Paleo Archives - Page 28 of 34

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.

Is all dairy bad Raw milk cheese health paleo primal diet-min

Is All Dairy Bad on Paleo?

13 Comments

I have always viewed dairy as a collective dietary no-no. Since I initially went Paleo and my asthma vanished, I've been resolute that dairy is problematic – and something I should avoid.

Recently however, I've been reading a lot about hard (i.e. cheese) and soft (i.e. milk) dairy. It seems that many people find they can tolerate hard dairy with no issues – yet need to strictly avoid soft dairy.

What’s Wrong With Dairy?

Milk has high levels of the sugar lactose, which appears to be at the root of many of the issues with dairy. Many people are lactose intolerant, so unable to produce the enzyme lactase to break down these milk sugars. The alpha- and beta-casein found in milk also appears to be problematic as do the components casomorphin and butyrophillin.

Raw dairy is significantly better. During Pasturisation the very enzyme – lactase – needed to digest lactose is killed. Conventional wisdom at it’s finest….

The most common issues I read about in relation to dairy are digestive issues. I'm fairly convinced however that dairy is the culprit behind the Asthma that I no longer have. However, it’s hard to be certain. And if it is the culprit, is it the lactose, the casein – or something else entirely?

It seems that the further away dairy is from milk, the lower the levels of lactose – and therefore the more tolerable it appears to be. Fermented dairy – such as a home fermented yoghurt is apparently almost dairy free, so perhaps that might be tolerable too? Even if it is almost lactose free, it still isn't without problems, since the high level of carbohydrates is very insulin promoting.

One of my main concerns with it is the growth factors it contains, like IGF-1. Raw dairy seems to have much lower levels, but it appears Pasteurised dairy could have very high levels. IGF-1 is great for helping a calf to grow quickly; but it’s perhaps not so great if it encourages our cells to grow faster (hence the concern about dairy and cancer cells).

Should I Avoid Dairy?

I think the only way to identify whether dairy is problematic issue is to go for 30 days without any type of dairy, then slowly introduce back in raw dairy only. I'm keen to further experiment by consuming only raw hard cheese to see if this has any effect, before trying raw soft cheese too.

Is There a Place for Dairy in a Paleo Diet?

The question of dairy is one of the most hotly debated topics in the Paleo community. While strict Paleo guidelines typically exclude all dairy products, the reality is more nuanced—especially when we consider the differences between raw and pasteurised dairy, fermented and unfermented, and soft versus hard cheeses.

The Case Against Conventional Dairy

From a traditional Paleo perspective, dairy is excluded because our ancestors didn’t consume milk products after infancy, especially not from other animals. Furthermore, many people experience bloating, inflammation, acne, asthma, or digestive issues after consuming milk-based products. These symptoms are often linked to:

Lactose, the milk sugar that many adults can’t properly digest
Casein, a milk protein that may cause an immune response
Growth hormones like IGF-1, particularly in pasteurised milk
Additives, especially in low-fat or processed dairy products

In Australia, most supermarket milk is heavily processed and comes from grain-fed cows—far removed from anything ancestral.

Is Raw or Fermented Dairy an Exception?

Many people who avoid standard dairy find they can tolerate small amounts of raw dairy (unpasteurised and unhomogenised), especially hard cheeses. These options often contain:

Lower levels of lactose
Naturally occurring lactase enzyme (destroyed in pasteurisation)
Higher nutrient density, including vitamin K2, calcium, and beneficial bacteria

Similarly, fermented dairy like kefir, traditional yoghurt, and ghee are often better tolerated and may even benefit gut health. But these should still be approached with caution if you’re recovering from autoimmune issues or have unresolved inflammation.

Does Cheese Fit Into a Paleo Lifestyle?

The idea of “cheese being Paleo” is contentious. Technically, cheese is a Neolithic food. But hard cheeses made from raw milk and aged naturally (with no added nasties) may be acceptable for some. Many Aussies who follow a more flexible “Primal” approach to Paleo do include:

Raw aged cheddar or gouda
Parmesan (low in lactose)
Ghee or clarified butter (virtually casein- and lactose-free)

If you're experimenting, start with small portions of high-quality cheese and observe how your body responds.

Finding Your Own Threshold

If you suspect dairy might be causing issues, a 30-day elimination followed by a structured reintroduction (starting with raw, hard cheeses) is the best way to assess your tolerance. Everyone is different—and your experience with asthma could very well be linked to dairy consumption.

Ultimately, Paleo isn’t about perfection; it’s about eating what supports your health. For some, that means zero dairy. For others, it might mean occasionally enjoying a raw cheese board or a dash of ghee on roasted veg.

I’d love to hear what you think about dairy and how it impacts you. Do you find you can tolerate different forms, or must you avoid all trace? Finally, if your asthma has also improved or vanished since you went Paleo, I’d be very interested to hear specifically what you think made this happen.

Navigating Dairy on Your Own Paleo Path

When it comes to dairy, there’s no universal rule – especially within the Paleo space. What works for one person might trigger symptoms for another. The key is tuning into your body and being willing to experiment. Whether you're curious about raw cheese, suspicious of milk’s effect on your asthma, or simply wondering how strict to be, it all comes down to personal experience.

In Australia, we’re lucky to have access to some excellent raw and small-batch dairy products if you choose to test your tolerance. Just be sure to go slowly, start with high-quality hard cheeses or ghee, and monitor how your body reacts over time.

Paleo is about removing what harms and reintroducing what heals – and for some, that may include the occasional slice of aged cheddar. For others, avoiding all dairy is key to thriving.

Have you done a dairy elimination and reintroduction? Did you notice changes in your digestion, skin, or even asthma? Share your experience in the comments – your story might help someone else find clarity too.

Paleo guide to Australia paleo network primal free pdf-min

All New Paleo Guide To Australia

5 Comments

Just a heads up that I've just updated the free Paleo Guide to Australia (and New Zealand) ebook. The current version now stands at 32 pages full of Paleo information – specific to where you are.

Following on from your suggestions, I've added more listings of Paleo suppliers in each state of Australia and New Zealand (farmers markets, grass-fed meat suppliers, fruit and vegetable suppliers, organic produce, fishmongers and fitness centres). I've also added a whole new section of Paleo Resources.

If you've already subscribed to my newsletter, just visit the same link to get your updated version. If you've not signed up yet, just subscribe using the link below to get your free copy!

I want to keep the Paleo Guide to Australia & New Zealand up to date with the best local Paleo places and stockists throughout Australia and New Zealand. If I've missed anywhere that you know about, please let me know and I'll make sure I add it to the next edition.

I'd also like to add in restaurants that do Paleo food – so let me know of any suggestions that you have in your local area.

Why Local Paleo Guides Matter

Having a Paleo resource tailored specifically to where you live makes it so much easier to stay on track. While generalised international advice is helpful, there's no substitute for having access to local suppliers, restaurants and resources that align with your lifestyle and values. In a country as geographically vast and diverse as Australia — and with New Zealand’s growing real food movement — regional knowledge is powerful.

