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Win a Free Copy of the IQS Kids Book!

It's giveaway time!

I'm going to be giving one reader a free copy of the new I Quit Sugar Kids Cookbook!

This book is exactly what you need if you're trying to get your children eating healthily but are struggling for ideas and inspiration. In the beautiful book you'll find:

85+ fructose-free party recipes, breakfast ideas, lunchbox snacks and afternoon treats.
Handy conversion widgets, substitution charts plus a shopping list generator.
Safe sweeteners and how to use them.
Tips and tricks from experts and health-conscious parents.
Ideas to get the kids involved in cooking and growing their own food.

How To Win?

To win a free copy of this ebook* all you have to do is leave a comment below or on the facebook post with your top paleo kids idea or tip. It could be a healthy snack idea, a school lunch tip, a paleo baby weaning idea, or perhaps a fun way you've found to get your children to eat more veggies.

So what's your top idea for paleo friendly children's ideas? Leave your comment below.

The winner will be selected at random from all comments left (both on this page and on the facebook page) by midnight 27th April and I'll announce the winner on the 28th April! Good luck – and keep the tips and ideas coming!

You can find out more about the I Quit Sugar Kids Cookbook here

Why Paleo for Kids Matters More Than Ever

When it comes to children’s nutrition, the focus is often on convenience. Pre-packaged snacks, quick-fix meals, and sugar-laden lunchbox fillers dominate supermarket shelves — but at what cost? More and more parents are noticing the effects that processed food and hidden sugars have on their children's behaviour, energy levels, and long-term health. A Paleo-inspired approach is one way to bring kids back to real, nourishing food that supports development and helps lay the foundation for a healthy relationship with eating.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that Paleo is restrictive — especially for kids. But when done right, it's actually the opposite. Removing refined sugars, gluten, and overly processed ingredients creates space for a wide range of colourful fruits, quality proteins, healthy fats, and naturally sweet treats. With a little creativity, Paleo meals can become the most vibrant, fun and engaging part of a child’s day.

Creative Paleo Ideas for Kids

Need some fresh inspiration for getting your kids excited about eating healthy? Here are a few popular ideas to spark your own creativity:

Rainbow Skewers: Thread colourful veggies and fruits (like cherry tomatoes, capsicum, cucumber, pineapple and melon) onto wooden skewers. They’re perfect for lunchboxes and make eating the rainbow fun and tactile.
DIY Snack Jars: Fill mini jars with homemade trail mix, coconut flakes, dried blueberries, or crunchy veggie chips. Great for on-the-go or after-school snacks.
Banana Pancakes: Mash one banana with two eggs and cook in coconut oil for a naturally sweet breakfast or lunchbox addition. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chopped strawberries for extra flavour.
Mini Egg Muffins: Whisk eggs with grated veggies and a pinch of sea salt, pour into a muffin tin and bake. These make a fantastic protein-rich lunchbox filler or after-school snack.

These options are not only nourishing, but they also put the fun back into food. Getting kids involved in the preparation makes them more likely to enjoy what they’re eating and helps build important life skills too.

Sweet Treats Without the Sugar Crash

One of the standout features of the I Quit Sugar Kids Cookbook is the variety of sweet recipes that use only safe sweeteners. This is a huge plus for any parent trying to manage their child’s sugar intake without eliminating treats altogether.

Ideas such as avocado chocolate mousse, coconut “ice cream” made from frozen banana, and bliss balls with dates and almond meal are just a few examples of how natural ingredients can create indulgent flavours. Unlike refined sugar, these wholefood-based desserts won’t lead to mid-afternoon meltdowns or sugar crashes, making them much better for children’s energy and focus throughout the day.

Get the Kids in the Kitchen

One of the easiest ways to foster healthy eating habits in children is to involve them in meal prep. Even young kids can help wash veggies, mix ingredients, and scoop muffin batter into trays. Older children can try reading recipes, chopping soft fruits, and experimenting with their own snack combinations. When kids feel ownership over what they’ve made, they’re far more likely to try new things — even those dreaded green veggies.

