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Lots of diet programs claim to be able to help us lose weight and/or stay healthy. Many are fads that won't help us achieve our goals, but some are authentic. The paleolithic diet (paleo for short) is one regimen that has been highly marketed. You may have also heard it referred to as the caveman diet or the stone age diet. That's because it was based on what its pioneers believed to be how our paleolithic ancestors gathered and prepared food.
How does turmeric fit into the paleo diet regimen? Turmeric is known for its powerful antioxidant properties, which could enhance the potential benefits of paleo recipes.
There are several forms of paleo diets, which may explain why many people achieve success. Some people focus on fatty meat, very little plant food, no dairy, and no salt. Some focus on a more even ratio of lean meat and plant-based foods. Still others stress a diet of high protein and low carbohydrates. What they all have in common is that they try to recreate how our ancesters gathered and prepared food.
Turmeric is a spice processed from the root of the Curcuma longa shrub. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric is also responsible for the bright yellow color of curry powder, a staple spice of South Asian cuisine.
Turmeric is loaded with antioxidants and may help to support the joints, aid digestion, and help support the eyes and brain.† Turmeric may even help in maintaining cardiovascular health in already healthy individuals when taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise.†
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Calories: 93
Serves 4
Boil 4 cups of water. Zest and juice lemon. In 4 mugs, evenly add tea bags, ginger, turmeric, honey and lemon.
Top each mug with boiling water, seep for 4 minutes, then garnish with dried ginger.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Calories: 294
Serves 1
In blender, add all ingredients and puree until smooth.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Calories: 382
Serves 5
Combine spices: cinnamon, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, and turmeric. Set aside.
Brown meat in 1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil, sprinkle salt, pepper and half spice mixture. Set aside.
In large skillet, heat the remaining ghee on medium-high heat, add potatoes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir for 2 minutes or until brown.
Cover skillet, lower heat to medium, cook for another 3–5 minutes or until soft. Stir midway. Uncover, add apples, kale, water/broth, cover, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Uncover, sprinkle remaining seasoning, and cook for 1 more minute.
Add browned meat to potato, stir and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from heat and serve.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Serves 4 (1 serving has 423 calories)
In large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat coconut oil on medium heat.
Sauté onion for 4–5 minutes or until translucent.
Add garlic, celery, cauliflower, carrots, and beets and sauté for 5–6 minutes to almost tender.
Add broth and coconut cream and stir until creamy. Season with turmeric, ginger, salt, and black pepper, then stir until soup looks golden. Add chicken and parsley and combine well.
Simmer on medium heat for 20–25 minutes or until vegetables are tender to preference.
Stir in kale and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove from heat, cool, and serve with garnish.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Calories: 436
Serves 4
Heat oil in large frying pan or cast-iron pan. Add onion, garlic, ginger and turmeric. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes until nice golden color is achieved. Stir often. Add coconut milk, water, lime zest, lime juice and allow to simmer.
Stir in veggies. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside.
Preheat a grill pan. Salt and pepper salmon completely. Place skin side on pan, and grill on medium heat for 5 minutes. Turn salmon. Continue grilling until thoroughly cooked.
Serve salmon and veggies.
Yields: 8
In a food processor or high-speed blender, add walnuts, oats, black pepper, turmeric and blend completely.
Add dates slowly until dough forms.
Roll into balls.
Roll each ball into more turmeric until coated.
Store in airtight container until ready to eat.
Proponents of paleo diets suggest avoiding foods such as dairy, starchy vegetables, legumes (including peanuts), grains, refined sugars, salt, and trans fats. This may be difficult for some individuals.
There are no one-size-fits-all diets. Everyone's body is different. The best thing to do before making big diet changes is to do some research and talk with your physician or nutritionist.