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.

Cajun Spice Marinade paleo recipe-min

Homemade Cajun Spice Marinade (Paleo)

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There's nothing like a simple marinade to spice up an otherwise simple steak or fish dinner. Try my Cajun Spice Marinade recipe!

This is a really easy marinade to put together; make it up in advance and store in in a jar in the fridge so it's ready to use. You can make it in advance and store it in a jar in the fridge, so it's ready to use whenever you need it.

Cajun Spice Marinade paleo recipe-min
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Recipe: Cajun Spice Marinade

This spice marinade will spice up whichever meat you rub it on!
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Condiments, Sauces
Cuisine: Cajun
Keyword: Cajun Spice Marinade, Easy Marinade, Paleo Marinade, Spicy Marinade
Servings: 1 cup
Calories: 15kcal
Cost: $5

Equipment

  • Pestle and mortar
  • Mixing bowl
  • Storage Jar

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Oregano
  • 3 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Ground black pepper
  • 1 Garlic clove minced
  • Sea salt I use pink Himalayan

Instructions

  • Mix the Ingredients: Combine all the spices in a mixing bowl. Use a pestle and mortar to pound the ingredients until they become powdery and evenly distributed.
  • Prepare the Marinade: Rub the mixture generously over your chosen meat or fish.
  • Marinate: Allow the meat or fish to marinate for 2-3 hours if you can, but if you're in a hurry, 30 minutes will just about do it.
  • Cook and Enjoy: Cook your marinated meat or fish as desired and enjoy the bold flavours of this Cajun spice marinade.

This Cajun Spice Marinade is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavour to your meals. Additionally, it’s simple to make and incredibly versatile. Make a batch and keep it in the fridge so you're always ready to elevate your dishes with a spicy kick.

Do you have a favourite marinade recipe? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below! Moreover, don't forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes and cooking tips. Enjoy spicing up your meals!

Cajun Spice Marinade paleo recipe-min

Weird paleo google searches paleo network-min

More Weird Google Searches from Paleo Readers

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I shared with you a few months ago some of the strange Google search terms, which have landed people on this blog. Well this month there are more and I thought I’d share some of the funny ones with you. People do some really weird Google searches, don’t they?!

Weird paleo google searches paleo network-min

fish sweet plantains and baked dolphin recipe

Hmmm… dolphin recipes? I didn’t think you’re allowed to eat dolphin this side of Japan? Either way, nope – not here! How about a nice bit of salmon instead?

how to inspect the liver. lungs, heart spleen and skirt(diaphragm)

Not sure if a veterinarian, butcher or medical site would have been more helpful?

do they sell coconut oil in sydney, australia

Now this I can help with. Yes. Yes they do. Australia is quite progressive these days – you can even buy take away coffee!

breakfast recipe no egg for 80 kids

80 kids? Well unfortunately I don’t have any recipes for that many people. But maybe you could use a normal sized recipe and multiply the quantities out several times?

stoned and want a quick snack to make

I have literally no idea why this lead you to my blog? But you should probably make some avocado chocolate mousse.

dangers of almonds and red wine

Running out, probably?

will it still make a difference if i eat paleo during the week and then weekends off?

Do you really need an answer to this?

what bit is mince off a cow?

Definitely all the bad bits. Make your own.

can i go straight to stage 3 on paleo diet

There’s a stage three? Mind = blown. No one has ever mention stage 3 to me before. Is it some kind of insider secret?

what is so special about grass

Hmm… I have no idea where to start with this one.

does anybody stay with the paleo diet for more than 3 months

Definitely not. Just for the two weeks it takes to drop 6 dress sizes. Then they all go straight back to junk food. And on a similar theme…

will paleo not work if i drink diet coke

 

how many coconuts will get me 10 litres of oil

If you’re about to start making your own coconut oil for the first time, this probably shouldn't be the first question you Google?

can you eat the avocado seed

Not sure why you’d want to?

paleo before and after losing thigh fat

So specific…

paleo emergency travel vegetables

You know when you’re travelling, and you’ve forgotten to bring some veggies with you, then it’s an EMERGENCY?

cheap paleo pills

Is this those awesome paleo pills that you can take before and after eating junk food, to mitigate the effect?

low fat pailo lunches

Low fat? Low fat paleo? Is that a thing?

paleo sucks

This may or may not have been written by the people who Google searched for:

are soft drinks paleo?

and

is bread paleo

and possibly

can you have margarine on a paleo diet

We need to talk.

Any tips for our Google searchers? Help them out in the comments below!