The cookbook even includes guidance for growing your own food — something that can turn even the most veggie-resistant child into a tomato-loving gardener. Watching a carrot grow from seed to plate is a magical way to connect children with where their food comes from.

Lunchbox Wins

Paleo lunchboxes can feel overwhelming at first, especially when trying to navigate school rules around allergies, storage, and variety. But with a little preparation, they can be both simple and exciting:

Protein bites: Mini meatballs or grilled chicken skewers are easy to prep ahead and taste great cold.
Vegetable sticks with guacamole or tahini dip: A classic combo that’s both crunchy and satisfying.
Fruit kebabs: Just like the rainbow skewers above, these offer a sweet, healthy way to finish lunch.
Leftover dinners: Cold slices of frittata, roasted root veggies, or even grain-free pizzas make amazing lunchbox additions.

Getting organised with a weekly lunchbox planner or batch-cooking snacks on the weekend can take a lot of stress out of weekday mornings. A little prep goes a long way.

Have You Entered Yet?

If you haven’t already, don’t forget to leave your best Paleo kids tip in the comments below or on our Facebook post. Whether it’s a recipe hack, a fun way to sneak in more veg, or a trick for navigating birthday parties — your idea could help another family, and you’ll go in the draw to win a copy of the fantastic I Quit Sugar Kids Cookbook.

This digital book is filled with more than 85 wholesome, kid-friendly recipes, plus expert tips, substitution charts, and tools to help you take the guesswork out of healthy cooking for your little ones. Whether you’re already well into your Paleo journey or just looking for ways to clean up your family’s eating habits, this guide offers practical, fun and truly delicious solutions.

Let’s make nourishing food exciting for the next generation — and have a bit of fun along the way!

*Please note that this is a digital book – I'll send the winner the file which can be read on any computer or ereader device

Homemade Moisturiser Recipe skincare paleo-min

Paleo Skincare – Homemade Moisturiser Recipe

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Everyone loves to pamper their skin, and in the colder months a moisturiser can be especially useful help prevent dry, flaking skin caused by cold winds and heating. Unfortunately the many commercial brands of moisturiser seem to come with so many added chemicals. Moisturisers often have harmful chemicals such as parabens added in order to preserve the life of a product. When you’re being so careful to have a clean, natural Paleo diet – the last thing you want to do is let these chemicals soak into your skin.

You can use coconut oil on your skin, but if you’re after something a little different, you might like to try making a homemade moisturiser.

The following recipe uses natural ingredients only and is designed to be kind and gentle to the skin, while also nourishing it through all of the seasons. Once set, this moisturiser is harder and firmer than traditional moisturises and can be used as a balm for the lips, elbows and any other areas of the skin with dry patches.

Natural skin moisturiser

Ingredients:

28g (1oz) of Shea Butter
21g (0.75oz) of cosmetic grade beeswax
20 mls of vitamin e oil, wheat germ oil or almond oil
Essential oils:
For greasy skin ad 10 – 20 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil
For dry skin add 10 – 20 drops of lavender or geranium oil
For sensitive/combination skin add 15 – 20 drops of camomile essential oil
Storage jar

The more oil added, the stronger it will smell so add the oils gradually first and build up to the desired strength.

NB: Be careful when making this as the beeswax can get very hot; take care not to get it on your skin.

Add the Shea butter to a saucepan and melt it on low on an oven ring or melt in the microwave. Once it has melted, give it a stir and then add the beeswax. Melt the beeswax either on an oven ring or in the microwave. Mix the Shea butter and beeswax together and then add your oil. Stir in your chosen carrier oil and then add the essential oils.

Once it has all blended together, add the mix to a small glass jar. Be careful not to touch the sides of the jar as it will be extremely hot. Leave it in its place to cool down. It is probably best left until the next morning.

Once ready the mixture can be used like a salve to soften skin and moisturise.

