The Difference between Paleo Diet And Ordinary Diet
Think back to the early times of man – other than needing to run away from predators and dying of things as simple as the common cold, the paleo man (and woman, for that matter) didn’t have access to grains, salt, processed foods, colas, junk food, chocolates, tea or coffee. What he did have access to, or hunted and foraged for were fruits, vegetable (free range) meat, poultry and eggs, sea food and as well as nuts and seeds. Wild cereals were sometimes foraged for, but a find was few and far between so cereal was also not a big part of the Paleolithic diet at all. Recent evidence proves that wine, however was, for some time in the Paleolithic era, man learnt to ferment grape juice in animal skin pouches. [1]
The Benefits of Following Paleo Diet
At first glance, the paleo diet seems pretty doable – it’s a clean diet that emphasizes eating fresh, from the source and without any additional additives, preservatives or chemicals and it does help you stay fuller for longer as well as lose weight because of limited food choices. [2]This diet also raises your iron levels and helps you get plenty more phytonutrients from all the plant-based foods you consume. The downside of the paleo diet is that the absence of grains and cereal can lower your energy levels and it is also a tad expensive. If you are on a paleo diet, you also have to maintain a certain amount of physical activity; which ironically becomes difficult to do simply because you are off carbs and may be low on energy in the first place!
The Secret to Paleo Diet’s “Healthy” Label
The paleo diet philosophy is basically designed to improve a person’s health and athletic performance by taking in lean protein and high GI carbs via fruits and vegetables – the die does not lack in nutrients and can in fact raise your vitamin and mineral levels to an optimum amounts, plus give you plenty antioxidants and phytonutrients as well. Paleo snacks comprise of lean meats or protein, healthy amounts of dairy, healthy fats in the form of nuts and seeds and as many fruits and veggies you can eat! Healthy, tasty, filling and low in calories – paleo snacks make for great tidbits, even if you are not on a paleo diet! [3]
Five Savory Paleo Snacks
Crispy Brussel Sprout Chips
A vitamin rich snack that’s nutritious, tasty and filling, Crispy Brussels Sprouts [4] will please your palate and stomach in just about 50 calories.
You need: 10 Brussels sprouts, 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt To make it:
Jalapeno Pumpkin Seeds
Who says snacks have to be bland? Healthy pumpkin seeds [5] with real jalapenos with olive oil and seasonings are as healthy as they are delicious.
You need: 1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds, cleaned & dried; 3 jalapeño peppers, sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil and sea salt and paprika, to taste To make it:
No-Ritos
Have a craving for chips? Can do on a paleo diet with this crunchy, chip alternative [6] to Doritos, that uses no flour.
You need: 3/4 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup coconut flour, 1/4 cup flax seeds, 1/4 cup of butter (or ghee), 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 teaspoon chili, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder, 1 egg and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder To make it:
Rosemary Salty Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potato is a high GI food – meaning your body has to work to break it down and the energy release is slow and steady. These chips [7] are crunchy and very satisfying indeed, and as healthy as healthy can be.
You need: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled; 1tablespoon coconut oil, melted, 1teaspoon sea salt and 2teaspoon dried rosemary To make it:
Fire Roasted Red Pepper Poppers
Red peppers, bacon, chicken and fire – can’t get more paleo than this, or healthier, or yummier than this either in this recipe everyone can enjoy [8] .
You need: 2 red bell peppers, 6 strips of bacon, 1 small cooked chicken breast, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper To make it:
5 Sweet Paleo Snacks
Raw Hemp Algae Bars
A no-bake recipe [9] with healthy raw ingredients like pistachios, coconut, spirulina and hemp – this one is an easy to make, healthy and yummy snack.
You need: 1/2 cup pistachios and pumpkin seeds each, 3/4 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup hemp hearts, 1/4 cup coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon spirulina powder and 3/4 cup dates, chopped To make it:
Flourless Blueberry Espresso Brownies
Sometimes, you just need to have a brownie! But doesn’t mean you have to cheat on your paleo diet – try these flourless brownies with a coffee zing [10] !
You need: 1 cup coconut cream, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon coffee, 2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, 1 cup blueberries To make it:
No Bake Raspberry Chocolate Bars
What’s better than chocolate? Paleo chocolate, and a snack/dessert (PaleoLeap: No-Bake Almond-Raspberry Chocolate Bars)) that doesn’t need baking!
You need: 3/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1/2 cup coconut butter, 1/2 cup maple syrup or raw honey, 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder, 1/2 cup fresh raspberries, 1/4 cup dark chocolate, thinly chopped and 1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped To make it:
Gluten Free Cashew Glazed Donuts
Craving those donuts? Again, no need to cheat on your diet – here’s a really cool gluten-free recipe [11] that uses the best of ingredients to make you a snack that is so worth all the effort.
You need: 2 cups almond meal, 3/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted; 3 tablespoons honey, melted; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar and 3 eggs To make it: To make the Cashew Cinnamon Glaze: 2 tablespoons cashew butter (or smooth peanut butter if you prefer!), 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon coconut oil, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon… Melt all ingredients together in a microwave-safe bowl. When everything is melted, whisk until its super smooth. When donuts are completely cooled, dip them in halfway into the glaze. Dig in…
Dried Fruits Bars
A simple and easy to make snack, dried fruit bars [12] are great to munch on, and are bursting with nature’s goodness as well!
You need: 1 cup dried dates, pitted; 1 cup raw almonds and 1 cup dried cranberries To make it: We hope you enjoy these paleo snacks – for they are healthy, tasty and filling – even if a paleo diet is not up your alley… Featured photo credit: Eat Drink Paleo via eatdrinkpaleo.com.au