What’s New in the Latest Update

This version of the guide features newly verified listings for each region, with particular attention given to small-scale producers and local artisans. These are often the most passionate about sustainability and food quality, and many offer delivery or farm gate pick-up options. You’ll now find updates like:

Seasonal farmers markets with Paleo-friendly stalls and pastured eggs
Butchers and meat boxes offering 100% grass-fed and finished beef and lamb
Wild-caught fish suppliers and coastal seafood markets
Certified organic fruit and veg suppliers and weekly co-ops
Gyms and CrossFit boxes that promote ancestral or functional fitness
Health-focused cafes offering bone broth, zucchini noodles and Paleo treats

State-by-State Snapshot

Each state and territory now has its own section with specific listings, links, and addresses where available. For example:

NSW: Includes listings for the Central Coast, Sydney’s inner west, and Byron Bay farmers markets
VIC: Focus on Melbourne’s best organic butchers and a growing Paleo scene in regional towns like Ballarat and Bendigo
QLD: Highlights from Brisbane, Gold Coast, and Far North Queensland with tropical fruit co-ops and grass-fed producers
SA: Newly added organic veg delivery services in Adelaide and regional meat boxes
WA: Perth’s Paleo café listings and fishmongers in Fremantle
TAS: Unique suppliers including Huon Valley pastured pork and local fermenters
ACT: Canberra-based meal prep and home delivery options
NT: Indigenous food growers and small market stalls gaining traction in Darwin

Expanding the New Zealand Section

The guide now includes a much more robust New Zealand section. From Auckland’s boutique wholefood stores to Christchurch’s growing real food movement, I’ve tracked down small farmers and ethical suppliers from both the North and South Islands. If you know a hidden gem or small-scale farm in your area, I’d love to hear about it.

Upcoming Features

I’m working on even more updates for the next version. Here’s what’s coming soon:

Dedicated section for Paleo-friendly restaurants, sorted by city and region
Printable local shopping checklists
Spotlights on standout farms and artisans
Bonus seasonal recipe cards using local produce

How You Can Contribute

If you’ve come across a fantastic supplier or restaurant that supports Paleo principles — even if they don’t advertise it that way — I’d love to include them. Many small producers rely on word of mouth, so your tip could make all the difference. Just send me the details via the contact form, including the name, location, website or socials, and a few words about what makes them great.

Get Your Free Copy

If you haven’t already, download the Paleo Guide to Australia and New Zealand here. It’s completely free and updated regularly based on community feedback and on-the-ground research. Subscribers will always get the most up-to-date edition as soon as it's released.

This guide isn’t just about Paleo. It’s about supporting local businesses, encouraging real food choices, and building a community of like-minded people who value health, sustainability, and quality. Let’s make the next version even better — together.

Paleo Weight Loss primal diet slimming lose weight-min

Can You Lose Weight on the Paleo Diet?

10 Comments

Many people start the Paleo Diet with one aim. Weight loss. Programs like the Truth About Abs are gaining more and more popularity, demonstrating just how many people out there are desperate to lose weight.

The more popular the Paleo movement becomes, the more frequently I see questions on Paleo and Primal forums like:

“Why am I not losing weight on the Paleo Diet?”
“Why have I stopped losing weight on the Paleo Diet?”
“Why has my weight loss reached a plateau on the Primal Diet?” and even
“Why have I gained weight on the Paleo Diet?”!

Why is it Not Working?

Unfortunately many people get the impression that you can eat as much Paleo food as you like – and the weight will fall off. Sometimes people seem to hear the message that the more Paleo food you can eat – the better! Whilst Paleo food is nourishing, if you're not hungry, you certainly shouldn't force yourself to keep eating. And one of the benefits of Paleo is that you are likely to feel a lot less hungry.

I seems that initially, a lot of weight can be lost very quickly – in a matter of weeks. This seems to have a lot to do with just removing grains from the diet and eating nutritionally dense Paleo food instead.

After the initial weight loss, it seems that it's necessary to constantly change things in order to keep the weight loss momentum. Methods like Intermittent Fasting (along with a Paleo feeding window) work really well for many people, as does restricting fruit and nuts. Some people also report a lot of success with a ketogentic low-carb Paleo diet. Ultimately, different methods work for different people – the key is experimenting to find out which method works best for you.

Decide on an approach, make the commitment to stick to it for a reasonable period – and don't be discouraged if the weight loss falters.

Sean Croxton's program the Dark Side of Fat Loss is a Paleo weight loss program (with free cookbook!) that gives underground, not conventional weight loss wisdom.

Have you lost weight on Paleo? What worked for you? I'd love to hear your Paleo weight loss tips.

Understanding Paleo Weight Loss: The Full Picture

Weight loss is often a driving motivation for people switching to a Paleo lifestyle. The promise of shedding unwanted kilos by simply eating whole, unprocessed foods sounds ideal—and for many, that’s exactly what happens. But it’s not always that simple. While some experience rapid fat loss, others plateau or even gain weight despite eliminating processed foods. So what’s going on?

The First Few Weeks: Rapid Results, Then What?

In the beginning, most people see swift progress when transitioning to Paleo. This can be attributed to a combination of water loss from reducing carbohydrate intake, the removal of inflammatory foods like gluten and refined sugar, and an increase in satiety from higher protein and fat consumption. For many, simply cutting grains and processed food is enough to lose several kilos without counting a single calorie.

But after that initial loss, things often slow down. This is where understanding Paleo beyond the “yes/no” food list becomes essential. Long-term fat loss requires more than just eating clean—it requires strategy, self-awareness, and consistency.

Are You Eating Too Much?

One of the most common pitfalls in Paleo weight loss is overeating healthy food. Yes, Paleo-approved foods are nourishing, but they’re not calorie-free. If you’re eating five handfuls of macadamias a day, cooking everything in heaping tablespoons of coconut oil, and eating sweet potatoes like they’re going out of style—you may be consuming more energy than your body needs to burn fat.

Fat is highly satiating, but it’s also energy-dense. A tablespoon of ghee or almond butter packs over 100 calories. While you shouldn’t obsessively track calories on Paleo, being mindful of portion sizes can help if fat loss is your goal.

How Much Fruit and Nuts Are You Really Eating?

Two of the biggest Paleo weight-loss saboteurs? Fruit and nuts. While technically compliant, they’re easy to overeat, especially if you’re grazing between meals. Dried fruit is particularly tricky—it’s very high in sugar and often eaten in excess. Similarly, nuts are calorically dense and easy to binge on.

Try cutting back on fruit and nuts for a few weeks. Many people see stalled weight loss start again simply by eliminating these two culprits or being more mindful about quantity and frequency.

Hidden Ingredients and Processed “Paleo” Treats

The Paleo food industry has exploded, and with it comes an influx of processed Paleo snacks, bars, and baked goods. While these may be marketed as healthy, they often contain high amounts of honey, dates, almond flour, or other calorie-dense ingredients. A Paleo muffin is still a muffin—and too many of these can absolutely impact your fat loss progress.

If your goal is to lose weight, aim to get 90% of your food from fresh vegetables, quality proteins, and healthy fats. Treats should be occasional—not daily staples.

Intermittent Fasting and Carb Cycling

Once your body has adapted to a Paleo way of eating, incorporating strategic methods like intermittent fasting (IF) or carb cycling can further support weight loss. IF, for example, involves condensing your eating into a smaller window—say 8 hours per day—which can naturally reduce your calorie intake and improve insulin sensitivity.

