Make it Paleo Archives - The Paleo Network

Yesterday was the Sydney Paleo meetup group’s Paleo Barbeque. We met at beautiful Tamarama beach, where there are a couple of public barbecues, which were in hot demand yesterday! The weather couldn't have been more perfect for the barbecue, with sunshine and beautiful blue skies!

I spent yesterday morning making a few dishes from the new “Make it Paleo” cookbook, to take along to the barbecue with me.

I made the guacamole to go with some raw vegetables I cut up.

I made the barbecue sauce, which went beautifully with the organic grass fed streak I took along. This had a bit of a kick to it with the mustard and paprika and proved very popular. I’ll definitely be making this one again over the summer.

I was really excited to try the Fennel & Orange salad. The combination of the anise flavour of the fennel and the peppery flavour of the radishes made for an unusual, but very enjoyable salad.

I grated up some carrot, which I mixed with shredded coconut (I love the combination)

Finally, I roasted some seasonal vegetables which were colourful and delicious!

It was great to see such a good turn out to the barbecue – Paleo in Sydney seems to be well and truly gaining momentum. Despite a few people attending for the first time, we were an easy group to spot; as the only party at the beach without bread, crisps and junk food!

Why Paleo Picnics Work So Well

There’s something uniquely enjoyable about bringing a Paleo spread to a picnic or barbecue. Without the need for heavily processed condiments, sugary drinks, or plastic-packaged snacks, the entire event feels more intentional and connected to nature. Sharing fresh, colourful food that everyone has contributed to creates a communal experience that feels very aligned with the core values of the Paleo lifestyle — community, simplicity and nourishment.

Whether you’re planning your next outdoor feast or hosting a smaller backyard lunch, the Paleo approach makes menu planning surprisingly easy. Seasonal vegetables, grass-fed meats, and simple homemade sauces all lend themselves beautifully to this setting.

Creative Paleo-Friendly Barbecue Ideas

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next Paleo-friendly picnic or barbecue, consider adding one or two of these ideas to the mix:

Sweet potato skewers: Roast cubes of sweet potato with herbs and stack them onto skewers with capsicum and red onion for a colourful and hearty addition.
Avocado and cucumber salad: Toss avocado chunks with thinly sliced cucumber, lemon juice, and a touch of dill. Refreshing and full of healthy fats.
Lamb koftas: Made with minced lamb, herbs, garlic and cumin, these are easy to prepare ahead of time and cook quickly on the barbecue.
Paleo dips platter: Include olive tapenade, beetroot dip, and cauliflower hummus served with raw veggie sticks for a snack everyone can enjoy.

Staying Cool and Hydrated Without Sugary Drinks

Soft drinks and bottled juices are often the default for hot summer gatherings, but Paleo-friendly drinks can be just as satisfying — and far better for you. At our Tamarama event, several people brought homemade options including:

Coconut water served in glass bottles with slices of lime
Chilled herbal teas like hibiscus and rooibos, lightly sweetened with raw honey
Infused water with berries, mint and cucumber

These drinks not only kept everyone hydrated in the sun, but also added vibrant colour to the picnic table. Investing in a few good-quality glass drink dispensers or reusable insulated bottles can make a huge difference to your Paleo barbecue setup.

Managing Cross-Contamination and Non-Paleo Foods

One topic that came up during the meet-up was how to handle food safety when other groups at the park might be cooking breaded sausages or marinated meats full of additives. A few attendees shared useful tips:

Bring a spare grill plate or foil tray to create a clean surface on public barbecues.
Use bamboo skewers to keep Paleo food separate and identifiable.
Label your dishes clearly if it’s a shared event — this helps avoid confusion and lets others explore your food with interest.

It’s encouraging to see how many people at these gatherings are curious about the Paleo approach, and some even commented that our food looked “fresher” and more appealing than the typical Aussie beach barbecue fare.

What to Pack for a Paleo Beach Barbecue

To make your next event seamless, here’s a quick checklist of Paleo-friendly essentials to bring along:

Reusable plates, cups and cutlery
A cooler bag with ice bricks for fresh produce and meats
Plenty of napkins or tea towels
A rubbish bag for cleanup
A sharp knife and chopping board (you’d be surprised how often these are forgotten!)
Sun protection: hats, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen

Optional extras include a Bluetooth speaker for music, a small folding table, or even a picnic rug with a waterproof base. Being well-prepared helps you enjoy the day without stress and focus on what matters — the food and the people.

