When our friends Elizabeth and Nick invited us to their house for an evening of Patriots and Paleo (aka watching the Patriots game and eating Paleo-friendly foods), Mal and I were all about it. We’ve been having a lot of fun experimenting with new Paleo recipes and we love he loves football, so were really excited to get together with our friends for the evening.
Mal and I found a few potential Paleo recipes online, but when we were at Whole Foods yesterday, we stumbled upon a delicious-sounding recipe for Creamy Spinach Dip. It wasn’t 100% Paleo because it included cannellini beans, but the rest were Paleo-friendly and nutritious, so we decided to give it a try.
The Creamy Spinach Dip was easy to make, but the flavor was actually pretty bland, so I added one teaspoon of salt and one tablespoon of minced garlic to it, which livened it right up. The jalapenos also gave it a spicy kick!
When we arrived at Nick and Elizabeth’s condo, we were greeted with an amazing spread of food.
Holy yum!
Listen to the menu that Elizabeth and Nick prepared: Gazpacho, Paleo sushi (hollowed cucumbers stuffed with sliced turkey and avocado), cantaloupe wrapped in prosciutto.
Shrimp ceviche.
And wings! Who knew Paleo was so delicious?!?
I also enjoyed a Paleo margarita that Nick mixed up with lime juice, agave nectar, and tequila. It tasted so fresh. No sour mix here!
I pretty much stuffed my face last night. Everything tasted so delicious, and I was starving! Here’s a pic of my first place. I probably filled it up 4 or 5 more times!
These guys enjoyed a few bites of Paleo food, too!
Breakfast
I woke up with pancakes on the mind, so I whipped up a new recipe to add to my list of Protein Pancakes.
These pancakes include three eggs + three egg whites as well as coconut flour, so they’re packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied for hours and hours.
Paleo Protein Pancakes
Ingredients:
- 3 eggs
- 3 egg whites (or 3/4 cup liquid egg whites)
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together ingredients.
- Preheat a skillet (medium-low heat), spray with non-stick spray, and pour in batter while shaping it into a pancake with a spoon.
- Heat until partially cooked and flip pancake.
- Once cooked through, top with syrup, nut butter, fresh fruit or anything else your heart desires.
Makes 6-8 pancakes
Just a quick note about this whole Paleo thing. I’m not doing the Paleo diet in the traditional sense. I am, however, using aspects of it to clean up my current diet. I want to eat more fruits and veggies as well as more lean protein and healthy fats. I also want to reduce the amount of processed, refined “bad” carbohydrates in my diet, but I still plan to consume whole grains, beans, dairy, and booze.
Question of the Day
What do you think of the Paleo diet? Have you tried it? Would you? Has a diet ever shaped the way you eat?
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I’ve been on Paleo a few times before and absolutely love how it makes me feel! While I cannot stick to it 100% (Some foods are just impossible to make Paleo and taste up to par!), I do try to stick to it most of the time or follow it strictly when I’ve had a few days of not to healthy eats. Just after eating Paleo to two days or so, I feel back to my old self!
@Maria: this is me exactly! I do about 80-90% paleo meals and sometimes have bowl of kashi or a slice of bread with butter…but overall i feel much less bloated.
I’m trying to do something similar to what you’re doing actually – make a few more paleo meals and just eat a lot more lean proteins and veggies!
I’ve never tried the paleo diet but I’m always looking for ways to clean up my diet by cutting out processed foods and refined sugars. I’m interested to see how it goes for you!
Also, I love the idea of the cucumber sushi, how creative!
@Lindsay @ Running the Windy City: I’m totally on board with Lindsay…I’m interested to see your progress and continue with the yummy recipes…but I’m not sure I can give up my morning oatmeal! I want to try the cucumber sushi too!
I’ve never tried the Paleo diet but I think I like carbs too much to do it!
Looks like an awesome spread! I’ve never tried the Paleo diet but its definitely intriguing to me!
I’ve been trying to cut down on excess sugars lately and focus more on greens and lean proteins. I honestly don’t know much about Paleo, but if it’s anything like that spread you guys had at the game, I’d be on board!
