These Popular Lifestyle Choices are Both Based on the Philosphy That We Should Eat Like Our Ancestors
Today it’s hard to pass by a book store, magazine rack or flip through your TV channels without coming across the latest diet and lifestyle trends. More recently you may have seen the words Paleo and Primal being tossed around. So what’s the difference?
Well, first let’s start with a similarity. Both the Paleo and Primal lifestyles are based on the philosophy that if we eat the way our ancient ancestors ate, we will be much healthier. Why? Because unlike us, our ancestors lived prior to an agricultural revolution that took place 10,000 years ago, and thus they did NOT eat foods that were processed and difficult to digest.
They ate whole, real, nutrient-rich foods, the way nature intended.
While the two lifestyles are based on this common philosophy, they do differ in the types of foods that are allowed to be eaten with each.
The below chart, courtesy of savingdinner.com sums up the differences and similarities between the Paleo and Primal lifestyles:
So as you can see, the Paleo diet in its original form above is a bit stricter, advocating much cleaner and more basic meals, while the Primal diet allows foods like occasional fermented dairy, saturated fats and legumes.
Which one is for you? Well, that’s up to your comfort level! But one thing is certain, regardless of which one you choose, eating a much cleaner diet like our ancestors is definitely a great way to embrace better health!
The next time you’re in the kitchen, honor your ancestors clean eating habits with one of these delicious Protein-and-Veggie recipes:
Grilled Flank Steak with Pineapple Salsa
Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients
1 lb Five Star Flank Steak
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp ground chipotle
1 can pineapple slices (or slices of an organic pineapple)
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 medium lime, juiced
Instructions
• Prepare the grill, or turn the broiler on high.
• Mix oil and chipotle powder together in a small dish.
• Brush onto both sides of the steak.
• Grill for around 5 minutes on one side, and 3 more minutes on the other. Or, broil 3 minutes on one side, and 2 minutes on the other.
• Remove to a plate, cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
• Grill the pineapple rings for 2-3 minutes per side (or broil for 45 seconds to 1 minute per side).
• Cut the pineapple into small chunks and place in a medium bowl.
• Add red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro and lime juice and mix together.
• Slice the steak thinly, and serve with pineapple salsa.
Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Garlic and Cumin
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
1 lb Five Star boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp cumin
2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
wooden skewers
Instructions
• Slice chicken breasts length-wise into 3 or 4 strips each.
• Combine crushed garlic, cumin, sesame oil and sea salt in a bowl.
• Place the chicken into the spice mixture and coat each piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (may marinate overnight).
• Just before dinner time, prepare the grill and soak the skewers.
• Pierce each slice of chicken breast with a skewer.
• Grill until fully cooked.
Lemon Garlic Herb Salmon
Makes 4 servings
Ingredients
3 oz. Butter or Ghee
1 tsp course sea salt
Zest of 1 Lemon
1 tbsp fresh Parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh Dill, chopped
1 Garlic Clove, minced
Dash of white pepper
4 Five Star Salmon Fillets, about 4-5 oz. each
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except for salmon in a small bowl and melt in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Stir until combined.
- Place the salmon fillets on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Using a pastry brush, coat the salmon with the lemon herb butter, evenly spreading it over the tops of each fillet.
- Bake in an oven preheated to 400 degrees on the top or second to top rack for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Alternately the fish can be broiled on medium/high on the second to top rack for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. This method will give you a bit more crunchy, caramelized crust.
Have you gone Paleo or Primal (or a combo?)
Do you use Five Star foods to make the recipes?
Tell us about them!
