Paleo by Nature

Tag: aip

  • Green Goddess Avocado Salad

    Green Goddess Avocado Salad

    Bright, fresh, and nourishing — this salad balances healthy fats, fiber, and vibrant greens for energy and focus.

    Ingredients:

    2 cups mixed greens

    1 avocado, diced

    1/2 cucumber, sliced

    1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro)

    1 tbsp olive oil

    1 tsp lemon juice

    Sea salt to taste

    Instructions:

    Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

    Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; toss gently.

    Serve immediately.

    AIP-Friendly Variant: All ingredients are AIP-approved; omit lemon if sensitive.

    Mindful Eating Note:
    Notice the colors, textures, and flavors — a simple, grounding way to connect with your food.

  • Zucchini Noodle Pesto with Grilled Chicken

    Zucchini Noodle Pesto with Grilled Chicken

    A fresh, satisfying dinner that’s light yet nourishing. Homemade pesto adds flavor and healthy fats without dairy.

    Ingredients:

    2 medium zucchini, spiralized

    1 cup fresh basil

    1/4 cup pine nuts

    2 cloves garlic

    1/4 cup olive oil

    1 tsp sea salt

    2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced

    Instructions:

    Blend basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and salt to make pesto.

    Toss zucchini noodles with pesto.

    Top with sliced grilled chicken.

    AIP-Friendly Variant: Use pumpkin seeds instead of pine nuts and omit garlic if sensitive.

    Mindful Eating Note:
    Notice the fresh herbal aroma and tender zucchini — a meal that feels light, vibrant, and satisfying.
  • Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Broccoli

    Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Broccoli

    Quick. Satisfying. Irresistibly savory.

    These Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Broccoli are a paleo powerhouse — high in protein, rich in flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect for weeknights when you crave something hearty yet clean.

    🥣 Ingredients

    • 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size pieces
    • 2 tbsp ghee or grass-fed butter
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or lightly sautéed
    • 1 tbsp coconut aminos
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper
    • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

    AIP Alternate:
    Swap butter/ghee for coconut oil and omit black pepper. Add a pinch of turmeric or ginger for warmth.

    🔥 Instructions

    1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp ghee.
    2. Sear steak bites in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
    3. Lower heat to medium, add remaining ghee and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
    4. Return steak bites to the pan, toss with coconut aminos, and stir until coated in garlic butter.
    5. Serve immediately with steamed broccoli on the side. Garnish with parsley if desired.

    🌿 Why You’ll Love It

    • Perfect balance of protein and fiber
    • Naturally paleo and easily AIP-adaptable
    • Ready in minutes but feels gourmet

  • Cucumber Avocado Salad

    Cucumber Avocado Salad

    Cool, creamy, and refreshingly light — this salad is a perfect side or quick lunch.
    With hydrating cucumber, creamy avocado, and a bright citrus dressing, it’s a celebration of clean eating and simple ingredients that make you feel alive and vibrant.

    Prep Time: 10 min
    Serves: 2

    Ingredients:

    • 1 large cucumber, sliced thin
    • 1 ripe avocado, diced
    • 2 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice)
    • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or cilantro
    • Sea salt to taste
    • Optional garnish: sesame seeds or microgreens

    AIP Alternate:

    • Omit sesame seeds (if used).
    • Add a few slices of green apple for extra crunch and freshness.

    Instructions:

    1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, and salt.
    2. Add cucumber and avocado, gently tossing to coat.
    3. Sprinkle with herbs and optional garnish.
    4. Serve immediately for best texture.

    Nutrition Spotlight 🌿
    Cucumber hydrates and supports detoxification, while avocado delivers heart-healthy fats and minerals that help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins.

  • Hearty Vegetable Soup

    Hearty Vegetable Soup

    Ingredients:

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 onion, chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 carrots, chopped
    • 2 celery stalks, chopped
    • 1 zucchini, diced
    • 4 cups bone broth or vegetable broth
    • 1 tsp thyme
    • 1 tsp sea salt
    • 1/2 tsp pepper (omit for AIP)
    • Fresh parsley to serve

    Instructions:

    1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    2. Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery; sauté 5 minutes.
    3. Add zucchini, broth, and seasonings.
    4. Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer for 20 minutes.
    5. Serve topped with fresh parsley.