Carb cycling involves eating low-carb on rest days and higher-carb (often from Paleo-friendly sources like sweet potatoes or pumpkin) on training days. This can help balance hormones like leptin and support energy levels for workouts while encouraging fat loss the rest of the time.

Are You Moving Enough?

Another piece of the puzzle is physical activity. Paleo promotes a natural, functional approach to movement—walking, lifting, climbing, sprinting. If your daily routine is mostly sedentary, fat loss will likely stall. But you don’t need hours in the gym. A combination of strength training, short HIIT workouts, and regular walks can do wonders for shifting stubborn fat.

Also consider non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)—the energy you burn through everyday activities like cleaning, shopping, or walking the dog. Increasing your general movement throughout the day can make a huge difference to your results over time.

Sleep, Stress, and Hormones

Many people underestimate the impact of chronic stress and poor sleep on fat loss. High cortisol levels—caused by stress, poor sleep, or overtraining—can lead to fat retention, especially around the midsection. If your lifestyle is hectic, sleep is disrupted, or you’re dealing with emotional stress, your body may be in a survival mode where holding onto fat feels safer.

Start with the basics: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night, reduce exposure to blue light in the evenings, and prioritise relaxation techniques like deep breathing, walking outdoors, or journaling.

Is It Actually Fat Gain?

It’s also worth noting that not all weight gain is fat. Muscle gain, water retention (especially after reintroducing carbohydrates), and even increased digestive bulk can all reflect as higher numbers on the scale. Consider using progress photos, clothing fit, and energy levels as additional measures of success—not just the scale.

If you’ve been strength training or doing resistance exercise, gaining muscle is a positive change—even if your overall weight stays the same or slightly increases. Focus on body composition, not just body weight.

Testing, Tweaking, and Staying Consistent

Paleo is not a “magic switch” diet—it’s a template that works beautifully when adapted to your specific needs. What works for someone else may not work for you. That’s why it’s important to experiment. If your weight loss has stalled, try one of the following:

Track your food for a week to check portions and snacking habits.
Reduce or eliminate fruit and nuts for two weeks.
Try intermittent fasting or extend your overnight fasting window.
Move more—walk daily, add strength training, or do some short sprints.
Evaluate your sleep and stress levels and address any obvious disruptions.

Weight Loss Isn't the Only Success Metric

Even if the scale hasn’t shifted, have you:

Improved your digestion?
Stopped having sugar cravings?
Gotten rid of chronic bloating?
Reduced joint pain or inflammation?
Improved your mental clarity and mood?

These are huge wins—and all signs that your Paleo journey is benefiting your body. Fat loss may just be slower than you’d like. The key is to stay committed and patient.

Final Thoughts

The Paleo Diet offers a powerful foundation for weight loss, but it’s not immune to stalling if not implemented thoughtfully. Whether you’re stuck in a plateau or just beginning your journey, remember that this is a lifestyle—not a temporary diet. Stay focused on quality, balance, movement, and rest, and your body will respond in kind.

Have you hit a weight loss plateau on Paleo? Share your experience in the comments and let others know what strategies helped you move forward!

7-Day Paleo Diet Menu Plan

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I've got a friend coming to stay next week, so I've planned a 7-day Paleo Menu Plan to showcase my Paleo diet. It’s all too easy to eat similar meals over and over, so I'm looking forward to a week of lots of variety. I'm going to over-make everything, so I have lots of leftovers to freeze and enjoy again later.

I've just written my first recipe book on Paleo Breakfasts, so will be showcasing some fantastic, but also quick and easy breakfast recipes on my menu plan!

So this is my Menu Plan for my week of Paleo meals:

Day	Breakfast / Brunch	Lunch	Dinner	Snack / Dessert / Drink
Monday	Paleo Salmon Burgers	Blanched veggies with guacamole and nut butter dips	Chicken and Vegetable Kebabs	Macadamia Nuts
Tuesday	NoOatmeal	Big Salad with tuna, eggs, nuts, leaves, tomatoes, olives, avocado, capsicum & EVOO	Lamb-chops, Roasted Parsnips, Onions and Pumpkin	–
Wednesday	Bacon, Eggs and Avocado	Turkey Nori-wraps	Porterhouse Steak, Egg, Mushrooms and Greens	Paleo Ice Cream
Thursday	Egg Muffins	Capsicum ham sandwiches (capsicum “bread”)	Tuna, Asparagus and Cauliflower Rice	Jerky
Friday	Red onion, ham and mushroom omelette	Paleo chilli with zucchini noodles	Paleo Pizza	Strawberries dipped in dark chocolate
Saturday	Paleo Pancakes with Berry Sauce	Chicken Soup with side salad	Barbecue with selection of meats and salads	Glass of red wine
Sunday	Full English Breakfast (eggs, bacon, tomatoes, mushrooms, sautéed sweet potato, homemade tomato relish, Paleo sausages)	–	Sunday Roast; Roast beef, sweet potatoes, home-made gravy, broccoli and carrots	Coconut Yoghurt

Making the Most of Your Paleo Meal Prep

With a solid weekly plan in place, now is the perfect time to elevate your Paleo experience even further. Meal prepping isn't just for convenience — it’s one of the best ways to stay committed to your goals and make sure no fresh produce or grass-fed meat goes to waste. The key is to cook in bulk when you can and store portions in airtight containers or freeze them for later in the week.

It can be incredibly helpful to label each meal with the date and contents, especially when freezing. If you're short on time midweek, knowing there’s a ready-made Paleo-friendly dinner waiting in your freezer can make all the difference. Soups, stews, chilli, meatballs, and bakes all freeze particularly well and can be reheated with minimal effort.

Smart Shopping for a Paleo Week

Planning your shopping trip around your meal plan helps avoid impulse buys and ensures you’re fully stocked for the week. Before heading to the shops or farmers market, check your pantry and fridge to see what staples you already have. Then, build your shopping list around what’s left.

For this particular 7-day menu, key items to look out for include:

High-quality animal protein like grass-fed beef, pasture-raised chicken, lamb and wild-caught fish
Fresh vegetables in a range of colours and textures
Healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, and nuts
Fresh herbs and spices for flavour (e.g. turmeric, rosemary, paprika, coriander)
Specialty Paleo items like coconut flour, almond meal, or cauliflower rice, if not making from scratch

Batch Cooking Tips

If you’re preparing meals for the week ahead, you don’t have to cook seven entirely different dishes. Batch cooking is about being smart with your time and ingredients. For example, roasting a large tray of vegetables at the start of the week means you’ve got a handy side dish for several meals. Similarly, slow cooking a big batch of meat or soup can cover multiple lunches or dinners.

Double up on recipes from your menu — for example, cook extra Paleo chilli or soup and freeze half. It’s also a great idea to marinate multiple types of meat at once. Store in separate containers in the fridge, then cook throughout the week for maximum flavour with minimum fuss.

Incorporating Leftovers Creatively

With leftovers from your planned meals, you can mix and match to create entirely new dishes. Leftover roasted pumpkin and lamb can become a warm salad with rocket and a tahini dressing. Paleo pizza from Friday night reheats beautifully for Saturday brunch, especially when topped with an egg. Chicken from your soup can be shredded into wraps, salads, or even turned into a quick stir-fry with vegetables.