I lost all my weight on a semi-modified version of Paleo, and I definitely felt great while doing it. Then I started long-distance running and fell back in love with carbs. And beer.
I started the Abs Diet for the New Year (seriously the most do-able “diet” I’ve ever tried), and I have been more “in tune” with my body the past couple of weeks. I LOVE it! I need to do some more research on Paleo since I’m relatively unfamiliar with it, but it sounds great!
Yum! Paleo friendly margarita? Count me in
What’s the recipe?
@Corinne: hey corinne! Search for the nor-cal margarita. That’s a paleo margarita!
@laura: thanks laura!
liking the pancake recipe… enjoy your sunday!
I just joined crossfit and was a little put off by the talk of Paleo at first. I am a runner, and do not eat meat, aside from fish, so I am not sure it would work for me. I like that you are not jumping right into it, and just kind of experimenting with some of the recipes for now. Once I start doing crossfit more frequently, I will definitely consider some of these recipes as a good way to get some extra protein in.
I’ve been hearing a lot about Paleo lately and have been intrigued. However, I don’t think I could ever go full Paleo. I love my carbs too much. I’m not interested in a diet to lose weight but it might be a nice way to clean up certain food habits that I have right now.
I enjoy carbs too much for Paleo but glad the diet is working for ya!
I eat fairly paleo, I feel so good eating this way and since I can’t eat gluten anyways it’s not that much more of an adjustment for me. It just makes the most sense to me and I’ve done a ton of reading on it and believe in its principles.
I don’t think eliminating anything is the way to go. I find when I say I need to cut something out of my diet completely I get cravings and want to eat everything, especially what I’m supposed to have eliminated. . I eat my whole grain carbs earlier as opposed to later in the day and feel as strong as ever. I don’t go nuts with sugar, but I do have treats when I want really them. Personally, I’m not a paleo fan. At least not the strict definition of the diet. Why would oats and whole grains be forbidden!?!?
I’m with you Marty! I don’t see the need to eliminate fruits, legumes, whole grains, etc. Those are usually the things we promote with healthy plant-based diets.
It’s interesting to me, but too meat heavy for me. Plus, I feel really run down if I don’t eat enough carbs.
I do full Paleo since it help with my autoimmune disease symptoms. I love it!!
@ALI: @ALI: can you explain how it helps? i have an autoimmune disease as well, never heard of paleo as helping. curious..
@rebecca: @Elizabeth: it’s all about reducing inflamation… read “the paleo solution”, explains it all!
Send me an email at ali@engincoach.com to talk more, but essentially autoimmune disease can largely be attributed to food particles that your immune system sees as a toxin slipping through gaps of the intestinal lining. When you stay away from gut irritating foods (gluten, dairy, grains, etc.) the walls get stronger, and less particles slip through- thus helping the autoimmune response not be so reactive. I have noticed HUGE changes!!
@rebecca: Send me an email at ali@engincoach.com to talk more, but essentially autoimmune disease can largely be attributed to food particles that your immune system sees as a toxin slipping through gaps of the intestinal lining. When you stay away from gut irritating foods (gluten, dairy, grains, etc.) the walls get stronger, and less particles slip through- thus helping the autoimmune response not be so reactive. I have noticed HUGE changes!!
That ceviche looks amazing!
I am vegan so of course my response is going to be biased that way, but this diet sounds almost identical to Atkins: low carb, high fat, high protein. I understand that the sources are more natural but it still carries all the dangers of animal protein and high fat like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, etc. The Atkins diet does work for losing weight but it is well known that it is toxic to your body. I would highly encourage you to read The China Study, The Food Revolution, Eat to Live, Crazy Sexy Diet, or watch Forks Over Knives before continuing on this diet and I truly think it is not the best for your health.
@Meg: An interesting note about The China Study (and the subsequent movie, Forks over Knives): the original research basically tested a high protein diet, and found that it caused/lead to cancer in lab animals. However, they didn’t assess whether it matters what KIND of protein it was (plant versus animal). The only conclusions you can actually make is that high-protein may not be healthy. I’m not sure a lot of people know that! I have eagerly been awaiting a follow-up study where they assess different sources of protein, but it’s never been done.
