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Happy Thanksgiving paleo recipes turkey healthy

Happy Thanksgiving from The Paleo Network

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With a lot of my readers being American, I couldn’t ignore the fact that today is Thanksgiving in the USA. So if you’re American – Happy Thanksgiving – and if not – how about having your own international Thanksgiving day? It’s often quite hard to get hold of Turkey where I live in Australia, but I find it a little easier to obtain at this time of year, thanks to the American Expats who live here!

If you are celebrating Thanksgiving, how can you accommodate your guests while still keeping it Paleo? Fortunately there are several options out there that will be great for everyone, using a few substitutions to the traditional Thanksgiving menu.
Happy Thanksgiving paleo recipes turkey healthy

Substitution Ideas For Traditional (Non Paleo!) Thanksgiving Recipes:

  • Substituting bread crumbs. A lot of recipes will ask for bread crumbs when you are cooking. A good alternative to bread crumbs is crushed up pork crackling/ pork rinds. Just crush them to the same consistency as you would bread crumbs – or alternatively try ground nuts.
  • Instead of sugar, if you can, try to omit entirely. If you can’t, try a more natural sweetener, like raw honey.
  • Substitute starch with spaghetti squash, butternut squash, or acorn squash.
  • If you are planning on making a salad use a natural dressing like olive oil and lemon or lime.
  • If you’re making a dessert, a recipe may call for whipped cream. An alternative to whipped cream is chilled coconut milk – both healthy and delicious.
  • Instead of making a traditional desert, keep it simple with berries in coconut milk.

Cooking for a group of family and friends is a great chance to show case your Paleo diet – and show that eating healthy food does not sacrifice amazing tasting food.

Paleo Thanksgiving Menu Ideas

If you’re putting together a full Paleo-friendly Thanksgiving feast, there are plenty of ways to stay true to tradition without compromising on health. The key is to focus on whole, seasonal ingredients and natural flavours that don’t rely on processed shortcuts. Whether you're preparing a small gathering or a larger festive table, here are a few menu ideas to inspire your Thanksgiving celebration:

  • Starter: Roasted butternut squash soup with a swirl of coconut cream and fresh herbs.
  • Main: Herb-roasted turkey with garlic, rosemary, lemon and a side of rich homemade pan juices (no packet gravy here!).
  • Stuffing: Ditch the bread and make a delicious stuffing with pork sausage, mushrooms, celery, onion, herbs, and chopped walnuts.
  • Sides: Try roasted brussels sprouts with crispy bacon, or mashed cauliflower with garlic and ghee as a creamy alternative to potatoes.
  • Dessert: Baked cinnamon apples with chopped pecans, or a pumpkin custard made with coconut milk, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg.

By creating a festive menu from clean, whole ingredients, you’ll impress even the non-paleo guests at the table — and avoid the heavy food coma that often follows a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Entertaining Guests with Dietary Differences

Hosting Thanksgiving can be tricky when your guests have different dietary preferences or health considerations. Fortunately, many Paleo dishes are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free and grain-free, making them suitable for a wide range of dietary needs. If you’re accommodating vegetarians or people with nut allergies, consider serving a few additional dishes, such as a hearty roast vegetable medley or a coconut milk-based soup without added nuts.

It’s helpful to label dishes or let guests know which options are Paleo, nut-free, or dairy-free. If someone offers to bring a dish, encourage them to focus on a simple wholefood recipe. A fresh salad, baked sweet potatoes or a fruit platter are safe bets and pair well with most holiday menus.

Making the Day More Meaningful

Beyond the food, Thanksgiving is a chance to slow down, reflect and reconnect with loved ones. Take a moment during your meal to express gratitude — whether that’s by going around the table sharing one thing you’re thankful for, or simply acknowledging the effort that went into preparing the meal.

Gratitude is a powerful practice with many health benefits. Studies have linked regular gratitude expression with improved mental health, better sleep, stronger relationships and a more resilient immune system. Consider keeping a gratitude journal or making this simple practice a daily habit, especially as the year winds down and the festive season ramps up.

Keeping Your Energy Balanced

One of the lesser-discussed challenges of holidays like Thanksgiving is how tiring they can be — physically and emotionally. Planning ahead can make a huge difference. If you’re hosting, prepare as much as possible in advance. Roasting veggies or baking your dessert the day before frees you up to enjoy the day with your guests. Choose dishes that can be made in one tray or pot to cut down on washing up.

If you're a guest, offer to bring a paleo-friendly dish so you know there's at least one thing you can enjoy. And try to carve out a little time in the morning for movement or quiet reflection — even a 10-minute walk or a cup of tea outdoors can help you stay grounded and energised throughout the day.

