your hands to propel the spiciness. IF you want to reduce their heat, remove the seeds before cooking with them.
41. To prevent garlic from burning, try slicing it finely rather than mincing it.
42. To make sure your meatloaf, meatball or burger mix is just right, make a tiny patty out of it, enabling you to fry it and give it a try. This way you still have time to adjust your mix, before committing to it.
43. When you need to add in more oil to a pan, add it at the edge of the pan, rather than in the middle. This gives the oil time to heat up before it reaches the centre of the pan – and your food.