@Nikki:
I thought that in one of the books I read that it did assess this and found that plant protein did not produce the same effects as animal protein. I’ve read so many they all blend together in my head but I thought they mentioned it in Forks over Knives too. Either way, it’s obvious from the study that animal protein is horrible for our bodies. Most experts say that 10% protein is plenty so that’s what I stick with – all plant based.
@Meg: Hmmm. you very well may be right. I actually haven’t read The China Study, but I read the journal articles that the book is based off. They may have come to broader conclusions than the individual studies. I feel the same way about what I read – so much of it blurs together!
I don’t believe in any diet that cuts out major food groups for the sake of “nutrition”. Our bodies have evolved significantly since the time of the Paleo diet and I truly believe that we are designed to eat all the major food groups because each gives us unique nutrition we can’t get elsewhere. Additionally, the idea that a naturally occurring food, like beans or whole grains is somehow bad for you is complete and total propaganda for whatever diet is promoting the idea. The only reason to cut out food groups (meaning the healthy ones, i’m not saying you should gorge on sugar because its “natural”) is if you are allergic to them.
@Liz: Amen! Perfect and truest response here.
I definitely agree with both Ann & Jenn! I don’t really understand the cutting dairy and legumes or even whole grains. The problem with whole grains is that they usually processed into something that doesn’t resemble their natural state and/or other unnatural things are added (bread & pasta). I like that Paleo makes you focus on natural foods, but I think it should be a balance of natural foods including legumes, dairy, and minimally processed grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice, etc.)
I certainly choose non dairy alternatives in cases where the alternative has more nutrients to offer such as almond milk vs. cows milk. However I see nothing wrong with something like greek yogurt because it’s a high source of protein and has a lot to offer (as long as it’s high quality greek yogurt with no fake stuff added!)
It will be interesting to see how Paleo will be viewed a few years from now. When the Atkins diet was hot everyone thought it was great, but now there are far more skeptics. Is Paleo just another gimic? Only time will tell I suppose!
@Holly K.: I’m definitely interested to see what we think of the Paleo diet after 10 years of research! I’m with you guys and tina that any “extreme” can be bad, but the paleo lifestyle has taught me how to really make veggies much more of a priority and put grains at the least. As Michael Pollan says, “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants”
@Liz: I totally agree. Basic food groups should not be eliminated in any diet–especially if it is whole grains or beans. Moderation people! I understand trying a “diet” like that for a little while, but really, how sustainable is it anyways? This is just another diet fad that will pass. Promise
But, I think it IS great to focus on whole foods in general (and not cut any out–if you’re not allergic). Reducing white sugars/flour and other packaged food is commendable, but when you take out an entire food group (whole grains?! seriously!? Didn’t we already do the low-carb thing?!), disastrous long term consequences could appear.
Basically, a fun/cool idea (Paleo), but so not what our bodies were meant for. Grain is the staff of life, and so to cut that out could cause imbalances and other medical issues (unless told to do so by a doctor, of course).
@Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife: Yes, its all about moderation! Don’t get me wrong, I love my sweets, but I just don’t eat them all day long every day. I’m also very wary of any diet that is sponsored by a fitness group, such as crossfit. In general, I don’t like crossfit because I feel it encourages people to work out way past their comfort level and exercise irresponsibly. I’ve seen so many of my friends get serious injuries because the coaches care more about people working to the point of illness rather than focusing on true strength and form. Additionally, its insanely expensive and touts diets such as this Paleo thing. If someone is getting paid to support a diet…I generally stay away.
Yes, CrossFit does push its members to work out of their comfort zone, but not ALL CF boxes encourage people to exercise irresponsibly. My CF box, for instance, is very serious about form and making sure that no one gets injured. In fact, we spend a portion of EVERY class focusing on proper form (using light-weight PVC pipes) before we even pick up the weights. And when we finally do start lifting, our coaches watch us like hawks to make sure we’re doing the exercises the right way. I’m sure there are some gyms that aren’t this responsible, but you really shouldn’t categorize CrossFit as a whole this way.
As far as the Paleo diet, I’m curious to know who you think is paying CrossFit to sponsor and support it?