  • 🥘 Beef & Veggie Skillet – AIP Friendly

    Ingredients:

    • 1 lb (ground or chopped) beef (grass-fed preferred)
    • 1 small head of broccoli, chopped
    • 1 medium zucchini, sliced
    • 2 carrots, diced
    • 1 small onion, chopped (omit if sensitive; sub 1 tsp ginger or celery for flavor)
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced (omit for strict elimination phase)
    • 1 tbsp coconut aminos (optional for umami flavor)
    • 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
    • Sea salt and pepper to taste
    • Fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice to finish

    Instructions:

    1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2. Add beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
    3. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
    4. Add carrots and broccoli; cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly tender.
    5. Stir in zucchini and cook another 3 minutes.
    6. Return beef to the skillet, add coconut aminos if using, and stir to combine.
    7. Cook for another minute or two until everything is heated through.
    8. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

    💚 Chef’s Note: The coconut aminos and lemon juice replace the depth and acidity you’d normally get from nightshade spices or sauces — keeping it flavorful yet fully AIP-friendly.

  • Berry Coconut Smoothie

    Berry Coconut Smoothie

    Refreshing, antioxidant-rich, and perfect for a morning boost or post-workout recovery.

    Ingredients:

    1 cup mixed berries

    1 cup coconut milk

    1 tbsp almond butter

    1 tsp chia seeds

    Instructions:

    Blend all ingredients until smooth.

    Serve immediately.

    AIP-Friendly Variant: Use pumpkin seed butter instead of almond butter.

    Mindful Eating Note:
    Notice the vibrant color, aroma, and natural sweetness — a small ritual that nourishes and energizes.
  • Sunrise Sweet Potato Hash

    Sunrise Sweet Potato Hash

    Kickstart your morning with this vibrant, energy-boosting hash. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbs for sustained energy, while sautéed veggies and protein keep you full and focused.

    Ingredients:

    2 medium sweet potatoes, diced

    1 red bell pepper, chopped

    1 small onion, chopped

    2 cloves garlic, minced

    2 cups kale, chopped

    1 tbsp coconut oil

    1 tsp sea salt

    1/2 tsp smoked paprika

    1/4 tsp black pepper

    2 eggs (omit for AIP variant or use collagen egg substitute)

    Instructions:

    Heat coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

    Add sweet potatoes, onion, and bell pepper; cook 8–10 min until tender.

    Add garlic, kale, salt, paprika, and pepper; cook 2–3 min until kale wilts.

    Optional: Top with eggs, cooked to your preference.

    AIP-Friendly Variant: Omit eggs or use an approved egg substitute. Use sea salt and herbs instead of black pepper.

    Mindful Eating Note:
    Savor each bite slowly, noticing the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the warmth of the spices — a grounding way to start your day.
  • Modern Paleo Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide

    Modern Paleo Made Simple: A Beginner’s Guide

    Starting a Paleo lifestyle can feel overwhelming — new ingredients, new cooking methods, and a sea of rules. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Modern Paleo is about nourishing your body, restoring energy, and enjoying your meals — not chasing perfection.


    1️⃣ What is Modern Paleo?

    Modern Paleo focuses on whole, unprocessed foods inspired by ancestral diets — vegetables, fruits, meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats — while avoiding grains, dairy, legumes, and processed sugar.

    2️⃣ AIP-Friendly Adjustments

    For autoimmune-friendly needs, swap eggs, nightshades, and nuts with approved alternatives:

    Use pumpkin seeds instead of almonds

    Replace nightshades with squash or cauliflower

    Omit eggs or use gelatin-based substitutes

    3️⃣ Getting Started in the Kitchen

    Stock your pantry with essentials (coconut oil, ghee, herbs, spices).

    Start simple: choose 3–5 favorite recipes and rotate them.

    Batch cook proteins and roasted vegetables for quick meals.