In this fast-paced society, the least expensive and quickest foods are often the least the nutritious. Many children are eating processed and fast food often throughout the week. Our culture can make real foods seem unusual to eat.
Although many people have heard of the Paleo Diet, they believe it is difficult to implement. Just a few small changes are worth the effort to live a longer and healthier life. Although the Paleo lifestyle is not as simple as the drive-through window, it is a realistic goal with the following tips:
Organization Is Key
A major challenge people face when starting a Paleo lifestyle is having the right foods readily available to make healthy choices easier. You are more likely to stick with the lifestyle if you have your meals planned or even set aside a day each week for meal prep.
Shop Differently
Do your research on resources for high-quality foods in your area. These are grocery stores, farmers markets and butchers. Have a list of food items you need before you start shopping. Limit your shopping to the outside perimeter of the grocery store. This is where the whole foods are located. Processed foods are typically in the center of the grocery store. Although it will be difficult at first, after making it a habit, you will not feel as tempted to shop the sugary snacks and treats.
Clean Out Your Pantry
Discard all processed foods, cereals and pasta from your pantry and cabinets. You will supplement these foods with fresh and healthy foods. If you feel uncomfortable throwing these foods away, share them with a neighbor or donate any unused items.
Learn To Cook
The variety of foods to eat on the Paleo Diet should prevent you from being bored with your food choices, unlike a grain-based diet. You need to learn how to cook in order to take advantage of the foods provided by nature. You can create an endless number of appetizing dishes by using different flavors in your cooking.
Dress Up Your Food
The condiments typically found on store shelves are filled with salt, sugar and preservatives. To enhance the flavor of your own foods, make condiments yourself. You can make all your old favorites, such as salad dressing, sauces, mustard and ketchup naturally, and the results will be delicious.
Incorporate Exercise
If you only change your eating habits, you will lose weight with the Paleo diet. However, adding exercise will help you notice a difference quicker. In addition to noticing a difference in your physique and muscle tone, you will also have more energy than you would when eating a traditional diet. The combination of feeling stronger, more energetic and mentally sharp can make you feel younger overall.
Use A Support System
Find forums and groups where other people who are living a Paleo lifestyle talk about their experience. You may also find a gym where the participants are using the Paleo Diet as their way of living. It helps to learn information on the best Paleo resources and give advice to others who are attempting the same lifestyle. It can be motivating to join an online or in-person community and hear the different stories on how people have improved their life, the Paleo way.
Paleo-Friendly Sweet Treats
One of the major challenges you may face with the Paleo lifestyle is what to eat for dessert. In general, desserts have manmade sweeteners and many carbs that will spike your insulin levels. These sweets can ruin your lifestyle pans. However, there are occasions when you want to celebrate with a treat. You can fully transition into a Paleo lifestyle without making bad choices by eating Paleo desserts. Although you should avoid eating desserts after each meal, the Paleo-friendly treats can help stop your cravings from your old lifestyle.
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The following includes a list of whole foods that can be used as substitutions when you want to create Paleo-friendly treats:
Almond flour - Grinding almonds helps create a nutritious supplement for other flours. Almond flour is high in protein and ideal for making macaroons, breads, muffins and other baked items.
Raw Honey - Raw honey can be eaten directly from its source, making it a true sweetener in the Paleo lifestyle. You should use raw honey sparingly as a sugar substitute, since it is high in calories and will spike your insulin levels.
Cocoa - Unsweetened dark chocolate has antioxidants and can be used to help you stick to the dairy rules. Use natural cocoa instead of Dutch processed cocoa. The Dutch processed version does not have the same nutritional benefits, due to the processing techniques.
Pure Vanilla Extract - Pure vanilla extract is a common staple in baking. Always buy the real vanilla, not the inexpensive, imitation flavoring.
Coconut Oil - Coconut oil is a fatty acid that can be transferred directly to the liver and used for energy, instead of being stored as fat. It can help speed up metabolism by stimulating the thyroid gland. You can incorporate coconut oil to add a slight sweetness to pancakes, cobblers and other baked goods.
Coconut Milk - Coconut milk is a good substitute for dairy. Lauric acid is a component inside coconut milk that helps boost the immune system and fight viruses. You can use coconut milk in hot cocoa, eggnog, ice cream and pudding.
Nuts - Nuts are an important source of good fats that are essential for your body. Macadamias, almonds, pecans and hazelnuts are great to keep on-hand in the kitchen. You can use them to make candy, pie crusts or create your own spiced nut mix.
Frozen Fruit - Frozen fruits make an easy dessert. You can use them in smoothies or make your own homemade sorbet. Use frozen grapes or cherries as a quick snack, right from the freezer. A frozen banana can be eaten on a stick or blended for an ice cream-like treat.
If you would like to get more such recipes as well as many other Paleo recipes, then I recommend that you check out my review of Sébastien Noël’s Paleo recipe book. It contains more than 370 recipes.
This post appeared first here: Tips For The Paleo Lifestyle
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