Get creative and don't feel boxed in by the original plan — this is where the fun of Paleo cooking really starts. Being flexible and resourceful with your ingredients helps reduce food waste and makes the most of your time and budget.

Stocking a Paleo-Friendly Pantry

While your fridge will likely be full of fresh produce and protein, don’t overlook the importance of a well-stocked pantry. Keep staples on hand so you can whip up quick meals or add extra flavour to your dishes at a moment’s notice. Consider keeping the following items in your Paleo pantry:

Coconut milk (full fat, no additives)
Tinned tomatoes or tomato paste (check ingredients)
Tinned wild fish like salmon or sardines (if tolerated)
Herbal teas and organic coffee alternatives like dandelion root
Coconut aminos or apple cider vinegar
Natural nut butters (no sugar or seed oils)

Eating Out While Sticking to Paleo

Even with the best plans, you might find yourself needing to eat out. Luckily, more restaurants are accommodating dietary preferences, and with a few simple strategies, you can keep things Paleo without the stress.

Look for grilled meats, salads with olive oil and lemon dressing, or dishes that can be easily modified. Skip the bread, fries or creamy sauces unless you're confident in the ingredients. If unsure, don't be afraid to ask your server about the oil used or for simple substitutions. Many places are happy to serve vegetables instead of grains or legumes.

Staying Hydrated Throughout the Week

It's easy to forget hydration when planning meals, but drinking enough water is essential to support digestion and overall health on a Paleo diet. Herbal teas, infused water (think cucumber and mint or lemon and ginger), and bone broth all contribute to hydration and nutrient intake.

Avoid sweetened drinks, fruit juice, and even many “health drinks” that sneak in hidden sugars. A great habit is to start the day with a big glass of water, especially before breakfast. It sets a healthy tone for the rest of the day.

Preparing for Guests on a Paleo Diet

When hosting friends who aren’t Paleo, it’s tempting to stray from your usual food choices to accommodate them. But in most cases, your guests will appreciate your effort and might be curious to try something different.

To keep everyone happy, focus on meals that feel familiar but are made using Paleo ingredients. Think burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of buns, roast dinners without gravy thickened with flour, and dessert made with coconut cream and berries. Serve a few crowd-pleasers — like your Friday night Paleo pizza or Saturday barbecue — and most people won’t even realise they’re eating Paleo.

Reflecting on Your Weekly Plan

Once the week wraps up, it’s worth reflecting on what worked well and what you’d change for next time. Did certain meals take too long to prepare? Were there enough leftovers to get you through busy days? Did any particular dish stand out as a new favourite?

Meal planning isn’t about perfection — it’s about setting yourself up for success and learning as you go. Over time, it becomes second nature, and your weekly plan evolves to match your lifestyle and preferences. Keep a notebook or spreadsheet to jot down ideas for future weeks and adjust your shopping habits accordingly.

Ready to Try It Yourself?

If you haven’t already, why not give this 7-day Paleo menu plan a go yourself? Whether you follow it exactly or use it as inspiration, it’s a great way to bring structure, enjoyment, and variety to your Paleo lifestyle. Let me know your own favourite combinations — and if you have visitors, don’t be surprised if they leave inspired to try Paleo themselves!

What do you think of my proposed Menu Plan? I’d love to hear your favourite Paleo dishes! Do you create a weekly Paleo meal Plan?

Atkins diet v paleo primal differences comparision-min

9 Reasons Why Paleo isn’t Atkins

16 Comments

Now that more people have heard of Paleo, I've notice it is often assumed to be a different name for the Atkins Diet. “Oh, so you’re doing Atkins…”. Well actually, no. I follow a Paleo Diet, which is completely different to Atkins.

1. Low-Carb?

The main difference between Paleo and Atkins is that Atkins IS low-carb. In the induction phase (the initial two weeks), less than 20g of carbs a day are consumed, rising to about 20g – 60g a day in the Ongoing Weight Loss Stage. This is designed to keep the body in a state of Ketosis, which seems to be very beneficial to achieving weight-loss. Whilst a great number of people do eat a low-carb Paleo diet (keeping carbs under 50g a day seems popular); Paleo is not a low-carb diet tweet this quote Indeed, a lot of people, particularly Paleo athletes and crossfitters, eat a far higher carb ratio (though obviously these carbohydrates come from foods like sweet potatoes and fruit – rather than refined carbs).

2. Counting, Counting, Couting…

As carbs rule on Atkins, counting is essential. An Atkins diet requires measuring, weighing and recording of the carbohydrate content of everything that’s eaten. Paleo is just about eating real food and avoiding grains, legumes and dairy – so no weighing, counting, measuring and journaling is required. So. Much. Easier.

3. Grass-Fed, Organic?

A Paleo diet is all about food quality. Meat in particular, is ideally grass-fed and organic. Processed, grain-fed, intensively farmed meat is to be avoided. On Atkins however, the source of the food isn't of such importance (though they do seem to be paying more attention to quality).

4. Processed?

A simple “is it Paleo” test can be resolved like this: if it’s in a packet, it probably Paleo tweet this quote . If it’s in a packet, it could well be Atkins. Atkins have a whole rage of processed convenience foods, that meet the Atkins low-carb rule; but would fail miserably to be classed as Paleo foods, with their long list of ingredients.

5. Allowable Foods

Whilst a Paleo diet omits grains, legumes and (sometimes) dairy, on an Atkins diet, these are all permissible – providing they are low in Calories. You can consume sweeteners, diet soda, seed oils, soy, Atkins chocolate bars, Atkins crisps – and lots of other very un-Paleo foods on Atkins.

6. Purpose

I also think the purpose of the plans is very different. Atkins followers tend to be following the plan for weight-loss – once they get to their goal weight, they generally stop eating an Atkins Diet. Paleo however, attracts followers for many reasons. Weight loss is definitely a driver, but many people come to Paleo to improve their athletic performance too. Health is a key motivation for many looking to reverse/ improve health issues such as diabetes, allergies and autoimmune conditions.

7. For Life, Or Just For a Bikini?

Generally, Atkins seems to be followed until weight-loss goals are achieved. Paleo is more of a lifestyle; a way of eating and living that is easy to follow forever.

8. Not Just Eating

It’s also important to bear in mind that as well as nutrition, fitness, strength, stress-reduction, balance, sleep and sunshine are amongst the lifestyle factors that Paleo addresses. Atkins appears to be primarily focused on diet, rather than lifestyle factors.

9. Paleo-Atkins?

It is possible to be Paleo-Atkins; but many people are also Paleo-not-Atkins.

Have people told you “oh, Paleo – that’s like Atkins”, when you tell them how you eat? Have you ever tried Atkins? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences on Atkins and Atkins V Paleo in the comments below!

319 Paleo Foods – The Definitive Paleo Food List

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I created this Paleo Food List after getting fed up with people commenting on how restrictive they think my Paleo diet must be. Especially when you consider that the bulk of a SAD diet seems to contain just one ingredient: Wheat.

