5 DELICIOUS PALEO-INSPIRED RECIPES

Usually, I'm pretty skeptical of any fad diet, so you can trust me when I say I've done my fair share of head-shaking at some of the crazy nonsense types of paleo-diet that pops up on my Facebook feed. 

But, despite some of the peripheral silliness, I think there are some tenets of the paleo diet—such as eating only whole foods and cutting out processed junk—that are healthful and beneficial for anyone.

With the core axioms of paleo in mind, I set out to create a batch of clean, whole-food-based meals that would satisfy paleo devotees and dabblers alike. Whether you're a paleo believer or not, I think you'll really love these recipes. 

They're tasty, easy, nutritious, and fun to make!

1

 ORANGE PECAN CHICKEN SALAD

This fresh, delicious salad is so good you don't even need dressing! The bright taste of blackberries and oranges balances perfectly with the salty crunch of the sunflower seeds and the savory chicken. Eat up!

Ingredients

• Handful of blackberries (about 7)
• 1/4 cup pecans
• 1 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 1/4 orange
• 1 cup mixed dark, leafy greens
• 4 oz. chicken breast

Directions

1. Place greens in a large bowl.
2. Cut 1/4 orange into small bite-sized pieces and add to greens.
3. Top salad with the remaining ingredients and enjoy.

TIP

I think the juicy fruit and salty sunflower seeds provide enough flavor that this salad doesn't need dressing, but you could add a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar if that's more to your liking.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 serving

Amount per serving

Calories 554

Total Fat37g

Total Carbs20g

Protein36g

2

 VANILLA BUTTER COFFEE

I know, I know, butter in a cup of joe might seem really strange. I was doubtful myself—until I tried it! The butter takes some of the bitter bite out of the coffee, and the vanilla adds a little warmth and sweetness. This coffee has a thicker, more robust mouth feel, which may take a little getting used to.

Ingredients

• 1 cup black coffee
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tbsp grass-fed, unsalted butter

Directions

1. Brew a cup of black coffee to your desired strength.
2. Add 1 tsp of vanilla.
3. Add butter, stir and enjoy

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 serving

Amount per serving

Calories 64

Total Fat6g

Total Carbs0g

Protein0g

3

 CROCK POT PAPRIKA POT ROAST

I love crock pot recipes. They're just so convenient! This recipe is also super easy because it's made of ingredients you probably already have in your cabinets and fridge. If you're not a paprika fan, feel free to substitute other spices.

Ingredients

• 2-1/3 lb. pot roast
• 1 small red onion
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 8-oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1-1/4 tbsp paprika
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1-1/4 tbsp Italian spice
• Cayenne pepper, optional

Directions

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pan.
2. In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian spice, and cayenne pepper.
3. Rub pot roast with mixed spices until well-covered.
4. Place pot roast in pan and brown on all sides.
5. While meat is browning, cut onion into small slivers.
6. Place half of the onion slivers into bottom of crock pot.
7. Add just enough water to crock pot to partially cover onions, then place browned pot roast on top of the onions.
8. Add remaining onion slivers around the pot roast in crock pot.
9. In a small bowl, stir together tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar.
10. Carefully pour mixture over pot roast.
11. Turn crock pot to high and cook for approximately 4-1/2 hours.

TIP

All slow cookers are a bit different, so reference your manual and a cook-time chart if you're unsure or if your pot roast is bigger or smaller than 2-1/3 pounds.

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 5 servings

Amount per serving

Calories 305

Total Fat9g

Total Carbs14g

Protein42g

4

COCONUT ALMOND COOKIES

I was really happy with the way these turned out! The texture is amazing and the flavor is even better. Have one or two with your evening cuppa and you'll wonder how you ever got along without them.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup coconut butter, melted
• 1 cup almond butter
• 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup honey
• Chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, stir together almond flour, coconut, and baking powder.
3. Add coconut butter, almond butter, vanilla, egg, and honey. Stir.
4. Place dough in round, golf-ball-sized pieces on a baking sheet, and flatten slightly.
5. Bake cookies for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
6. Let cool and enjoy!

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Recipe Yields: 18

Amount per serving

Calories 167

Total Fat12.8g

Total Carbs10g

Protein5g

5

 DOUBLE BEEF CHILI

A good chili recipe should be a staple in everyone's kitchen. This one is particularly awesome because it's rich, flavorful, and has lots of muscle-building protein. Make a whole batch and you'll have healthy meals for an entire week!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. chicken sausage
• 2 lb. 90% lean beef
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can dark red kidney beans
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 cans tomato sauce (third can optional, if you like it more soupy)
• 1 can water
• 1 cup red wine
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 3 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tbsp Italian spice
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp cayenne pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. Brown sausage and beef, then add to a large pot.
2. Sauté onion and add to pot.
3. Add canned tomatoes and beans to pot.
4. Add carrots and celery to pot.
5. Add wine, water, and spices to the pot
6. Heat and let simmer for at least two hours.
7. Eat up!

TIP(S)

1. When choosing your tomatoes and beans, check the label for added sugar or corn syrup.
2. Get creative! Add more veggies, curry spice, or anything else you might like.
3. Leftovers taste even better the day after!

NUTRITION FACTS
Serving Size: 10

Amount per serving

Calories 380

Total Fat6g

Total Carbs32g

Protein36g