The Social Side of Paleo

One of the best things about these gatherings is the community feel. Everyone comes with different motivations — some are long-time Paleo veterans, while others are simply exploring a more whole-food approach to eating. The shared values around wellness, movement and mindful living seem to create a bond that transcends age, background and experience.

A few of us even swapped recipes and discussed upcoming events, like bushwalks, cooking workshops and urban foraging sessions. If you're looking to connect with like-minded people in Sydney (or wherever you're based), joining a local Paleo meetup group is a great way to stay motivated and make genuine friendships.

Looking Ahead to the Next Meetup

With summer just getting started, there’s plenty more to look forward to. Plans are already in motion for a picnic at Centennial Park next month, with a possible barefoot frisbee session on the cards. If you haven’t joined us before, now’s the perfect time.

The great thing about these events is their relaxed, bring-a-plate style. No pressure to impress — just good, real food and a supportive community. You’ll likely walk away with new recipes, a few new friends, and a full belly.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to stick to Paleo when the meals are shared, social and seasonal. The Tamarama beach barbecue was a perfect reminder that this lifestyle isn’t about restriction — it’s about choosing vibrant food that supports our wellbeing and bringing people together over something we all enjoy.

If you haven’t hosted or joined a Paleo barbecue yet, why not take the initiative and organise one in your local area? With a little planning and a lot of delicious food, it might just become your new favourite summer tradition.

I hope we’ll be able to have a few more outdoor Paleo meet-ups this summer – it seems so much more Primal!

I was very excited to receive a copy of “Make it Paleo” yesterday. I met Bill & Hayley at the AHS and they really were just as lovely as they seem from their blog. I've used quite a few of their recipes, so have been immensely looking forward to receiving the book. I took the book down to the park this morning to have a read through, whilst topping up my Vitamin D levels in the sunshine.

I hadn't realised how big the book was going to be! It's the size of my old Chemistry textbook – but much more enjoyable to read. As with the Primal Palate site, the book is full of beautiful photos and well over two hundred recipes. You could cook something different everyday for months on end! There's a great introduction about Bill & Hayley and lots of information about Paleo; which ingredients are good to use, different cuts of meat, useful kitchen equipment and cooking tips. I think these sections will make the book a great Christmas present for friends who have expressed an interest in Paleo, but may be a bit hesitant about diving in.

Initially, I was a bit confused at first as to why the book had so many recipes for entrées – then I remembered; that is the American word for main course!

Tomorrow is the first beach Barbecue of the Sydney Paleo meet-up group, so I've decided to make up a few things from the book to take along with me. What better testers than more Paleo people? There are lots of dips and sauces that look really good in the book, so I'm going to make up a few to dip vegetables in, and to go with the meat. I'm also going to try the Fennel & Orange salad, which I hope will be as good as it looks, I'm very curious to try that one. I'll probably make up a few other side dishes, and possibly something from the treats/ cheat section too! I bought some beautiful organic grass fed steak to put on the barbecue, so it should be a good feast.

Most of the ingredients in the book are very abundant here in Australia. I did have to visit four shops to find the Fennel, despite it usually being easy to find. I also had lots of trouble locating Chipotle, which I eventually found out is in fact American for coriander leaves (at least, I hope it is, as that is what I'll be using!) There are a couple of other ingredients I've noticed in the recipes, that might be more challenging to find in Australia, such as Jicama (which appears to be a root vegetable) and spaghetti squash; but I'm sure these can be substituted – or perhaps if you've seen them over here, you can let me know where, in the comments below?

I usually try to make something different for dinner every evening, so it's great to have a new collection of recipes to try. I'm especially looking forward to trying the Chicken & Vegetable “lo mein”, as I rarely eat Chinese food anymore (I find it usually has very un-Paleo ingredients). I very rarely cook seafood at home too, so I will take the opportunity to cook a few dishes from the seafood section. Whilst it's not strict Paleo, it's great to have a chapter on cheats and treats! The natural, grain free ingredients are a million miles away from their conventional purchased and home-made equivalents – a far better alternative for birthdays and the odd special occasion.