Leftovers the Paleo Way

One of the best parts of Thanksgiving? The leftovers. With a bit of creativity, you can repurpose them into completely new meals that stay within your Paleo template. Here are a few ideas:

  • Turkey hash: Combine chopped turkey with sweet potato, onion, and spinach for a quick breakfast hash.
  • Stuffing-stuffed capsicums: Use leftover grain-free stuffing to fill halved capsicums and roast them for an easy lunch.
  • Bone broth: Simmer the turkey carcass with veggies, herbs and apple cider vinegar for a deeply nourishing broth.
  • Salads: Add chopped roast turkey to a bed of leafy greens, avocado, and roasted pumpkin, topped with olive oil and lemon.

Freezing some of the leftovers in small portions is a great way to stock your freezer with quick Paleo meals for busy days.

Creating New Traditions

If you’re not American, Thanksgiving can still be a meaningful occasion to gather with friends or family and reflect on the year. Starting a tradition of your own — like an annual gratitude meal, a nature walk, or even cooking something seasonal with loved ones — helps build deeper connections and creates special memories.

For Australian readers, this time of year is ideal for celebrating abundance. Local produce like mangoes, avocado, zucchini, and fresh herbs are in season, and the longer days offer more time for outdoor activities and alfresco dining. Embrace the opportunity to create a celebration that blends Paleo principles with your local environment and culture.

Final Thoughts on a Paleo Thanksgiving

Whether you're an American celebrating the holiday or simply using it as an excuse to bring people together, Thanksgiving can easily fit into a Paleo lifestyle. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can prepare a festive meal that’s both nourishing and deeply satisfying. Use this opportunity to showcase how good Paleo food can taste, share your love of whole foods, and maybe even inspire someone at your table to rethink their own food choices.

So go ahead — roast that turkey, pile your plate high with greens and root veg, and give thanks for real food, real connections, and real health. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is a time to share thanks for the blessings in your life – a worthwhile thing to do if you’re American or not. Are you celebrating Thanksgiving this year?

Halloween healthy paleo recipes

Happy Halloween from The Paleo Network!

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Do you celebrate Halloween? Like so many festivals, Halloween is heavily linked with trashy food. If you are interested in ways to have a great Halloween while still following a healthy Paleo lifestyle then read on, because I have some great ideas to help you have a fun holiday.

Halloween healthy paleo recipes

One of the things to keep in mind with Halloween is that it’s all about spending time with family and friends and having a good time – rather than the treats you can and cannot eat. I know that Halloween is a big “treat” holiday, but there are plenty of other things you can focus on to have a good time.

As far as trick-or-treating goes, you can still have fun and do that; however you want to focus on the social fun traditional aspect of it, rather than the end result of candy. Take your family out and have fun. You can have a lot of fun creating unique costumes and so this is your chance to go out and show them off. At the end of the night you can spend time with your family and make your own tasty paleo treats. Some parents offer their kids a buy back scheme – to offer cash or another reward in exchange for the junk they collected.

I was really impressed to see how one father enabled his son to join in the fun – whilst avoiding the sugar filled junk normally given to trick or treaters – see the photo below. Would you try something like this?

Paleo Diet Halloween Trick or Treat Alternative

You can make some great Paleo friendly treats to enjoy. Try spiced nuts, jerky and kale chips instead of sweets and candy.

When you buy pumpkins to carve, make sure you save the inners to make a huge batch of pumpkin soup. You can use the carved pumpkins to serve dips for veggies, instead of plain bowls.

Well there you have it! Here are some ideas for you to make the most out of your Halloween. Just remember to not focus on what the world tends to focus on, which is the sweets, lollies and candy. Focus on having a fun time with friends and family and prepare some Paleo friendly snacks in advance.

Creative Paleo Halloween Treats for All Ages

One of the best parts of Halloween is getting creative in the kitchen. You don’t need processed sugar or artificial colours to make festive and exciting treats. In fact, some of the best paleo-friendly options are made from whole foods and can be just as fun and delicious. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Mini stuffed peppers: Carve mini capsicums like mini jack-o’-lanterns and stuff them with guacamole or mashed sweet potato.
  • Banana ghosts: Halve bananas, use cacao nibs for eyes, and freeze them on sticks for a fun ghostly snack.
  • Apple monster mouths: Slice apples into wedges, spread with almond butter, and sandwich together with sunflower seeds or slivered almonds as teeth.
  • Pumpkin bliss balls: Blend dates, pumpkin puree, coconut, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to form soft, no-bake truffle balls.

These snacks are fun to assemble and even more fun to eat. They're perfect if you're hosting a Halloween party and want to offer nourishing food that still fits the spooky theme.