12 reasons you should eat more kale paleo diet healthy

12 reasons you should eat more kale

I'm trying to get a lot more vegetables in my diet – particularly those of the green variety. Kale is my current favourite, it tastes a lot better than it looks and is densely packed with nutrition! Kale is a cruciferous vegetable – and in the Brassica family, but it packs far more of a nutritional punch than its other family members; cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Here are 12 reasons you should get more in your diet!

1. It’s full of flavonoids (45 different types) which have many antioxidant & anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. It’s loaded with vitamin K which is crucial for proper blood clotting

3. It also gives a good dose of vitamins A and C – in fact far more vitamin C than an orange.

4. Lots of minerals are also found, such as copper, potassium, phosphorus and manganese

5. Calcium is also more abundant in kale than it is in milk (so those myths that paleo will leave you deficient in calcium are completely unfounded)

6. Kale is a great source of sulphur – and we all know we should be eating more sulphurous veggies….

12 reasons you should eat more kale paleo diet healthy

7. It's  high in iron, essential for a good immune system.

8. Generally kale is a fairly cheap veg, so it’s great to pack out meals on a budget

9. Green fingers? Kale is a relatively easy veg to grow – and the best thing is it’s always fresh!

10. With curly kale, red kale, baby kale  and even a purple kale – you can’t get bored of it!

11. Not that we care about calories, but kale is very low in calories

12. It’s also very low fat – but don’t worry, you can rectify this by cooking it in a generous amount of coconut oil!

How to eat it?

I often just stir fry some kale in coconut oil, but kale is also great in green smoothies – and if you haven’t tried kale chips yet, you’re missing out! If you’d usually eat spinach, try swapping it out for some kale in recipes. And if your family aren't keen on it, try steaming it, puréeing it and mixing it into dishes like stews and casseroles. They’ll never know!

Kale is also great raw in salads – and it goes really well mixed in with some scrambled eggs for a nutritious start to the day.

Are you a kale fan? How do you like yours – tell me you tips in the comments below!

Why Kale Is a Top Paleo Superfood

Kale has earned its reputation as a nutritional powerhouse — and for good reason. It's loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support nearly every system in the body. In a Paleo lifestyle where whole foods reign supreme, kale deserves a regular spot on your plate.

Its high vitamin K content supports bone health and proper blood clotting. Its abundance of vitamin C supports collagen production, while vitamin A helps keep your eyes and immune system strong. And let’s not forget the wide range of minerals — from iron and calcium to manganese and copper — all contributing to energy production, detoxification, and optimal function.

Beyond its nutritional profile, kale is incredibly versatile. It can be steamed, sautéed, blended, roasted, or eaten raw — meaning it’s easy to find a way to prepare it that suits your taste and routine. If you're not a fan of the texture, try massaging kale with olive oil or lemon juice to break it down before adding it to salads.

You can even hide it! Stir finely chopped kale into soups, stews, scrambled eggs, or slow-cooked dishes. It’s a fantastic way to sneak extra greens into your day — even for picky eaters.

Whether you're aiming for more nutrients, fibre, or simple meal variety, kale is an easy and affordable way to level up your Paleo meals.

Recipe paleo Slow Cooker Chicken Coconut Veggie Stew-min

How to Make a Slow Cooker Chicken Coconut Veggie Stew

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Recipe Sticky Chilli Apricot Salmon Sautéed Sesame Collards paleo network-min

Sticky Chilli & Apricot Salmon with Greens

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11 weird unusual paleo ingredients you need to try

11 unusual paleo foods you need to try

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If you've noticed you’re eating the same few foods day after day, maybe it’s time to shake things up?! Here are 11 unusual paleo friendly ingredients to change up your diet!

11 weird unusual paleo ingredients you need to try

Kelp noodles

Who needs spaghetti when you can have these instead?

Fish eyes

Packed full of nutrition

Porcini powder

Add some of this Porcini powder into stews for a really deep flavour

Lambs necks

Cheap and a great base for a stock

Mineral Mountain Salt

So you've tried pink Himalayan and Celtic sea salt, how about mountain salt to get some different minerals into your diet?

Banana flour

I know, I know, it’s high in fructose. But if you've got a special occasion coming up, this Banana flour would make for an interesting paleo baking session!

Sweet potato flour

Another interesting ingredient to experiment with

Cricket bars

Yep, insects packed for your convenience

Aji Amarillo

Next time a recipe calls for chilli, try some Aji Amarillo instead for more of a sweet spicy flavour

Black garlic

And better still, try fermenting it

Dulse flakes

A really good way to get more iodine into your diet, but warning – they do have quite a strong flavour!

