What do you think?
Rate this book
Practical Paleo: A Customized Approach to Health and a Whole-Foods Lifestyle
Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Food & Cookbooks (2012)Our great-grandmothers didn't need nutrition lessons—then again, they weren't forced to wade through aisle after aisle of packaged foods touting outlandish health claims and confusing marketing jargon. Over the last few decades, we've forgotten what "real food" is—and we're left desperately seeking foods that will truly nourish our bodies. We're disillusioned with the "conventional wisdom" for good reason—it's gotten us nowhere.
Achieving optimal health without calorie-counting, diet foods, or feelings of deprivation has never been easier. Practical Paleo explains why avoiding both processed foods and foods marketed as "healthy"—like grains, legumes, and pasteurized dairy—will improve how you look and feel and lead to lasting weight loss. Even better—you may reduce or completely eliminate symptoms associated with common health disorders!
Practical Paleo is jam-packed with over 120 easy recipes, all with special notes about common food allergens including nightshades and FODMAPs. Meal plans are also included, and are designed specifically to support:
immune health (autoimmune conditions)
blood sugar regulation (diabetes 1 & 2, hypoglycemia)
digestive health (leaky gut, IBS & IBD)
multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndromethyroid health (hypo and hyper - Hashimotos, Graves)
heart health (cholesterol & blood pressure)
neurological health (Parkinson's & Alzheimer's)
cancer recovery
fat loss
athletic performance
a "squeaky-clean" Paleo approach
Practical Paleo is the resource you'll reach for again and again, whether you're looking for information on healthy living, delicious recipes, or easy-to-understand answers to your questions about how a Paleo lifestyle can benefit you, your family, and your friends.
Achieving optimal health without calorie-counting, diet foods, or feelings of deprivation has never been easier. Practical Paleo explains why avoiding both processed foods and foods marketed as "healthy"—like grains, legumes, and pasteurized dairy—will improve how you look and feel and lead to lasting weight loss. Even better—you may reduce or completely eliminate symptoms associated with common health disorders!
Practical Paleo is jam-packed with over 120 easy recipes, all with special notes about common food allergens including nightshades and FODMAPs. Meal plans are also included, and are designed specifically to support:
immune health (autoimmune conditions)
blood sugar regulation (diabetes 1 & 2, hypoglycemia)
digestive health (leaky gut, IBS & IBD)
multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndromethyroid health (hypo and hyper - Hashimotos, Graves)
heart health (cholesterol & blood pressure)
neurological health (Parkinson's & Alzheimer's)
cancer recovery
fat loss
athletic performance
a "squeaky-clean" Paleo approach
Practical Paleo is the resource you'll reach for again and again, whether you're looking for information on healthy living, delicious recipes, or easy-to-understand answers to your questions about how a Paleo lifestyle can benefit you, your family, and your friends.
416 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
710 people are currently reading
8,828 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
August 5, 2013
I didn't think this book was very practical at all. Sure, it has some good information, but nothing you can't figure out in 30 seconds by Googling "Paleo."
The recipes seemed extremely time consuming and expensive. I'm a full time wife, mom and student. I don't have 4 hours to shred zucchini noodles while marinating hand-caught salmon in a sauce of dandelion pate and unicorn sparkles.
I really liked that all the recipes had pictures though. That was a very nice touch.
*Edit: After the very passionate person below had a heart attack regarding my review, I decided to give this book another chance. It doesn't deserve one. The recipes it has are still not practical. But my main problem with it this time is actually the lack of recipes.
Instead of giving you tons of recipes, it gives you tons of meal plans. Which... okay... that sounds like a great idea at first glance. But the thing is there are TWELVE different meal plans and most of them repeat the same meal several times. Why are there 12? That is overkill.
I'm not impressed with this book or its militant defenders. I much prefer "Everyday Paleo" and "Well Fed Paleo." Now I'm out $10 because I couldn't listen to my first instincts.