Low-Sugar and Non-Food Trick-or-Treat Options

When planning for trick-or-treaters, think outside the lolly bag. There are plenty of options that won’t compromise your paleo values, and they’ll stand out to kids and parents alike as a fun alternative. Here are a few ideas to consider handing out:

  • Mini boxes of raisins or freeze-dried fruit
  • Stickers, glow sticks, or temporary tattoos
  • Pencils, erasers, or small colouring booklets
  • Bouncy balls, marbles or mini puzzles
  • Homemade trail mix packed in fun paper bags (if distributing to known families)

Not only do these ideas align with a healthier lifestyle, but they also accommodate children with allergies or sensitivities. If you're part of a neighbourhood group, consider discussing a low-sugar or allergy-friendly Halloween plan with other local families. It’s a great way to create a supportive community vibe around the event.

Making Halloween Decorations Paleo-Inspired

It’s not just about food — getting into the Halloween spirit can involve crafting and decorating with nature-inspired materials. Incorporating autumnal elements like leaves, pumpkins, twigs, and dried orange slices gives your home a festive touch without relying on plastic and synthetic decor. Here are some simple ideas:

  • Spooky mason jar lanterns: Paint jars with natural pigments or wrap them in cheesecloth to resemble ghosts, then light with beeswax tea lights.
  • Gourd garlands: Thread small decorative gourds onto natural twine and hang them across your front porch or mantle.
  • Pumpkin serving bowls: Hollow out small pumpkins and use them to serve dips, nuts or fresh veggie sticks.

These decorations add an organic and earthy vibe to your Halloween and can be composted or reused once the season ends — staying in line with a more sustainable, mindful lifestyle.

Staying Active with Halloween Games and Traditions

Keeping kids and adults alike active and engaged is a great way to balance out Halloween indulgences. Instead of focusing on what not to eat, shift the emphasis to movement and play. Here are some active Halloween traditions that require no sugar at all:

  • Scavenger hunts: Set up a Halloween-themed treasure hunt with clues hidden around your home or garden.
  • Costume parade: Get everyone dressed up and go for a walk around your neighbourhood to show off costumes without the focus on collecting sweets.
  • Pumpkin bowling: Use mini pumpkins and toilet paper rolls decorated as ghosts to create a fun backyard bowling game.
  • Obstacle course: Create a Halloween-themed obstacle course using cushions, brooms, and garden tools for a fun challenge.

These games help kids associate Halloween with fun, connection and creativity rather than just sugar highs and hyperactivity.

Planning a Paleo Halloween Gathering

If you prefer to avoid trick-or-treating altogether, hosting a small Halloween gathering is a fantastic way to control the environment and menu while still making the night magical. Invite friends or neighbours and get everyone involved with Paleo-friendly food contributions, costume contests and themed games. Ideas to try:

  • A pumpkin carving station with prizes for most creative designs
  • A paleo potluck where everyone brings a spooky-themed dish
  • Storytime with ghost tales or Halloween-themed books for kids
  • Face painting or DIY costume accessories using craft supplies

This kind of celebration puts the focus on community, creativity and shared experiences — all values that align perfectly with a paleo mindset.

Final Thoughts on a Paleo Halloween

Halloween doesn’t have to be synonymous with processed sweets and artificial colours. With just a little preparation and creativity, you can fully enjoy the festivities while sticking to your healthy lifestyle. Whether it's making fun treats with real ingredients, crafting homemade decorations, or encouraging non-food traditions, Paleo and Halloween are completely compatible.

The most important thing is to reframe the celebration — from a candy-centred holiday to one focused on fun, creativity and togetherness. Your kids won’t remember the number of lollies they received, but they will remember the pumpkin soup you made together, the costumes you helped them create, and the laughs shared playing games or carving pumpkins.

So light some candles, get your costume ready, and start some new traditions. A healthy Halloween is a happy Halloween!

Do you do anything for Halloween? How do you keep it Paleo?

Paleo birthday cake recipe no flour primal fruit cake

Paleo Birthday Cake Recipe

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Who said you can't have birthday cake now you're eating paleo?

My Mum is very careful to avoid all grains and sugars, so was both delighted and horrified when I presented her with this cake for her birthday! I didn't own up to the contents until she cut into it – she hadn't been expecting to cut into a melon!

Paleo birthday cake recipe no flour primal fruit cake

Birthday Cake Ingredients:

  • A large watermelon
  • Double cream (use coconut cream if you don't do dairy)
  • Flaked almonds
  • Summer berries

Birthday Cake How To:

1) The key is in cutting the watermelon into a good shape. Cut the top and bottom off the melon (at the widest part). Cut the edge off carefully, making sure your cut is straight. There will be a lot of wastage in pursuing the perfect cake shape – so save it all for a fruit salad!

2) Whip up the cream (use coconut cream if you can't tolerate dairy) and spoon it onto the melon cake, arranging it to cover the whole cake.

3) Sprinkle the almond flakes onto the sides and top of the cake and decorate with fresh berries.

Paleo birthday cake recipe no flour primal fruit cake slice

You can also use other types of melon or pineapple – or even tier them to make a layered cake. Have you had a go at making a paleo birthday cake? I'd love to hear how you made yours!