@Tina: I’m not saying that all CrossFit is bad, I just know its not for me, or for anyone that I’ve known to have tried it. As for the Paleo diet, I don’t think that CrossFit gets paid to support it per say, but I find it very suspicious that every I know who has gone to CrossFit goes in with a normal diet and within 3 weeks is touting the Paleo diet. I’ve never seen that kind of eating conversion with any other fitness craze and friends who have done CrossFit said that their coaches were very vocal about promoting the Paleo diet, encouraging their clients to spend good money on the Paleo books, cookbooks, etc. Do I know if they are being paid for this? No. Do I find is suspicious and in keeping with my negative opinions of CrossFit? Yes
@Tina: I dont think CrossFit can be “sponsoring” Paleo since it doesn’t have a founder like traditional diets. I think it makes sense that since all CrossFit members have (relatively) similar fitness goals, they thus eat (relatively) similar things. I don’t really like Paleo, but to me, the progression makes sense and isn’t malicious or odd.
@Liz: I have never thought about it, but you’re right! It’s definitely suspicious, every trend is generated by money …
@Liz: Totally agree! It definitely doesn’t seem like a healthy lifestyle. Maybe a quick fix to lose weight or build muscle but not something long term.
@Liz: the problem is that most grains and legumes have been genetically modified to be super growing and usually only one species of grain. That is why the lesser popular grains like farro and buckwheat are starting to get a little more attention. I actually find that most of the propoganda is coming the wheat industry itself telling you that you NEED 45g of whole grains for breakfast…
@ilovefetacheese: I don’t think I said anything about eating 45g of carbs for breakfast. I’ve also never heard that particular recommendation from any group, wheat industry or government. I agree that sound ridiculous. My point is that cutting out entirely food groups is unhealthy. No one can tell you what is best for your body, and it makes me very uncomfortable to read a healthy living blog that advocates, or even supports in part, diets of such extreme standards. That being said, I’ve seen blogs written by registered dietitians that heavily feature some of the most unhealthy foods under the sun (palm fruit oil, hydrogenated oils for cooking, etc) so I recognize that no blog is a perfect representation of health.
@Liz: for real, I totally agree with you. I think that its highly personal and just depends on how you react to foods i.e. food allergy.
My point about the whole grains wasn’t really directed at you, so I hope it didn’t seem attacking…its more about my frustration with the agriculture system in the USA. The 45g I was referring to was from a commercial for Quaker Oats squares cereal which boasts that it has 48g of whole grains in one serving. That is “96%” of the daily suggested value. So I guess my point was that its so easy to go over the recommended value of whole grains but they industry is definitely encouraging it and saying you NEED to get in those grains. I frequently see food bloggers posting 80g+ grain breakfasts and that scares me because its almost like an opposite extreme (unless you’re carbo loading for endurance cardio etc).
Really though, I agree with you – moderation is key in all situations. Not trying to stir the pot, I just have a firm interest in all things nutrition
@ilovefetacheese: coincidentally, that cereal is like crack for me, i can eat the whole box in one sitting. SO GOOD.
@ilovefetacheese: Totally agree with you, moderation in all
@Liz: Liz, I love this post and the whole thread! I like that Paleo focuses on real/whole foods, but what is ”fake” about beans and grains?? But hey, bloggers sure love to jump on trends, even if it’s low-carb-in-disguise!
I’ve never tried it, but the foods you guys had all look delicious!
cool! I need to try that pancake recipe!
Coconut flour pancakes are incredible! I do not follow a paleo diet per se either, but I to think there are a lot of aspects of it that we should live by. It’s definitely a clean whole food diet and I think it leads into giving us a great basis for the macronutrients we need.
Wow all the food looks great..loving the spinach dip and those cucumbers stuffed with avocado. I have tons of avocados right now that all got ripe at once. That’s a good idea!