Bread, pasta, pizza, cakes, cookies, pretzels, muffins, scones, breakfast cereals, donuts, waffles and crackers – they are all made with wheat. Hardly variety.

I’ve put this post together to try to demonstrate just how much variety a Paleo diet includes. All it omits is grains, legumes and (for some) dairy. Which means it includes literally hundreds of completely different types of foods.

The basic “Paleo Food List” contains Meat, Fish, Eggs, Nuts, Seeds, Vegetables and Fruit – which I’ve listed 319 different examples of; both different varieties – and in the case of meats different cuts.

Leafy & Salad Vegetables

Amaranth, Arugula, Beet greens, Bok choy, Broccoli Rabe, Borage greens, Brussels sprout, Cabbage, Catsear, Celery, Celtuce, Ceylon spinach, Chaya, Chickweed, Chicory, Chinese Mallow, Chrysanthemum leaves, Collard greens, Corn salad, Cress, Dandelion, Endive, Fat hen, Fiddlehead, Fluted pumpkin, Garden Rocket, Kale, Komatsuna, Kuka, Lagos bologi, Lamb's lettuce, Land cress, Lettuce, Lizard's tail, Melokhia, Miner's Lettuce, Mizuna greens, Mustard, Napa cabbage, New Zealand Spinach, Orache, Pak choy, Paracress, Poke, Radicchio, Sea beet, Sea kale, Sierra Leone bologi, Soko, Sorrel, Spinach, Summer purslane, Swiss chard, Tatsoi, Turnip greens, Watercress, Water spinach, Winter purslane and Yarrow

Flowers and flower buds

Artichoke, Broccoli, Caper, Cauliflower, Courgette flowers and Squash blossoms

Bulb and stem vegetables

Asparagus, Cardoon, Celeriac, Celery, Elephant Garlic, Florence fennel, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Leek, Kurrat, Lotus root, Nopal, Onion, Pearl onion, Prussian asparagus, Spring Onion/Scallion, Shallot, Welsh onion and Wild leek

Root and tuberous vegetables

Bamboo shoot, Beetroot, Burdock, Broadleaf arrowhead, Camas, Canna, Carrot, Cassava, Chinese artichoke, Daikon, Elephant Foot yam, Ensete, Ginger, Hamburg parsley, Horseradish, Jerusalem artichoke, Jícama, Mashua, Parsnip, Pignut, Prairie turnip, Radish, Rutabaga, Salsify, Scorzonera, Skirret, Swede, Sweet Potato or Kumara, Taro, Ti, Tigernut, Turnip, Ulluco, Water chestnut, Yacón and Yam

Sea vegetables

Aonori, Carola, Dabberlocks or badderlocks, Dulse or dillisk, Hijiki, Kombu, Laver, Mozuku, Nori, Ogonori, Sea grape, Sea kale, Sea lettuce and Wakame

Other Vegetables/ Fruits

Bell pepper, Bitter melon/Bitter gourd, Chayote, Courgette, Cucumber, Ivy Gourd, Eggplant/Aubergine/Brinjal, Luffa, Pumpkin, Squash, Sweet pepper (Capsicum), Tinda, Tomatillo, Tomato and Winter melon

Fruits

Apple, Apricot, Avocado, Banana, Bilberry, Blackberry, Blackcurrant, Blueberry, Currant, Cherry, Cherimoya, Clementine, Date, Damson, Dragonfruit, Durian, Eggplant, Elderberry, Gooseberry, Grape, Grapefruit, Guava, Huckleberry, Jackfruit, Jambul, Kiwi fruit, Kumquat, Lemon, Lime, Lychee, Mandarine, Mango, Cantaloupe melon, Honeydew melon, Watermelon, Rock melon, Nectarine, Orange, Peach, Pear, Pitaya, Plum, Pomegranate, Purple Mangosteen, Raspberry, Redcurrant, Rambutan, Satsuma, Star fruit, Strawberry, Tangerine and Ugli fruit

Beef

Blade Steak, boneless, Blade Oyster Steak, Blade Roast, Chuck Steak, Chuck Roast, Rib Roast, bone in, Rib Eye Steak, Rib Eye Roast, Rib Steak, Rib Roast, Sirloin Steak, T-Bone Steak, Sirloin Steak, boneless, Sirloin Roast, boneless, Fillet Steak, Fillet, Rump Steak, Topside Steak, Topside Roast, Silverside, Round Steak, Brisket and Skirt Steak

Lamb

Neck rosettes, Shoulder roast, Shoulder roast, boneless, Forequarter roast of chops, bone-in, Forequarter chops, Best neck cutlets, Rib loin cutlets, Rib loin (rack) roast, Rib loin chops, Rib loin roast, Mid loin chops, Mid loin roast, Chump chops, Chump roast, Leg roast, bone-in, Leg steak, Leg chops, Shank, bone-in and Lamb Breast

Pork

Foreloin roast, Foreloin chop, Loin roast, bone in, Loin chops, Rump chop, Rump steak, Leg chop, Leg steak, Leg, Hock, Trotter, Hand, Belly, Bacon and Ham

Chicken

Whole Chicken, Halves, Breast Quarters, Split Breast, Split Breast without Back, Boneless, Skinless Breast, 8-Piece Cut, Whole Chicken Wing, Wing Drummettes, Wing Mid Section with Tip, Wing Mid Section, Whole Chicken Leg, Boneless, Skinless Leg, Thigh, Boneless, Skinless Thigh, Drumsticks and Giblets

Other Meats

Alligator, Bear, Bison, Crocodile, Duck, Elk, Emu, Goat, Goose, Kangaroo, Ostrich, Pheasant, Quail, Rabbit, Rattlesnake, Reindeer and Venison

Offal/ Organ Meats

Liver, kidney, heart, sweetbread, brain and tripe

Fish

Bass, Dogfish , Eel, Flounder, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Herring, Hoki, Krill, Lobster, Mackerel, Mackerel icefish, Monkfish, Mullet, Mulloway, Mussels, Nephrops, Oysters, Perch, Pikeperch, Plaice, Pollock, Prawn, Red Snapper, Rock lobster, Sablefish, Saithe, Salmon, Sardines, Scallops, Sea bass, Shark, Shellfish, Shrimp, Sole, Sunfish, Swordfish, Toothfish, Trout and Tuna

Oils and Fats

Avocado oil, bacon fat, butter, coconut oil, ghee, lard, tallow, nut butters, walnut oil, macadamia oil, olive oil and coconut milk/ cream

Eggs

Hens eggs, duck eggs and goose eggs

Nuts & Seeds

Almonds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), pecans, walnuts, pine nuts, chestnuts, cashews and hazelnuts

Quite some variety, isn't it?

When you consider the number of different ways you can prepare and cook your Paleo ingredients – the recipe potential is unlimited.

Have I missed off any of your favourite Paleo foods? Or do you disagree with some of the foods I've included? Let me know in the comments!

Real food summit online paleo primal event underground wellness

Announcing The Real Food Summit

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After the fantastic Paleo Summit a few months ago, Sean Croxton is about to launch another health conference – the Real Food Summit. This is aimed at anyone interested in real, whole food and is free to attend.