The recipes seemed extremely time consuming and expensive. I'm a full time wife, mom and student. I don't have 4 hours to shred zucchini noodles while marinating hand-caught salmon in a sauce of dandelion pate and unicorn sparkles.
I really liked that all the recipes had pictures though. That was a very nice touch.
*Edit: After the very passionate person below had a heart attack regarding my review, I decided to give this book another chance. It doesn't deserve one. The recipes it has are still not practical. But my main problem with it this time is actually the lack of recipes.
Instead of giving you tons of recipes, it gives you tons of meal plans. Which... okay... that sounds like a great idea at first glance. But the thing is there are TWELVE different meal plans and most of them repeat the same meal several times. Why are there 12? That is overkill.
I'm not impressed with this book or its militant defenders. I much prefer "Everyday Paleo" and "Well Fed Paleo." Now I'm out $10 because I couldn't listen to my first instincts.
October 31, 2012
After studying up on Paleo (or whatever label you wish to use) through various books, websites, and podcasts, I'm glad to have found a "one-stop" resource that both verbally and visually explains the science in a clear, understandable way; provides guidance on special conditions and considerations; and also contains a bunch of tasty recipes that follow the guidelines (And also easily point out which recipes are good for which conditions). You can read my full review here: [...] or simply take this review (and the countless other (deservedly) raving reviews to heart. Practical Paleo is a comprehensive resource for all -
Whether you're new to paleo/primal/realfoods or have been practicing it for a long time, this book and the "guides" inside can help you...
- better understand why you're eating what you're eating
- continue to eat well while traveling or dining out
- identify what is going right and what is going wrong in your body and how to go about fixing it with nutrition
- better explain the science and rationale behind a paleo diet to your friends and family
- stick to your plan with the use of the tear-out guides in back
- identify which "general" paleo-approved foods are best for your individual condition or health goals (overcoming autoimmunity, improving athletic performance, fat loss, relieving digestive distress, and more)
- create delicious recipes that meet your nutritional needs! I only wish there were more!
Bonus: The author is so kind and accessible via Facebook, Twitter, and her Balanced Bites podcast, so if you have any questions, you'll get an answer!
Whether you're new to paleo/primal/realfoods or have been practicing it for a long time, this book and the "guides" inside can help you...
- better understand why you're eating what you're eating
- continue to eat well while traveling or dining out
- identify what is going right and what is going wrong in your body and how to go about fixing it with nutrition
- better explain the science and rationale behind a paleo diet to your friends and family
- stick to your plan with the use of the tear-out guides in back
- identify which "general" paleo-approved foods are best for your individual condition or health goals (overcoming autoimmunity, improving athletic performance, fat loss, relieving digestive distress, and more)
- create delicious recipes that meet your nutritional needs! I only wish there were more!
Bonus: The author is so kind and accessible via Facebook, Twitter, and her Balanced Bites podcast, so if you have any questions, you'll get an answer!
December 2, 2012
If there's one book everyone should own to understand diet, nutrition, and health, this is it!
I've been following Diane's recommendations for over 2 years now, since long before she wrote a book. Her advice is sound, common sense backed by real science. Having read a significant number of Paleo/Primal books, from Gary Taubes to Robb Wolf and Mark Sisson, I find Diane's writing to be much more approachable for the common person. The title really does say it all. She has written a practical guide to eating a real foods diet based on ancestral biological evolution. Sean Croxton puts it plainly enough, "Just Eat Real Food", yet Diane explains exactly what that means.
The first section of the book is a basic introductory guide to health, well-being and nutrition with an excellent primer in metabolism and digestion. Part two provides a variety of meal plans covering issues like thyroid health, MS & fibromyalgia, cancer recovery, athletic performance, and several others. Part three is total food porn. Over 100 recipes of simple to make, absolutely delicious meals all laid out with explicit direction, ingredient lists, and notated for both the various protocols explained in Part II and for common food allergens. The notations alsp call out simple substitutions or mention which ingredients are optional.