One of the things I like about you and your blog is the fact that you don’t *diet*. After many years, (like so many people) of dieting that didn’t work, I have spent the last several years learning how to eat. Some times I do better than others at keeping my meals healthy, and by that I mean lean meats, protiens, whole grains, fruits, vegs and minimizing processed/packaged foods, restaurants, etc. I have decreased my sugar intake HUGELY from several years ago, but still enjoy it as part of my diet. I also like wine and cocktails. I do not like any “labeled” diets (including Vegetarian/Vegan) because I think they can defeat people by giving them “good” and “bad” foods. And if they eat a “bad” food then they start to feel bad about themselves. That just isn’t good, imo. I go with Michael Pollan’s advice: “Eat Food. Not too much. Mostly Plants.” At least, that’s what I’m working on.
I definitely don’t know enough about it to make any judgement. I don’t think I could ever do it to the full extreme because I do think a balance of nutrients and food groups is so important. I totally support cleaning up your diet though. I’ve been eating more meat then I used to but also more veggies recently but not Paleo by any means!
Those protein pancakes look delish. Definitely going to have to try. I usually use almond flour as a sub for protein powders in a lot of my recipes but it looks like I should try experimenting with coconut.
I don’t know anything about the paleo diet, but that certainly looks like a healthy and delicious spread of snacks! The new WW plan has certainly boosted my fruit intake, since all fruits are now “free.”
This is the THIRD grain-free pancake recipe I’ve seen this week…meaning it’s about high-time for me to eat some pancakes.
I could never do it. I can’t eat meat, although it would help me in the sense that I can’t eat gluten or some other grains anyway.
I tried paleo for about two weeks. I made some amazing chili and a great squash/veggie dish… but then I started feeling like i was going to have a heart attack, so I went back to some healthy grains and I felt less like death.
hahah “I felt less like death”. My roommate and I are both nutrition students in grad school. I’m a vegetarian, and she’s Paleo. We hardly eat any of the same foods!
My husband and I started Paleo January 3rd and are committed for a month. I had done something similar last year and felt really good eating a majority of plants, but this time around it’s not making me feel as good. I think its a good concept to not weigh or measure your food and only eat when you’re hungry, but I find myself still eating too much. It has made me try out some new recipes, including meatballs, apple stuff pork chops and tomato soup is on my list to make later today. Are you 100% Paleo right now?
@Emily: No, I don’t do diets. I’m using aspects of Paleo to clean up my current diet.
@Tina: I think you will find that most people who eat Paleo, don’t see it as a diet, but as a lifestyle.
There are some REALLY amazing paleo websites out there. A few to check out:
http://www.theclothesmakethegirl.com
http://www.whole9life.com
http://www.nomnompaleo.com
http://www.cavegirleats.com
I transitioned to paleo last year, I probably at about 90 percent paleo, and that is how it worked for me. I never considered it a diet. I considered it a revision of what I thought was healthy eating. Most people who truly suscribe to paleo dont do it for a quick fix, and maybe those who do start that way, continue with it, once they realize how amazing they feel, and how much better for you eating that way is. I was paleo until I got pregnant, when ironically cooking meat and eating vegetables made me gag in my first trimester. I am now 24 weeks pregnant, and ready to be fully paleo again.
I don’t know enough about the Paleo diet – but I know a lot of people who do it and definitely find it to be a sound concept from what I know of it. And if you can eat those pancakes on it? I’m in
yummo – what a delicious dinner spread!
Still not too sure about the paleo diet. It doesn’t sound like a lifestyle kind of diet. More like a fad
Everything does look delicious though.
I have not heard much about the Paleo diet but now I am intrigued to learn more about. Those pancakes look really good! I imagine you could make several and keep them refrigerated and grab one or two to go in the morning if you are on the run.
I’ve been primal for about 9 months now, and its awesome. Similar to paleo but WAY more sane in my opinion
I have been able to go dairy free, but don’t think I could do the Paleo diet. There are too many healthy options that I would have to give up.
But, I would love the exact recipe of those paleo margarita’s!
I am super jealous that you have friends that like to try new foods and diets. It makes life so much fun!
I don’t eat strictly paleo, but I do own several paleo cookbooks. I find that the recipes are a great way to add more protein and veggies to my diet. I just supplement my meals with additional whole grains. I also eat greek yogurt and I have oatmeal for breakfast most mornings. I have switched to alternative “milks” (almond and coconut) because my stomach does much better with them.
