Coconut & Lemon Salmon

I love salmon but sometimes I get sick of eating it the same old way and I miss sauces. So I decided to try this recipe and see how it went. And I really enjoyed it! Another successful Paleo recipe.

Serves 4

4 Salmon Fillets
1 small can coconut milk  (160ml)
1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Rind of 1 lemon
Salt & Pepper
Juice of half a lemon

Place salmon fillets in an oven proof dish and season with salt, pepper and dill.
Grate the lemon rind over the fish.
In a bowl mix the lemon juice and coconut milk together and pour over salmon.
Place under a preheated grill for about 30 minutes until the fish is almost cooked through and the sauce is bubbling.
Let rest for 2/3 minutes before serving with or without the sauce.

Lamb Meatballs and Paleo "Pasta"

Autumn is most definitely here and the windy cool weather and shorter evenings are beginning to advance.

Autumn for me means hot soups, casseroles and stews. Ultimate comfort foods! 

I can't wait to get stuck into some new recipes and I think I deserve some baked good next week as I refrained from baking this week. 

Anyway, this recipe is very easy and nothing fancy, but it proves that even good family favourites can be Paleo-ised to keep the whole family happy! 

Ingredients: 

For the Meatballs: 

To make 8 large meatballs (to serve 3/4 people) 

1lb of minced lamb (or other meat)

1 large egg

Sat & pepper

1tbs fresh rosemary

1 tbs fresh thyme

1 tbs dried garlic

3 tbs olive oil

For Meat Pasta Sauce:

2 tbs olive oil 

250g plum tomatoes, chopped

100ml of water 

3 tbs tomato puree

1/2 red pepper, chopped. 

1 onion, chopped

4 x garlic, chopped

2 tbsp dried Italian Herbs

2 tbsp fresh basil 

Salt/Pepper

Directions: 
To Make The Meatballs: 

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl (except oil) and form into meatballs. 

Place in the fridge until needed.
To Make The Sauce: 

Heat the oil in a pan and add the garlic and onions, stir for 3-4 minutes until just translucent. 

Add the chopped tomatoes, peppers and water and bring to simmer.
Simmer until the tomatoes begin to break down. 

Add the puree, herbs, salt and pepper and sugar.
Bring to simmer and reduce heat.
Cook for 25-30 minutes on a low-medium heat until the tomatoes have broken down.
Check for seasoning. 

In the meantime add remaining oil in another large pan and add the meatballs. Brown on all sides. 

Add the tomato sauce to the pan with the meatball, bring to the boil, reduce to simmer and cover. 

Cook for 25 minutes or until the meat is cooked through. Check regularly and add more water if needed. 

Serve with courgette pasta (shred 1-2 courgettes and steam for 2 minutes before serving) 

And that is it! A guaranteed family favourite! 

The Breakfast Baffle

From my experience, when trying to convince friends and families of the merits of the Paleo Lifestyle, the one area many struggle with is breakfast.

Breakfast to most non Paleo people is made up of oats, processed, sugary cereal, toast and juice. Sounds healthy right? WRONG! Unfortunately all of these foods are a recipe for raised blood sugar as they convert to sugar, and quickly. Long term this can lead to insulin resistance and fat storage.

I understand this is quite hard to swallow, mainly because we have been taught that cereals like Special K are power food and the best thing you can eat for breakfast. But its true, we have been lied to!

Instead of eating this processed crap, you need to change your attitude to breakfasting and think differently about your first meal of the day. Most people choose to break their fast immediately on waking, while others decide to wait until later on to do so. Either is fine, unless you have endocrine issues and you should avoid skipping breakfast in order to help balance blood sugar levels. Don't just skip breakfast to save time. If you are not hungry on waking that is fine, wait up to an hour, but do not allow yourself to get ravenous.


Now its time to speak FOOD! There are a number of options open to you. Many people love to have eggs and bacon, in their many forms, and I admit, on more chilled out mornings when I have time, I love to cook up a storm for breakfast. Eggs - fried, boiled, poached or an omelette are so convenient and delicious! And don't forget the bacon as a treat! I usually add an avocado and some veg like tomatoes, asparagus or mushrooms. Fried breakfasts without the guilt?! Where could you go wrong?! Add a grain free sausage for a treat or a slice of Paleo Bread!

But what about the days when you are fed up of eggs and bacon?! (Yes it does and will happen!) Dont despair, there are other options! How about making a batch of Paleo muffins like these ones for days you are rushing or wanting something sweet? They freeze very well and can be thawed as needed. Or how about cooking up some "egg muffins" - mix together 6 eggs, red pepper, spring onions, salt, pepper and chopped bacon and pouring into muffin tins? Cook until set and you have handy egg breakfasts in a jiffy with just the need to reheat.

Still miss your oats? Mark's Daily Apple has a now infamous No Oats Oatmeal which might just hit the spot! I have never tried it but it appears to be very popular! If you try it let me know what you think!

Of course if you think of breakfast in the same way a Caveman would, you wouldn't have any hangups about the type of food you ate! Cavemen by their very nature ate what was available to them. This meant eating meat, fruit, root vegetables or whatever they had leftover from their latest kill. To replicate this you could eat whatever you have leftover from dinner the night before. Leftover salmon, steak or chicken with leftover veggies is as Paleo as you get and pretty delicious! The protein and nutrients will more than keep you feeling full and ready for the day!

Smoothies are another great way to eat on the go while filling up on nutrients! Make a smoothie from fruit, berries, banana, almond or coconut milk and veggies such as spinach. Add fats/ protein like flaxseed, avocado or nuts to slow down absorption of those fruit sugars.

I hope I have given you some ideas on what to eat for the most important meal of the day. Breakfast should be delicious, nutritious and easy. But don't forget it doesnt have to take on the usual form! Be imaginative and creative and enjoy!