NB: Pregnant women should take medical advice before using essential oils.

Paleo Breakfast Recipe: Haddock Omelette

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Kombucha Recipe

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Kombucha is a fermented tea drink that is full of good bacteria – so great for your digestive system. It's really easy to make too…

Ingredients: –

• 3 litres of distilled water
• 125g Sugar
• 4 tea bags (try Pekoe, Oolong, Black or Green)
• Kombucha mushroom (also known as a Scoby) – buy this dehydrated or find a friend who can give you some!

Kombucha Method: –

1. If your Scoby is dehydrated, rehydrate it (this may take some time)
2. Boil water and reduce to a simmer; add sugar and tea bags.
3. Steep the tea for a few minutes, remove the tea bags and leave the tea to cool to room temperature
4. Add to Scoby and cover the container (but make sure it isn't air tight)
5. Leave the mixture for five days to a month somewhere warm (not in direct sunight)
6. It's up to you when it's ready to drink! Either test for a pH of 2.6 – 4.0 with testing strips, or try it! The longer it brews for, the lower the sugar content.
7. You can use the film that has developed on top of the liquid to cultivate a new Scoby.

Why Kombucha Fits Perfectly in a Paleo Lifestyle

Kombucha has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. For those following a Paleo lifestyle, it offers a naturally fermented, gut-friendly beverage that not only supports digestion but is also free from preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and additives commonly found in commercial soft drinks. As a naturally effervescent drink, it provides a satisfying alternative to sugary carbonated beverages, without straying from Paleo principles.

The Gut Health Connection

One of the most important benefits of Kombucha is its positive impact on gut health. This fermented tea is teeming with probiotics — beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy balance in your digestive system. When your gut is functioning optimally, it supports nutrient absorption, immune health, and even mental clarity. For those transitioning into a Paleo diet, Kombucha can be a gentle way to encourage digestive resilience, particularly as your body adjusts to a different macronutrient profile and fewer processed foods.

Flavour Variations and Add-Ins

Once you’re comfortable brewing your basic Kombucha, the real fun begins with custom flavouring. During the second fermentation stage, you can add all sorts of Paleo-friendly flavourings:

Fresh ginger and turmeric for an anti-inflammatory boost
Berries such as raspberries, blueberries or strawberries for a fruity twist
Lemon and lime slices for a citrusy zing
Herbs like basil or mint for a refreshing finish

To do this, once your Kombucha has finished its initial fermentation, pour it into sealable bottles, add your flavourings, and ferment for another 2–4 days. Always be sure to burp the bottles daily to avoid excess pressure build-up.

Common Mistakes When Brewing Kombucha

Even though brewing Kombucha is simple, there are a few common mistakes worth avoiding:

Using metal containers or utensils: Kombucha reacts poorly with metal, which can damage your Scoby and affect the flavour. Always use glass or BPA-free plastic.
Adding the Scoby to hot tea: Ensure the tea is fully cooled to room temperature before introducing your Scoby. High temperatures can kill the beneficial cultures.
Sealing the container airtight: Your brew needs air to ferment. Cover with a breathable cloth secured with a rubber band, not a lid.
Not tasting as you go: Kombucha develops a more vinegar-like taste over time. Taste every few days to stop the fermentation at your preferred flavour balance.

Is Store-Bought Kombucha Paleo?

Not all Kombucha is created equal. While many store-bought varieties offer convenience, some contain added sugars, flavourings, or preservatives that aren’t ideal for a strict Paleo diet. Always read labels carefully — the best store-bought Kombucha contains only tea, sugar (which is consumed during fermentation), water, and natural flavourings or juices.

However, even when buying from reputable brands, brewing your own gives you the most control over ingredients, taste, and cost.

Can You Drink Too Much Kombucha?

While Kombucha is beneficial, moderation is key. Drinking too much can result in digestive upset, especially if your body isn’t used to fermented foods. For most people, around 100 to 250ml per day is a safe and beneficial amount. It’s also important to monitor your own tolerance, particularly if you’re new to fermented foods or have a sensitive stomach.

