So many people are talking about the Paleo diet… but why? We hear things like “you’ll lose weight” , “you’ll feel better”, and even, “you’ll heal any disease or ailment you might have.” But is Paleo really the ideal diet?
I’m not trying to convince you that it’s the best diet (I don’t follow it myself). But everyone should do what’s right for their own bodies and a lot of the people I coach are asking. While research and testing is continually being done and this food phenomenon is not going away anytime soon, so why not take a peek!.
Why Paleo?
Early humans were thought to be eating fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and meat for the large majority of their time and then came the revolution of agriculture when they began eating grains and legumes. It’s thought that our bodies are not made to digest these foods (much less the overly processed foods you find lining the aisles of the supermarket).
It’s thought that the introduction of these grains and legumes have led to the rampant rise in chronic diseases including diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Is that true? Again, studies are stilling being done and you should do what is right for your body; though I would certainly advocate you cut out processed, packaged, sugary, imitation foods immediately.
So what can you eat on a paleo diet? Whole high quality foods of course!
Healthy fats like avocado and coconut oil and butters
High-quality animal protein
Lots of low starch veggies and limited amount of fruit
Nuts and seeds (remember, peanuts are legumes and kind-of a no no)
and Fermented foods like sauerkraut or kombucha
The Best Bagel
Gluten Free – Vegan – Paleo
Not quite ready to give up your morning bagel? Here’s a recipe to power you through a busy morning. We prefer it sliced and toasted to perfection, topped with almond butter and cinnamon or slices of creamy avocado.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/4 cup flax meal
3 Tablespoons psyllium husk powder
1/2 cup coconut milk
2 Tablespoons nutritional yeast
1/2 cup applesauce + 1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1/3 cup coconut oil
1 teaspoon baking soda
Pinch sea salt
*optional: add different seasonings and add-ins for different flavor varieties: garlic and onion or cinnamon and raisins. Get creative!
Directions:
Preheat the over to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Now, mix dry ingredients together in a mixing bowl. Begin to add the wet ingredients in the order they are listed and combine to form a dough.
Divide the dough into four sections (or more if you want mini bagels!). Form each section into a bagel. [or don’t and just enjoy delicious rolls!)
Bake these beauties for 25 minutes and allow to cool slightly before eating.
These may not be the exact replica of the refined, floury, preservative filled bagels you’re used to, but they are delicious and fitting for most healthy diets.
Kristine Thomas with Welli 