There are so many great speakers I’m really looking forward to learning from, including:

• Chris Kresser talking about the importance of fish and seafood
• Paul Check on how eating whole foods impacts your mind, body, and soul
• Jeffrey Smith on genetically modified foods
• Mark McAfee talking about how raw milk can heal a broken immune system
• Chris Masterjohn on the nutritional wisdom of Weston A. Price

There are a total of 27 video presentations that will be free to watch during the nine-day summit, by different speakers on many different topics. The Real Food Summit starts in a few days time, on Sunday 8th July (AKA Monday 9th July for those of us in Australia).

Pre-register here if you’re interested in attending the free event – and as an extra bonus everyone who pre-registers will receive a presentation by real food farmer and activist Joel Salatin called “Real Food Defined”

I think this will be a great summit to attend for those already into Paleo, but also to share with those friends and family interested in Paleo, but not quite ready to change their diets…

Have you signed-up to the Real Food Summit yet?

Why Online Summits Like This Matter

With so much conflicting information about health, nutrition, and wellness online, events like the Real Food Summit offer a much-needed opportunity to hear from credible experts in one place. The lineup includes experienced practitioners, researchers, and thought leaders who bring both scientific understanding and real-world insights. Whether you’re just starting your journey into clean eating or you're a seasoned Paleo veteran, there's always more to learn and apply to your own lifestyle.

What makes this kind of summit particularly valuable is the diversity of perspectives. You’ll find talks focused on ancestral diets, gut health, metabolic healing, sustainable farming, and food politics — all presented in an accessible way that’s grounded in practical advice. With speakers from different backgrounds, you'll get a more well-rounded understanding of how real food affects not just your physical health, but your mental wellbeing and the planet too.

How to Make the Most of the Real Food Summit

If you're planning to attend, there are a few ways you can get the most value out of the summit:

Schedule time to watch – With 27 presentations available over nine days, it helps to look at the schedule in advance and block out time to tune in. Even setting aside 30–60 minutes per day will help you absorb more.
Take notes – Jot down your key takeaways, favourite quotes, and ideas you'd like to research more. This can be especially useful if you want to implement new strategies into your Paleo lifestyle.
Share with others – If a particular talk resonates with you, consider sharing it with friends or family. It could be a great conversation starter and a gentle way to introduce others to real food principles.
Engage with the speakers – Many of the presenters are active online and welcome discussion. If something stood out to you or raised a question, reach out to them via their social media or websites for further engagement.

Spotlight on Key Topics to Watch

With such a wide-ranging lineup, it’s helpful to keep an eye on the sessions most relevant to your goals. For example:

Chris Kresser’s presentation on seafood is ideal if you’re trying to include more nutrient-dense marine foods in your diet. He’s known for explaining complex science in a way that’s easy to understand.
Jeffrey Smith’s talk on GMOs is especially timely in Australia, as consumer awareness around food labelling and genetically modified ingredients continues to grow.
Paul Chek’s discussion about the emotional and spiritual effects of eating whole food may resonate if you’re exploring the mind-body connection or holistic health approaches.

Other speakers cover everything from the gut microbiome to hormone health, making this a uniquely comprehensive experience. Whether you're curious about intermittent fasting, fermented foods, or natural immunity, you'll find sessions that spark your interest and deepen your understanding.

Real Food vs. Processed Convenience

The summit also offers a valuable counterpoint to the modern food environment. Despite growing awareness, ultra-processed convenience food continues to dominate supermarket shelves and marketing campaigns. Events like this challenge the narrative that quick, cheap food must come at the expense of health.

Instead, you’ll hear about the value of returning to traditional food preparation methods — from slow-cooked broths and fermented vegetables to sourcing ingredients locally and seasonally. These ideas align closely with the Paleo framework, where food is chosen for its nutritional quality, not its packaging or shelf life.

Who Will Benefit from Attending?

While the Real Food Summit is a fantastic resource for those already living a Paleo or ancestral lifestyle, it’s also a gentle introduction for friends or family members who are curious but hesitant. Unlike some stricter diet approaches, the summit embraces a wide interpretation of “real food” that welcomes a variety of preferences and starting points.

For example, someone interested in organic produce or reducing sugar might enjoy talks by Sarah Ballantyne or Mark McAfee, while someone keen on learning how diet influences mood and sleep could be drawn to more holistic sessions. It’s a good idea to share the registration link with others and perhaps even watch a few sessions together to prompt discussion and reflection.

Supporting the Real Food Movement

By attending events like this and sharing what you learn, you're contributing to a much broader shift in how we think about health and food. The more people who demand transparency, nutrition, and sustainability in what they eat, the more likely we are to see meaningful change in food systems, policy, and education.

Many of the summit's speakers are also directly involved in activism, regenerative agriculture, and public health initiatives — so your attention and support help amplify their message. You might even come away inspired to start a garden, join a local co-op, or advocate for better food choices in your own community.

Looking Beyond the Summit

Once the event wraps up, it’s worth taking some time to revisit your notes and see what you want to integrate into your life. That could mean experimenting with new recipes, sourcing different types of food, or simply being more mindful of how you eat. Some presentations will likely offer replays or transcripts, especially if you register early, so make sure you access everything you can while it’s available.

If the summit energises you, keep an eye out for follow-up events or related conferences. Many of the presenters run their own workshops, podcasts, or online communities — a great way to stay connected and keep your momentum going.

Have You Registered Yet?

With so many valuable insights packed into a single event, the Real Food Summit is a rare opportunity to learn from the best — for free. It doesn’t matter where you are on your health journey, this summit is bound to offer something new and actionable.

Click here to pre-register now and gain immediate access to Joel Salatin’s bonus talk, “Real Food Defined.” Make sure to check your inbox for summit updates and schedule announcements. Let’s celebrate real food together — from paddock to plate, farm to fork.

Paleo diet friendly pet food animals dogs cat grain free-min

Paleo Pet Food

37 Comments

I'm looking after some dogs at the moment, in the owners home. I'd assumed animal nutrition – Pet Food – would be difficult to get wrong – but I couldn't have been more incorrect with that assumption.

Surely dogs are supposed to eat raw meat? That would make a lot of sense, as in the wild what else would they eat?

The tins of dog food we've been left contain the following ingredients:
Meat including chicken, beef, lamb and pork; vegetables; vegetable protein; pasta; vegetable oil; cereal; gelling agents; gluten; vitamins & minerals; vegetable fibre; flavours; colouring agents.
Looking at some other brands of Pet Food, these certainly aren't the worst either.

We've also been instructed to boil up pasta and add it to the food to keep the weight of the dogs down. This is, apparently, on instruction of the vet. I can't think of a single good reason to give animals pasta.

Sadly as these aren't my dogs I can't change their menu, but it has made me wonder how different the dogs would be on a different diet – and what the ingredients in their food is doing to them?

Why Pet Food Ingredients Matter More Than You Think

Most commercial pet foods are formulated for convenience, long shelf life, and mass production — not necessarily the long-term health of the animal. Just like with processed human food, these products often prioritise cost and palatability over quality. While the label might show a high percentage of meat, the fine print often tells a different story.