Storing Your Scoby Between Batches

If you’re taking a break between brews, don’t worry — your Scoby can be stored safely. Simply place it in a clean jar with a few cups of Kombucha from your last batch (called the starter liquid). Cover it with a breathable cloth and keep it at room temperature. This is often called a “Scoby hotel.” It can last for weeks or even months, as long as the liquid doesn’t evaporate too much or become contaminated.

Fermentation Safety Tips

Always inspect your brew for signs of contamination, such as fuzzy green, blue, or black mould. While strands or brown patches on your Scoby are normal, mould is not and the batch should be discarded if mould is present. Using clean hands and sanitised equipment for every batch is essential for keeping your brew safe and effective.

Beyond the Beverage: Other Uses for Kombucha

Once you’ve fallen in love with Kombucha, you might be interested to know it has uses beyond drinking. Some enthusiasts use well-aged Kombucha as a vinegar substitute in salad dressings or marinades. Others have experimented with Kombucha as a hair rinse or even a facial toner, though you should do your own research before trying topical uses.

Join the Fermentation Movement

Fermenting your own Kombucha is more than a recipe — it’s a rewarding and empowering process. It reconnects you with traditional food practices and allows you to take full ownership of your health. It’s also an enjoyable ritual and a great entry point if you’re looking to explore other fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi or coconut yoghurt.

If you're already brewing Kombucha or just getting started, share your experiences and favourite flavour combos in the comments below!

Have you tried Kombucha? I'd love to hear what you think of it – and if you make it in the same way I do?

It Doesn’t Get Much More Paleo Than Kangaroo…

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I've started to eat Kangaroo regularly since I began my paleo lifestyle. Since Kangaroos aren't farmed in Australia, I know I'm getting free range meat from animals that have been eating a natural diet. Also, in Australia at least, Kangaroo meat is a cheap very accessible meat – which is a great help in offsetting the cost of more expensive free range meats.

Fillet cuts of Kangaroo are widely available in Coles and Woolworths as well as local butchers. Loin and rump cuts are also stocked in some places. Whilst there are many pre-marinated and processed kangaroo products available too – avoid those and make your own!

Why Kangaroo?

Kangaroo is lean & rich in protein, making it a great protein component of a paleo meal.

For a quick and easy Aussie Kangaroo dinner, make some plum sauce using 4 fresh large plums, remove the pits and add to a blender with 2 garlic cloves, a chunk of fresh ginger, a squeeze of lemon, the juice of an orange and a sprinkling of onion powder, nutmeg, mustard and pepper. Once blended transfer to a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for a few minutes. Meanwhile barbeque your kangaroo to medium-rare perfection, then serve with your delicious home-made plum sauce.

The Nutritional Benefits of Kangaroo Meat

Kangaroo meat is not only affordable and sustainable, but it’s also packed with nutrients that make it an ideal protein choice for those following a Paleo lifestyle. One of its most notable characteristics is its exceptionally low fat content — usually under 2%, depending on the cut — while still being rich in high-quality, bioavailable protein. For those focusing on lean gains or trying to manage fat intake without sacrificing nutrients, kangaroo is an outstanding option.

Kangaroo is also a great source of:

Iron: Essential for energy, cognitive function, and oxygen transport throughout the body.
Zinc: Important for immune health and tissue repair.
B12: Vital for red blood cell formation and nervous system health.
Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA): An anti-inflammatory fatty acid naturally found in grass-fed meats, which may support fat loss and heart health.

Because kangaroo isn’t farmed, it isn’t exposed to antibiotics or artificial feed — making it a superior choice to many commercially raised meats.

Sustainability and Ethics: A Truly Eco-Friendly Meat

One of the most compelling arguments for eating kangaroo is environmental. As a native species, kangaroos have evolved with the Australian landscape and do not require irrigation, grain, or feedlots. They produce far less methane than cattle or sheep, and they have soft-padded feet that do less damage to topsoil.

