Paleo by Nature

Tag: comfort food

  • Easy Paleo Swaps to Stay on Track for the Holidays

    Easy Paleo Swaps to Stay on Track for the Holidays

    The holiday season is often synonymous with indulgent meals and treats that can make it challenging to adhere to dietary preferences like the Paleo diet. However, with a few simple swaps, you can enjoy the festive flavors while staying true to your Paleo lifestyle.

    Appetizers and Snacks

    1. Swap Cheese Platters for Veggie Trays
      Instead of traditional cheese platters, create vibrant veggie trays with an array of fresh, colorful vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Pair them with a homemade Paleo-friendly dip, such as guacamole or almond butter.
    2. Replace Crackers with Nut and Seed Crisps
      Instead of grain-based crackers, opt for crisps made from nuts and seeds. They provide the crunch you crave and are rich in healthy fats and protein.

    Main Dishes

    1. Use Cauliflower Rice Instead of Traditional Rice
      For stuffing or as a side, use cauliflower rice in place of regular rice. It’s easy to make at home by grating fresh cauliflower or purchasing pre-riced options from the store.
    2. Choose Zucchini Noodles Over Pasta
      For dishes typically served with pasta, spiralize zucchini to create a light and nutritious alternative. Zoodles pair well with a variety of sauces and toppings.

    Sides

    1. Opt for Sweet Potato Mash Instead of Mashed Potatoes
      Swap out regular mashed potatoes for a sweet potato mash. Enhance the flavor with coconut milk and a touch of cinnamon for a delightful twist.
    2. Select Roasted Veggies Instead of Bread Stuffing
      Instead of traditional bread-based stuffing, roast a medley of vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and butternut squash. Season with herbs like rosemary and thyme for a festive touch.

    Desserts

    1. Bake with Almond Flour Instead of Wheat Flour
      When baking holiday treats, use almond flour as a substitute for wheat flour. It provides a nutty flavor and is suitable for a variety of Paleo desserts.
    2. Choose Dark Chocolate Over Milk Chocolate
      For chocolatey treats, opt for dark chocolate with a high cocoa content (70% or more) to avoid dairy and refined sugars. Pair with nuts or berries for a satisfying dessert.

    Beverages

    1. Savor Herbal Teas Over Sugary Drinks
      Replace sugary beverages with herbal teas or infused water. Add slices of citrus fruits, fresh mint, or berries for a refreshing holiday twist.
    2. Craft Paleo-Friendly Mocktails Instead of Cocktails
      Create mocktails using sparkling water, fresh fruit juices, and herbs. This allows you to enjoy festive flavors without the added sugars and alcohol.

    By incorporating these easy swaps into your holiday menu, you can continue to enjoy festive gatherings while maintaining your commitment to the Paleo diet. These alternatives not only align with Paleo principles but also bring a fresh and healthy twist to traditional holiday fare.

  • Sweet Potato & Apple Soup

    Sweet Potato & Apple Soup

    A creamy, comforting soup perfect for cozy evenings. Sweet potatoes and apples provide natural sweetness while warming spices soothe the digestive system.

    Ingredients:

    2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped

    2 apples, peeled and chopped

    1 small onion, chopped

    3 cups chicken or vegetable broth

    1 tsp cinnamon

    1/2 tsp sea salt

    1 tbsp coconut oil

    Instructions:

    Heat coconut oil in a large pot, sauté onion 3–4 min.

    Add sweet potatoes, apples, and broth; bring to a boil.

    Reduce heat and simmer 20 min until soft.

    Blend until smooth; season with salt and cinnamon.

    AIP-Friendly Variant: Omit cinnamon if sensitive; use ginger for spice instead.

    Mindful Eating Note:
    Savor the natural sweetness and aroma — allow each spoonful to comfort and ground you.
  • 🍤 Paleo Shrimp & Cauliflower Grits

    🍤 Paleo Shrimp & Cauliflower Grits

    Southern comfort made clean and nourishing.

    This Paleo Shrimp & Cauliflower Grits recipe brings the warmth of a southern classic — creamy, buttery “grits” made from cauliflower, topped with perfectly seasoned shrimp and a hint of smoky garlic. Every bite feels indulgent, yet it’s grain-free, dairy-free, and fully paleo-approved.

    🥣 Ingredients

    For the Cauliflower Grits:

    • 1 large head cauliflower, chopped
    • 2 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
    • ¼ cup coconut milk (unsweetened, full-fat)
    • 1 clove garlic, minced
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp black pepper

    AIP Alternate: Omit black pepper and use olive oil instead of ghee.

    For the Shrimp:

    • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tbsp olive oil or ghee
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • ½ tsp smoked paprika
    • ½ tsp sea salt
    • ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)
    • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
    • Lemon wedges for serving

    AIP Alternate: Omit paprika and cayenne; add turmeric or ginger for flavor depth.

    🔥 Instructions

    1. Steam or boil cauliflower until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
    2. Drain well, then blend with ghee, coconut milk, garlic, salt, and pepper until creamy. Set aside.
    3. Heat olive oil or ghee in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
    4. Add shrimp, paprika, salt, and cayenne; sauté until pink and opaque (about 3 minutes per side).
    5. Serve shrimp over a generous scoop of cauliflower grits. Garnish with parsley and a squeeze of lemon.

    🌿 Why You’ll Love It

    • Creamy, savory, and fully paleo
    • Quick weeknight meal with comfort-food vibes
    • Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free