It would be impossible for me to follow Paleo – fruits and legumes are a big part of my diet. I’ve been following a plant-based diet since September and haven’t had any issues. Although for the first month, I really wanted a cheesy omelette!
I am honestly still on the fence about Paleo. I can understand how it might make you feel great, have more energy, etc. But I just don’t know if I could do it 100% (as most of the people who are commenting here). I am learning/researching and making some paleo recipes (like your “oats!”) but have not gotten there completely yet…
I actually had to google more about the Paleo diet as I was not familiar with the method or strategies so to speak. I don’t think I could do it 100% although there are parts I could incorporate & focus on if trying to feel more energized overall.
Was primal first then transitioned to paleo. I had mentioned paleo as an eating option when the colitis flared up.
I’m not sure what the “nutrients” are people think they are missing if they give up grains as grains are quite nutritionally empty. You can get all the fiber you need and then some from veggies and fruit, and of course, fruits and vegetables have far more vitamins/minerals/phytos/antioxidants. Even elite endurance athletes, those on earth most likely to “need” grains for energy, are moving away from them.
Eating carbs for pleasure, is another story, but as a source of nutrients, not so valuable.
That said, I am not a fan of Cross-Fit. Anytime anyone is encouraged to lift heavy —”FOR TIME”—I see a recipe for disaster. Along with a bazillion reps of the same movement, which seems tedious and to what end…muscle strain??? I’m also not a fan of the Cross-Fit is GOD and all other fitness pursuits are sh*t mentality that seems to take hold.
@Lolly: At my CF box, all of the heavy lifting takes place separate from the WOD and it is not done “for time.” In fact, our coaches encourage us to take our time on the lifts to ensure proper form and adequate rest.
Interesting point about the bazillion reps. I never thought of it like that.
I’m trying to move that way. I don’t do well when I make big sweeping changes, so at this point I’m trying to eliminate gluten and add in more fruits and veggies. Next step is to move off of processed foods.
I love that idea for cucumber “sushi”!
I could never follow the Paleo diet because I love grains and dairy too much! Plus I don’t think it’s healthy to omit entire food groups like that. But different strokes for different folks.
that shrimp ceviche looks SO good!! well- all of it does! YUM!
What exactly is the Paleo diet? I’ve heard it mentioned before but I’m not sure what foods are okay and which are off-limit. From what I’ve heard, it involves a lot of meat, so as a vegetarian, I’m pretty sure it wouldn’t work for me
@kate@Kate:
Here is an overview of Paleo.
http://chrispconstantlyvaried.blogspot.com/2010/02/how-to-live-long-101.html
It was be harder as a vegetarian, but you are probably do some of these things already.
I love the 100 words of crossfit, and try to model my lifestyle after them, but I also love wheat and long, easy runs. I think it’s all about finding a balance.
“Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat. Practice and train major lifts: Deadlift, clean, squat, presses, C&J, and snatch. Similarly, master the basics of gymnastics: pull-ups, dips, rope climb, push-ups, sit-ups, presses to handstand, pirouettes, flips, splits, and holds. Bike, run, swim, row, etc, hard and fast. Five or six days per week mix these elements in as many combinations and patterns as creativity will allow. Routine is the enemy. Keep workouts short and intense. Regularly learn and play new sports.”
I’m starting a 6 week Crossfit Paleo challenge tomorrow, and I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m already gluten-free, so I’m hoping it won’t be too treacherous, especially since I love oats and yogurt so much. I just want a kickstart to the new year. I’ll do my best, but if I can’t live without oats, then so be it.
i am super interested in crossfit! i’ve been wanting to do it for awhile but i’m away at college all year. i was going to try it over break, but i’m on the rowing team at school and injured my lower back in september and i’m JUST recovering now…I’m used to lifting heavy–squats, cleans, snatches, bow jumps, kettle bell work, bw pull-ups ect…but i haven’t done it in a while and i’m afraid of trying to lift heavy again…do you find that there is a lot of strain on your lower back during your workouts?
also, found this cutie on pinterest (the bane of my existence haha) and thought you’d enjoy!
http://www.thefancy.com/things/237595289/Thug-Pug-%7C-Flickr—Photo-Sharing!
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