Take a closer look, and you'll likely see vague ingredients like “meat derivatives” or “animal by-products.” These may include offcuts, organs, or even unidentifiable parts of multiple animals, all processed at high heat, reducing nutritional integrity. Add to that grain fillers, artificial colours, preservatives, thickeners, and sweeteners, and you’ve got a product that may keep your pet alive — but not necessarily thriving.

The Case for a Species-Appropriate Diet

Dogs, while technically omnivores, evolved primarily as carnivorous scavengers. Their teeth, jaw motion, and short digestive tracts are all designed for digesting animal protein, fat, and bones. Cats are even more strict in their requirements — they are obligate carnivores, meaning they must eat meat to survive.

Feeding them diets high in pasta, cereal, or vegetable protein goes completely against their biology. Just as humans feel better avoiding ultra-processed food, pets benefit immensely from eating closer to what their bodies are designed for. When pets are transitioned to a more natural, species-appropriate diet, many owners report improved coat health, reduced allergies, better breath, increased energy, and even behavioural improvements.

What is a Raw or Whole-Food Pet Diet?

Raw feeding is based on the principle of mimicking what a dog or cat would eat in the wild — fresh meat, organs, bones, and a small amount of plant matter. A typical raw dog diet might include:

Raw meaty bones (chicken necks, lamb ribs, turkey wings)
Muscle meat (beef, lamb, kangaroo, chicken, etc.)
Organ meats (liver, kidney, heart — small amounts)
Blended vegetables like leafy greens, carrots or zucchini (optional)
Eggs and occasional fish for variety

For cats, the focus is almost entirely on meat and organs, without vegetables or grains. It's important to ensure variety and balance — especially with calcium from bones or added supplements — but when done correctly, this approach supports overall wellbeing far more effectively than dry kibble or tinned food ever could.

Common Issues with Commercial Pet Foods

Many of the health problems we see in pets today are likely linked to their highly processed diets. Consider the parallels with the Standard Australian Diet — high in carbs, additives, and low-quality oils. Pets are now commonly suffering from:

Allergies and chronic itching
Obesity and related joint issues
Pancreatitis and inflammatory conditions
Digestive issues, including diarrhoea and constipation
Dental disease from dry biscuits marketed as teeth-cleaning

It’s no surprise that when pets are moved onto a real food diet, these symptoms often improve dramatically. Just like humans, animals thrive on nutrient-dense food that hasn’t been stripped of its goodness through extreme processing.

Why Some Vets Still Recommend Pasta

While many vets are open-minded and nutrition-focused, the curriculum in most veterinary schools includes very little in-depth study of real food feeding. Instead, students are often taught nutrition through pet food industry representatives, leading to a bias toward big-brand processed pet foods.

Veterinarians may recommend foods like pasta or grains in an attempt to manage weight by increasing volume without increasing calories. But this often masks the underlying issue — inappropriate food choices in the first place. High-carb fillers can spike blood sugar, increase inflammation, and leave pets undernourished despite appearing well-fed.

Making the Switch to Natural Pet Food

If you’re considering transitioning your pet to a real food or raw diet, it’s best to do it gradually. Start by adding small amounts of raw or gently cooked meat to their current meals and slowly reduce the processed food over the course of a week or two. Make sure you research the right ratios and, if necessary, consult a holistic or integrative vet who specialises in nutrition.

Many pet owners find success with homemade raw meals, but there are also several Australian companies offering pre-made, balanced raw meals that are ready to serve. Look for options that contain identifiable ingredients — real meat, organs, vegetables (if applicable), and no fillers, colours, or preservatives.

What About Cost and Convenience?

While it might seem like feeding your pet a raw or whole-food diet would be more expensive, it often works out comparable in the long run. Consider this: you’re likely to save on vet bills, medications, and expensive specialty foods designed to treat symptoms caused by poor nutrition.

Buying meat in bulk, using cuts not in high demand for human consumption, and rotating ingredients helps keep costs down. You can also prepare meals in advance and freeze them in portions, making the process efficient and budget-friendly.

Pets Thrive on Real Food

Switching to a more natural diet can be one of the most rewarding things you do for your pets. It’s not about being extreme or striving for perfection — it’s about acknowledging that just like us, animals are biologically designed to eat real food. They deserve the same care and attention we give ourselves when it comes to nutrition.

If you're dog-sitting or caring for someone else's pet, you may not have control over what they eat — but you can start the conversation. Share what you've learned and how you've seen positive changes in your own pets. The more people begin to question the contents of commercial pet food, the more the industry will be pushed to evolve.

Whether you feed your pets a fully raw diet or simply add more whole food elements to their meals, every small step matters. Just like humans benefit from trading packets for produce, your pets will too.

Have you got dogs, cats or other pets? What Pet Food do you feed them? I'd love to hear what happened if you changed their diets to a more natural way of eating.

The Age Victoria Newspaper article Melbourne Australia paleo diet the paleo network interview-min

Melbourne Paleo

8 Comments

Welcome to those who've found the site through the article in this weekend's “The Age” newspaper.

It's great to see Paleo getting more and more publicity and for more people to consider removing the grains and changing their diets.

If you're interested in finding out about Paleo there's lots of information on the site and a free guide to Paleo Australia ebook you can download now. Sign up to my newsletter on the right to get your free guide.

The Paleo Movement in Melbourne: Then and Now

Back in June 2012, I was honoured to be featured in The Age newspaper in an article titled “Meat and Greet: Modern Hunger for Caveman Diet”. The article explored how the Paleo lifestyle – once seen as a niche movement – was beginning to take off in Melbourne and beyond. It was so encouraging to see mainstream media not only notice Paleo, but take it seriously enough to speak to everyday Australians who were living and breathing the lifestyle.

At the time, there were only a handful of us in Australia talking about Paleo online. The concept was still relatively unknown outside of CrossFit gyms and health forums. The Age article profiled a variety of Paleo advocates: CrossFit trainers, pregnant mums, software developers, and even musicians, all of whom had embraced the lifestyle and were seeing real, tangible health benefits — from clearer skin and better digestion to improved energy and weight loss.

I shared my own story in that piece – how I’d lost 17kg in just three months by cutting grains and processed food and how my lifelong asthma disappeared. That was the moment Paleo stopped being just a personal experiment for me and became a passion to share with others. Soon after, The Paleo Network started gaining traction, and what had been a small personal blog quickly grew into a go-to resource for Australians wanting to embrace a more ancestral approach to health.

Why Paleo Resonates in Melbourne

Melbourne has always had a strong food culture – we love our brunches, our farmers markets, our artisan producers. But alongside the café culture, there’s also been a deep interest in wellness and sustainability. Paleo ticks a lot of boxes for health-conscious Melburnians:

It focuses on whole, real food, with an emphasis on seasonal and local produce.
It avoids highly processed foods and seed oils – common culprits in many modern health conditions.
It’s flexible – Paleo isn’t about deprivation but about choosing the most nourishing options available.

Since 2012, Melbourne has only become more Paleo-friendly. There are now more butchers who understand the value of grass-fed and pasture-raised meat. Organic markets have popped up across the suburbs. Cafés offer grain-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options – and even if they don’t use the word “Paleo”, they’re speaking the same language.

Even CrossFit boxes and strength gyms across Victoria continue to champion the Paleo way of eating, often combining it with intermittent fasting, cold exposure, and mobility work – all elements inspired by our ancestral roots.