Which unusual foods have you tried lately? Have you tried any on my list – and if so – what did you think?! Let me know in the comments, below.

Why It’s Worth Trying Weird Paleo Foods

One of the biggest traps in any diet is falling into a food rut — eating the same 7 meals on repeat. But the Paleo diet is full of exciting and underused ingredients that can dramatically increase your nutrient diversity, introduce you to new flavours, and even support sustainability.

Take cricket bars, for example. Insects are one of the most sustainable protein sources available, and when processed into bars, they’re surprisingly tasty and convenient. Kelp noodles are another game-changer — low in carbs, quick to prepare, and loaded with trace minerals.

Even ingredients like banana flour and black garlic can add intrigue to your meals and give you a break from the usual Paleo staples. When you use dulse flakes or Aji Amarillo, you’re not just adding flavour — you’re adding a broader spectrum of nutrients that your body may be missing from a more repetitive menu.

Trying something unusual once a week can help you stay inspired and curious about the way you eat — which makes long-term Paleo living more enjoyable and sustainable.

Have you tried any strange or surprising Paleo-friendly foods lately? I’d love to hear your experiences — especially if you’ve cooked with anything wild or wonderful!

Recipe carrot citrus salad paleo network-min

Zingy Carrot Citrus Salad (Paleo Style)

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Recipe foaming zucchini courgette paleo network-min

Foaming Zucchini (Simple Paleo Side)

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your paleo wishlist $200 gift vouchers

If you had $2000 to spend on paleo things – what would you buy?

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What would you buy if you were given $2000 to spend on your paleo lifestyle?

Purely hypothetical, but let’s say you were given $2000 to spend on Amazon. On yourself. You’ve got half an hour to choose, before the offer expires. All those gadgets and books you’d love, but could never justify.

Instead of buying the entry model food processor, you could get the top of the range model. Instead of buying one good knife, you could buy the whole set.

your paleo wishlist $200 gift vouchers

What’s on my list?

Cooking Equipment:

A Vitamix Blender

So I've got a big standard food processor, but wouldn't you just love your very own vitamix blender?

Paleo-wishlist-vitamix-blender

An Ice Cream Maker

I’d use this once in a blue moon, so I’d never be so extravagant as to buy one. But imagine the paleo ice cream you could make in one of these?

Global Knives

I've heard good things about these knives, so I’d make sure I invested in a good set. I'm sure they’d last a lot longer than the cheap knives I have in my kitchen!

global-knives-paleo-wishlist_of_you_had_2000

Slow Cooker/ CrockPot

When I bought mine, I didn't give any thought to the size – and I've always been so disappointed with how small mine is. If I’m going to use it, why not make enough for the freezer, instead of just that night’s dinner?! So high on my list would be a much bigger model.

Fitness

Pull Up Bars

I really want to be able to master pull ups. If I had a pull up bar attached to my ceiling, I like to think I’d practice every time I walked by!

Pull up bar paleo wishlist

Kettlebells

Likewise I’d love my own set of kettlebells

Lifestyle

Grounding Mat

Now this might sound a little odd, but I’d also buy a grounding mat/ earthing sheet to make sure I always had a connection to the earth, even inside my house. Got to be a good thing for days when you’re stuck indoors

Blue Light Blocking Glasses

This might seem a little odd too, but I'm trying hard to reduce my exposure to blue light after sunset. This should really help to regulate circadian rhythm and improve sleep. As much as I try, it’s so hard to minimise all blue light – especially living in a built up area. Special orange lenses glasses like this could make a big difference.

Blue light blocking glasses

Books

There are so many paleo related books on the market at the moment (compared to only two or three a few years ago!), so I’d definitely order a few I've not yet read.

You can see the rest of my wishlist here

I’d love to see what you’d buy if you were given a $2000 Amazon voucher. So tell me in the comments – what would you buy?!

Happy 3rd birthday blog anniversary 3 years paleo network

Happy Blog Anniversary to Me!

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

Paleo Network Blog – Happy 3rd Anniversary

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

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

Happy anniversary!

Reflecting on Three Years of Paleo Blogging

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

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

Highlights From the Last Three Years

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

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

Why I Started This Paleo Blog

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

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

How the Paleo Movement Has Evolved

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

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

Reader Impact: The Real Success Stories

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

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

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

Top Blog Posts Over the Years

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

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

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

The Future of Paleo Blogging in Australia

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

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

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

What You Can Do to Support the Blog

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

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

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

Gratitude for the Community

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

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

Here’s to the Next Three Years!

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

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