As a society, we are always on the lookout for the next big thing when it comes to our health and wellbeing. One of the latest trends to hit the scene is the Paleo diet. This high-protein diet is based on what our ancestors would have eaten thousands of years ago before agriculture and processed foods came into play.
While some may scoff at this way of eating, there is no denying that it has its benefits. Studies have shown that a Paleo-style diet can lead to weight loss, improved blood sugar control, and better digestion.
One of the key components of this way of eating is protein. Our Paleolithic ancestors relied heavily on meat as their main source of sustenance. So if you’re looking to incorporate more protein into your diet while also adhering to a Paleo lifestyle, here are some delicious recipes that will help you do just that!
1) Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
What’s more Paleo than a juicy steak? This recipe takes things up a notch by adding an herb-packed chimichurri sauce that perfectly complements the grilled meat.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb flank steak
– Salt and pepper
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves
Directions:
1) Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2) Season steak generously with salt and pepper.
3) Grill steak for about 5 minutes per side or until desired doneness.
4) While steak cooks, make chimichurri sauce by blending garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, parsley, and oregano in a food processor until smooth.
5) Let steak rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with chimichurri sauce drizzled over top.
2) Paleo Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles
Spaghetti and meatballs may not be on the menu for Paleo eaters, but this recipe gives you all the same flavors without any of the carbs. Plus, zucchini noodles are a fun and healthy way to switch things up.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/4 cup almond flour
– 1 egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper
– Olive oil
– 3 large zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
– Marinara sauce (look for one without added sugar)
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 375°F.
2) In a bowl, mix together ground beef, almond flour, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3) Form mixture into about 12 meatballs.
4) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown meatballs on all sides (about 8 minutes total).
5) Transfer meatballs to a baking dish and bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked.
6) While meatballs cook in the oven, use the same skillet to sauté zucchini noodles until just tender.
7) Serve zucchini noodles topped with marinara sauce and meatballs.
3) Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Thighs
Bacon makes everything better – including chicken thighs! This recipe is easy yet flavorful thanks to the smoky bacon wrapping around each piece of chicken.
Ingredients:
– Boneless skinless chicken thighs (enough for however many people you’re serving)
– Salt and pepper
– Garlic powder
– Smoked paprika
– Slices of bacon
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400°F.
2) Season both sides of each chicken thigh with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3) Wrap each piece of chicken with a slice of bacon, tucking the ends underneath.
4) Transfer wrapped chicken to a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until cooked through.
4) Paleo Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is a classic lunchtime staple, but it’s often loaded up with mayo and other less-than-healthy ingredients. This Paleo version swaps out the mayo for avocado and adds plenty of fresh veggies for crunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 cans tuna, drained
– 1 ripe avocado
– Juice from 1/2 lemon
– Salt and pepper
– Diced celery (as much as you like)
– Diced red onion (as much as you like)
– Chopped fresh parsley (as much as you like)
Directions:
1) In a bowl, mash together tuna and avocado until mostly smooth.
2) Stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, diced celery, red onion, and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3) Serve on top of mixed greens or stuffed into lettuce cups.
5) Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Asparagus is already delicious on its own – but add some bacon to the mix? Game over. This side dish couldn’t be simpler or more flavorful.
Ingredients:
– Asparagus spears (however many you’re serving)
– Slices of bacon
Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400°F.
2) Wash asparagus spears and trim off woody ends.
3) Wrap each spear with a slice of bacon.
4) Transfer wrapped asparagus to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5) Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until asparagus is tender-crisp.
In conclusion…
Eating Paleo doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor – these recipes prove that! With plenty of protein-packed options at your fingertips, there’s no reason not to give this way of eating a try. Who knows? You may just end up feeling like a caveman (or woman) in the best possible way.
Leave a Reply