The Impact of Media on the Paleo Movement

Being interviewed by a major newspaper helped bring Paleo into the Australian mainstream. The Age article gave a human face to the movement and highlighted the diversity of people trying this lifestyle – it wasn’t just “fitness bros” or wellness influencers. It was mums, professionals, people with autoimmune conditions, and busy workers looking for sustainable health solutions.

Mainstream media coverage helped break down the misconceptions around Paleo. Suddenly, people weren’t just seeing it as a weird diet based on caveman clichés – they were seeing it as a real option to help them feel better, lose weight, improve digestion, and even reverse chronic conditions.

Today, we have podcasts, Instagram pages, YouTube channels, and documentaries – but back then, a single print article could ignite thousands of conversations. And it did.

Paleo Success Stories from Melbourne

Over the years, I’ve received countless emails from people in Victoria sharing how Paleo changed their lives. A few highlights include:

Anna from Fitzroy, who healed her PCOS symptoms and lost 10kg without counting calories or doing endless cardio.
Damien from Richmond, who credits Paleo and intermittent fasting for helping him manage Type 2 diabetes and avoid medication.
Miriam from St Kilda, who switched her whole family to Paleo after her daughter’s behavioural issues improved dramatically on a grain-free, additive-free diet.

These aren’t isolated cases – they’re part of a growing body of anecdotal evidence showing how a whole food, ancestral diet can help address modern health issues at the root cause.

Where to Start with Paleo in Melbourne

If you’re new to Paleo and found this post through The Age or another mention, here’s where to begin:

Download my free guide – it’s tailored specifically for Australians, including local ingredient swaps, where to shop, and Aussie-friendly recipes.
Explore the blog – there’s a treasure trove of information here on topics like batch cooking, eating Paleo on a budget, and navigating social events.
Join the Paleo community – we’ve got an active mailing list and social media pages full of recipe swaps, events, and support.
Check out local resources – farmers markets, CrossFit boxes, organic grocers, and ethical butchers are great places to start living Paleo without compromise.

And if you’re not in Melbourne? There are Paleo communities popping up across Australia – from Brisbane to Hobart, Byron Bay to Adelaide – and I feature them regularly here on the site.

Paleo Today: Fad or Foundation?

Back in 2012, critics were quick to dismiss Paleo as a fad. Dietitians called it “extreme” or “unsustainable”. But here we are over a decade later – and Paleo is still going strong. The key reason? It works.

Unlike crash diets or 6-week challenges, Paleo isn’t about deprivation or dogma. It’s about removing inflammatory foods, nourishing your body, and reconnecting with real food. Once people feel the difference – clearer skin, fewer bloating episodes, steady energy, better sleep – they don’t want to go back.

Sure, the name “Paleo” may not be as trendy now as “Whole30”, “Ancestral Health”, or “Clean Keto”, but the principles remain the same: Eat real food. Avoid modern junk. Honour your body’s needs.

Final Thoughts

Looking back at the Age article reminds me just how far the movement has come. I was proud to be one of the early voices advocating for a smarter, ancestral approach to food – and I still am.

If you’re here because of that article or because someone shared it with you: welcome. Whether you’re experimenting with Paleo for the first time, or you’ve been on this journey for a decade, there’s a community here to support you.

Let me know in the comments:

Did you read the Age article when it came out?
Have you noticed more Paleo options in Melbourne since 2012?
What’s your number one tip for someone starting Paleo today?

Let’s keep spreading the word – and keep building a community where ancestral health isn’t a fringe idea, but a normal part of everyday life.

The Definitive Guide to Paleo Sweeteners

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Whenever I write about sugar, I get a lot of spam comments trying to advertise brands of “natural, healthy” sweeteners that, apparently, are simply bursting with healthiness. I’m also constantly aware of people choosing artificial sweeteners to avoid sugar; as well as people choosing “natural” sweeteners over artificial, or just regular sugar.

So what is the difference between all of these types and brands of sweeteners? Are there really new natural sweeteners out there, or is it just clever marketing of an existing product, with a new brand name?

Natural Sweeteners

A natural sweetener, by definition is one that is unprocessed, and naturally occurring in nature – in the same state (or requiring minimal processing that you could do yourself). A lot of sweeteners sold as natural, actually require a lot of refining and processing to get to the state they reach us in – far from natural.

Stevia

One of the most talked about sweeteners, Stevia is actually a herb. It has a natural sweet taste, but no actual sugar molecules. The green leaf Stevia plant is therefore a great alternative to sugar. Unfortunately, far more readily available than the green leaf versions, is the white powdered form of Stevia (i.e. branded as Natvia, Truvia or Sun Crystals). This is very processed, and definitely one to be avoided.

Honey

Raw Honey is a great natural sweetener. Using a local honey is even supposed to reduce hayfever. Whilst honey is natural (and in fact the only sweetener I use), it still produces an insulin effect and is definitely best suited for occasional use – as are all forms of sweeteners.

Maple Syrup, traditionally made Agave Nectar (Miel de Agave), Sorghum Syrup, Coconut Sugar, Palm Sugar, Molasses, Date Sugar, Cane Sugar, Fruit Juice, Muscovado and Sucanat are also natural sugars – but, again, no sweetener is the healthier choice, even if they are natural! Incidentally you might have seen Brown Rice Syrup in you health food shop – and whilst it too is “natural”, it contains malt and is therefore a source of gluten!

Not So Natural?

Agave Nectar is another one that seems to be thought of as another supremely healthy product. Agave is natural, in that it comes from the juice of the agave plant. It has a low glycemic profile, which means less of an insulin spike. However, this is because Agave nectar contains only 10% glucose – which means the other 90% is fructose, which comes with all sorts of health issues and is definitely to be avoided. Not only should Agave be avoided for its high fructose concentration, but it also contains saponins; toxins that have less than desirable effects on the body. Agave Nectar is produced in a not too dissimilar way to High Fructose Corn Syrup – yet at least HFCS is seldom marketed as a healthy sweetener.

Turbinado Sugar and Sugar Alcohols (i.e. xylitol and erythritol) are also not natural; but often sold with impressive health claims.

Artificial Sweeteners

The chemical sweeteners really are a no brainer. Recognised as toxins in the body – and in many cases not established enough for us to really understand their impact, I can’t see any reason why anyone would want to consume these. There is also a lot of research into the insulin response, with many suggesting that the sweet taste, even in the absence of sugar, is enough to trigger an insulin response.

Artificial sweeteners include Aspartame (sold as NutraSweet or Equal), Saccharin (Sweet n Low), Sucralose (Splenda), Acesulfame-K (Sunette or Sweet One), Sorbitol, Mannitol and Tagatose.

Sweeteners – Are They Paleo?

Whilst the natural sweeteners are without doubt less harmful than their chemical or processed alternatives, they still aren’t “Paleo”. As an occasional treat Raw Honey is the only sweetener I would suggest.

Ultimately, it’s best to give up the need for constant sweetness. Since doing so, I’ve found my taste buds have changed and I no longer crave sweet things like I used to. Try giving up sugar; after a few weeks you’ll be glad you did!

Have you given up sugar? If not, what types of sweeteners do you use?