In regions where kangaroo populations are high, controlled harvesting also plays a role in land management and conservation. Unlike factory-farmed animals, wild kangaroos live natural lives in their natural habitat — and when sourced legally and responsibly, the meat is a more ethical option compared to industrial farming practices.

Cooking Tips for Kangaroo

Because kangaroo is so lean, it’s important not to overcook it. Medium-rare is the sweet spot, as the meat can quickly become tough if left on the heat too long. Searing on a hot barbecue or pan is ideal, especially when followed by a short rest time to let the juices redistribute.

Here are a few simple ideas for incorporating kangaroo into your Paleo meals:

Stir-fry: Thinly sliced kangaroo fillet with broccoli, capsicum and mushrooms, cooked quickly in coconut oil and seasoned with tamari, garlic and fresh chilli.
Kangaroo meatballs: Mix ground kangaroo with almond meal, egg, garlic, oregano and salt, then bake or fry until cooked through.
Grilled kangaroo skewers: Marinate cubes of kangaroo in olive oil, lemon, rosemary and garlic, then thread onto skewers with zucchini and onion for the barbecue.

Pairing Kangaroo With Paleo Sides

Kangaroo pairs well with a wide variety of Paleo-friendly vegetables and sides. Because of its rich, gamey flavour, it stands up well to bold accompaniments like roasted root vegetables or smoky grilled capsicum.

Some great pairing ideas include:

Sweet potato mash with garlic and olive oil
Chargrilled asparagus with lemon zest
Cauliflower “rice” sautéed in ghee with fresh herbs
Balsamic-glazed beetroot and rocket salad

A good sauce can elevate the dish further — think blackberry reduction, native pepperberry seasoning, or a classic Paleo chimichurri with parsley, garlic and olive oil.

Using Ground Kangaroo in Everyday Meals

Minced kangaroo is a budget-friendly and versatile option available in most Australian supermarkets. It can be used anywhere you would use beef mince, but with a leaner profile and more intense flavour.

Try it in:

Paleo taco bowls with lettuce cups, avocado and tomato salsa
Stuffed capsicums baked with a tomato and herb sauce
Kangaroo Bolognese over zucchini noodles
Shepherd’s pie topped with mashed cauliflower

When cooking with ground kangaroo, be sure to add a little fat like coconut oil, tallow or ghee, as it contains less natural fat than beef or lamb.

Meal Prep With Kangaroo

For batch cooking or meal prepping, kangaroo is a fantastic protein to keep on rotation. You can cook a large piece of fillet, slice it thin and add it to salads or vegetable-based bowls throughout the week. It’s also great cold, meaning leftovers never go to waste.

A few ideas for pre-prepared kangaroo meals:

Kangaroo salad jars with roasted pumpkin, rocket, cherry tomatoes and macadamia oil dressing
Egg-free kangaroo patties served with steamed greens
Kangaroo stir-fry boxes with cauliflower rice, bok choy and sesame seeds

Trying Kangaroo Outside of Australia

If you’re outside of Australia, sourcing kangaroo might require a bit more effort, but it’s often available through online exotic meat suppliers or high-end butchers. In New Zealand and parts of Europe, frozen kangaroo is becoming increasingly common due to its sustainability profile.

When buying kangaroo internationally, look for:

Vacuum-sealed cuts labelled as wild-harvested
Fillet, loin or ground meat for the most versatility
No added sauces or marinades (to keep it Paleo)

Final Thoughts: Kangaroo as a Paleo Staple

Incorporating kangaroo into your Paleo diet is not only a nutritional win — it also supports ethical eating, local produce, and environmental sustainability. Whether you’re firing up the barbecue or throwing together a midweek stir-fry, kangaroo is a versatile, affordable protein that deserves a regular spot on your plate.

So next time you’re browsing your local butcher or supermarket, grab a cut of roo and give it a go. You might just find it becomes your new favourite go-to — one that’s 100% Paleo and proudly Australian.

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