The recipes look straight forward and well explained. I've chosen my dishes, gathered the ingredients – but not yet tested any of the recipes. So, I need to get cooking for the Paleo barbecue tomorrow… I'll post a write up and photos of the end results! Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Make it Paleo is released next week – If you only have room for one Paleo cookbook, I don't think you'd go wrong with this one. Amazon UK currently has free shipping to Australia with orders over £25 – a great deal for a book this big.

Why ‘Make It Paleo' Is a Must-Have Cookbook for Australians

If you're following the Paleo diet in Australia, Make It Paleo stands out as one of the most comprehensive and inspiring cookbooks available. With a beautiful layout, full-page photography, and over 200 recipes, it caters to everyone – from complete beginners to seasoned Paleo foodies looking to refresh their weekly meal rotations. What makes this cookbook so relevant for Australians is how easily most ingredients can be sourced locally, despite its American origin.

Everyday Cooking with Make It Paleo

One of the strengths of this cookbook is its approachability. You won’t find complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed to prepare the meals. The recipes are simple, unpretentious, and deeply rooted in whole, unprocessed foods. Whether you're meal prepping for the week, cooking dinner for the family, or planning a backyard barbecue with friends, there’s something in this book for every occasion.

Australian Ingredient Swaps and Shopping Tips

While most ingredients translate easily into the Australian pantry, a few American-specific items may need substitutions. For example, if you can’t find spaghetti squash, try spiralised zucchini or roasted pumpkin as a low-carb substitute. Chipotle chillies might be tricky, but smoked paprika combined with chilli flakes makes a good stand-in. Jicama, while rare here, can be swapped for crisp apple or even cucumber in salads for that same crunch.

Top Recipes to Try First

Fennel & Orange Salad – A refreshing summer dish perfect for Aussie barbecues.
Chicken & Vegetable “Lo Mein” – A brilliant way to enjoy a Chinese-style dish minus the MSG and soy sauce.
Beef Stroganoff – Comfort food at its finest, using clean Paleo ingredients for a creamy, satisfying dish.
Paleo Brownies – Found in the treats section, these are perfect for birthdays or special occasions when you want a grain-free indulgence.

Meal Prepping with the Paleo Diet

Make It Paleo also lends itself well to batch cooking and weekly meal prep. With easy-to-follow instructions and familiar ingredients, you can easily prepare several meals in one cooking session. Australians with busy schedules will appreciate how adaptable many of the recipes are – portions can be doubled, ingredients swapped, and leftovers stored for quick lunches or dinners.

Outdoor Eating and Entertaining, Paleo-Style

Given our outdoor lifestyle and love for beachside cookouts, the grilling section of the book is especially appealing. Recipes like citrus-marinated chicken skewers and grilled portobello caps with garlic ghee are ideal for warm weekends or holiday entertaining. With Paleo dips, marinades, and side salads included, it’s easy to pull together a full spread that even non-Paleo guests will enjoy.

Paleo Cooking for Families

If you're trying to transition your whole household to a healthier lifestyle, this book is a valuable ally. The recipes are familiar enough for fussy eaters, yet nutritious and nourishing for adults. There are plenty of one-pot meals, slow-cooker ideas, and crowd-pleasers to help ease family members into a grain-free, dairy-free way of eating – without making separate meals for each person.

Supporting Your Local Producers

The Paleo philosophy encourages sourcing fresh, local produce – and this aligns perfectly with Australia’s thriving farmers markets and grass-fed meat suppliers. Whether you're shopping at Harris Farm, a local butcher, or your neighbourhood organic co-op, many of the ingredients listed in Make It Paleo are readily available and often better quality than what's accessible in the US. Use this book to support your local economy while fuelling your health journey.

Gift Ideas for Paleo Beginners

If you have friends or family curious about Paleo but unsure where to start, Make It Paleo makes a thoughtful gift. The introductory sections explain the basics clearly and offer helpful kitchen setup advice. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t intimidate the reader – on the contrary, it invites you into the Paleo lifestyle gently, one recipe at a time.

Final Word

From my first flick through Make It Paleo in the sunshine to cooking its recipes for the Sydney Paleo barbecue, this book continues to be a go-to staple in my kitchen. It delivers on flavour, simplicity, and practicality, and remains one of the most accessible Paleo cookbooks for Australians. If you’re looking to expand your Paleo repertoire with dishes that truly work down under, this is the book to own.

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