Recently, I’ve been researching a lot on the paleolithic diet. I used to be a stickler to “moderation”, as most fitblrs are. I remember first seeing the “Paleo Diet” on tumblr, reading the guidelines and thinking, “Well this is crazy. It goes against everything I learned in school."
After doing some more research, I finally began to understand why the Paleo diet was the way it was. Paleo pointed out the dark sides of so called “healthy” and “real” foods, and introduced me to the truth of what natural foods are. Real food are vegetables, grass-fed meat, fruits, nuts, seeds, and natural oils. Real food is most beneficial organic.
Before l knew about this diet, I aspired to be vegetarian one day. I knew where I would get my proteins from: beans, legumes, nuts, tofu and other meat alternatives such as soy. Little did I know, soy is an anti-nutrient, just like wheat, lecithin, and other things we eat.
I wouldn't yet call myself an expert in Paleo partially due to lack of personal experience, and partially because I still have a few more questions to research, but I have no doubt that adapting Paleo will maximize my performance and health.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to 6 books: Paleoista, The Paleo Magazine, Paleo cookbook, Paleo Indulgences & Practical Paleo, and The Warm Kitchen. Here we go!
Paleoista
I first found Paleoista on—you guessed it—http://Paleoista.com. The book is written by a wonderful Ironman triathlete and former vegan, Nell Stephenson. If she doesn’t convince you to try Paleo, then I don’t know who will!
I enjoyed reading this book because unlike many paleo scientific books out there, written by PhD doctors and whatnot containing explicit information and vocabulary I can’t even understand, the language in this book is very easy to comprehend. It’s actually conversational! I wasn’t surprised; Nell is a fantastic blogger! Paleoista is a great read for anybody new to the Paleo lifestyle because it breaks down the diet into baby steps and helps you build a basic foundation that supports the lifestyle. It provides everything from an exemplary 2 week meal plan to a kitchen cleaning guide!
One thing this book is does not have is the science behind Paleo. For example, I think it’s important to know what effects anti-nutrient foods have on the body, and while it doesn't have to go into complex detail, a summary would suffice and as well as support empty explanations with proof.
Nell, the author, understands that the new concept of the diet can seem irrational. She acknowledges the skepticism, and I think that’s what makes her a winner. She’s a normal human being that’s been through the crazy transition period(she was once vegan, for goodness sake!) and lived to tell the tale that, going Paleo is not as crazy or difficult as it seems! Here's the guide to being the ultimate Paleoista--a fabulous, cool, I-got-everything-under-control kind of chick.
The Paleo Cookbook
Written by Loren Cordain, Lorrie Cordain, and Nell Stephenson.
Ahh, need I say more? The name itself is self-explanatory! A nice, simplistic book with a good paleo introduction and recipes consisting of more or less 6-8 ingredients(K.I.S.S.--Keep It Simple, Stupid!)
The book is anything but colorful and the pages made of recycled paper. It’s lacking photos and quality, but I think it makes the book more affordable. Besides, it’s the recipes you’re looking for, right?
The Paleo Magazine
The next book I’d like to share is the called The Paleo magazine. The magazine is available for Canada and US residents. It is unique because the magazine is focused around a type of diet; which is something I've yet to see amongst most fitness and health magazines.
Some things I liked are that they interview/feature athletes and paleolithics(aka modern cavemen/cavewomen!). It gives me a role model to follow and compare my regime to theirs and draw on new tips and ideas. The Paleo Magazine also has an advice column--I think that is very cool, considering your next question could end up on the next magazine. Each Paleo Magazine issue contains 3-5 articles on health or a paleo-related issue. For example, in the April/May 2013 issue, they talked about Adrenal Fatigue, and Paleo & Religion. I enjoyed reading about the science behind nutrition and exercise. The Paleo Magazine is quite resourceful.
One thing I didn't like was the amount of ads it consisted. A few ads are a great, but when does it become too much? I really do enjoy finding new Paleo products, but at a certain point, it becomes tiring. At least about 30% of the magazine are repetitive ads, featuring some of the same company once or twice. I’m starting to feel like they are fillers to elongate the length or add colour to the magazine. I would like to see actual content worth reading in an issue worth $7 CAN.
Even so, it certainly is hard to find a magazine quite as unique as this one, so if you have a loose budget, the Paleo Magazine is a great treat, and in my opinion, better than some of those Health Magazines out there!
Paleo indulgences & Make Ahead Paleo
Yum! When it comes to baking Paleo, it can be super challenging to find flour substitutes that doesn’t sabotage the food result. I know this because I have a hard time keeping a tasteful texture without using flour in my baked goods. Tammy Credicott ‘s Paleo Indulgences will show you how to create all natural treats while staying paleo!
The one thing inkling me is that 80% of the recipes call for maple syrup. While maple syrup is all natural, I would prefer to keep my sugar intake at an all possible low. I would have liked to see substitutions using alternative sweeteners, for example, stevia. It also has me wondering, all the maple syrup--wouldn't some recipes taste similar to others?
Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed flipping through the pages. Paleo Indulgences is useful if you’re hosting a party. With so many selections, you’re bound to please even the pickiest of guests(yes, we all know the one).
Make Ahead Paleo is downright amazing. Her chapters are so well organized and very attractive. Chapters range from "Low and Slow" to "On the Go", "Room Service" and "Travel Treats" Did I mention it has a grocery list too?. It’s one of my favourite paleo cookbooks out there, because it has beautiful appeal. Tammy Credicott certainly has a talent for taking spectacular photos. Each picture looks so yummy, I could just lick the pages!
The Warm Kitchen
There is something about the structure of gluten in baked goods we seem to like--it's that chewiness and elasticity. It's that volume. Gluten is a protein and binding agent found in multiple wheat and grains such as bread, rye, and pasta. Take Gluten away and you'll find yourself with a crumbly mess. I think it's why Cinnamon Rolls are so darn addictive!
Adapting a Gluten Free lifestyle can be hard, but Amy Fothergill's The Warm Kitchen shows gluten-free versions of your favourite comfort foods including: Mac n Cheese, Bagels, Pizza Dough, Struffoli, and Meatloaf. You don't have to completely give up your favourite dishes on a gluten free lifestyle.
Cooking Instructor Amy shows egg and dairy substitutions, alternative flour mixes, and chef tips throughout the book.
Although it's not a Paleo cookbook and certainly not low carb, The Warm Kitchen is great for those adopting a GF lifestyle. Amy will certainly warm up your kitchen. :)
**Note: All books were provided free of charge, however all my opinions remain honest.