I have several Paleo cookbooks, and Diane's is quickly becoming a favorite, right up there with The Food Lover's Primal Palate, by Bill Staley and Haley Mason (who, incidently, did the photography for Practical Paleo).
I have, for a couple of years now, highly recommended Robb Wolf's book, The Paleo Solution, to those interested in fixing their health or changing their lifestyle. But I now recommend Diane's book instead. It is far more informative to the person unfamiliar with health and nutrition, breaks complicated concepts down into simple ideas explained such that my kids understand them, and it comes packed with hundreds of recipes and how to use them. You really don't need any other book, cookbook or otherwise, for starting out on the Paleo journey.
My one complaint is that it's too heavy to bring with me wherever I go.
I've been following Diane's recommendations for over 2 years now, since long before she wrote a book. Her advice is sound, common sense backed by real science. Having read a significant number of Paleo/Primal books, from Gary Taubes to Robb Wolf and Mark Sisson, I find Diane's writing to be much more approachable for the common person. The title really does say it all. She has written a practical guide to eating a real foods diet based on ancestral biological evolution. Sean Croxton puts it plainly enough, "Just Eat Real Food", yet Diane explains exactly what that means.
The first section of the book is a basic introductory guide to health, well-being and nutrition with an excellent primer in metabolism and digestion. Part two provides a variety of meal plans covering issues like thyroid health, MS & fibromyalgia, cancer recovery, athletic performance, and several others. Part three is total food porn. Over 100 recipes of simple to make, absolutely delicious meals all laid out with explicit direction, ingredient lists, and notated for both the various protocols explained in Part II and for common food allergens. The notations alsp call out simple substitutions or mention which ingredients are optional.
I have several Paleo cookbooks, and Diane's is quickly becoming a favorite, right up there with The Food Lover's Primal Palate, by Bill Staley and Haley Mason (who, incidently, did the photography for Practical Paleo).
I have, for a couple of years now, highly recommended Robb Wolf's book, The Paleo Solution, to those interested in fixing their health or changing their lifestyle. But I now recommend Diane's book instead. It is far more informative to the person unfamiliar with health and nutrition, breaks complicated concepts down into simple ideas explained such that my kids understand them, and it comes packed with hundreds of recipes and how to use them. You really don't need any other book, cookbook or otherwise, for starting out on the Paleo journey.
My one complaint is that it's too heavy to bring with me wherever I go.
Read
February 28, 2013So, there's two reviews, one for the diet and one for the cookbook.
As for the diet's pros, I have friends who swear by it, I was not hungry, and I ate a lot of vegetables. The cons included:
1. The overwhelming amount of meat. Week One's shopping list for two people includes: 3 dozen eggs, 1 lb. of bacon, 12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. flank steak, 2 large turkey legs, 1 lb. ground lamb, 1 lb. lemon sole, 12 ounces wild smoked salmon, 1 lb. skirt steak, ½ lb. ground pork, 1 lb. lamb stew meat, and 1 whole chicken.
2. The cost. Over $300/week for two people, which could be easily reduced with substitutions, but it took money and time to find certain organic, grass-fed cuts of meat, duck legs, coconut aminos, and sunchokes, for example.
3. The cholesterol/fat. I never felt good about using so much bacon grease and coconut oil!
4. Breakfast. Without grains, dairy, or fruit, breakfast is either leftovers from dinner, eggs, and sauerkraut. She does have some muffin recipes, grain-free porridge (coconut mixed with almond butter), fried pumpkin puree "pancakes" and whatever, but they are a HUGE disappointment to someone who loves breakfast. I had Roasted Rosemary Roots for breakfast today with a fried egg, and they were delicious, but I can't commit to a week, let alone an entire lifetime, without, well, breakfast foods. You could definitely do Paleo using coconut flour and arrowroot or whatever to recreate breads, but the focus in this book is simplicity, and the substituting flavors just don't do it for me. I might consider eliminating two or three of the major food groups if I had specific health problems, but otherwise, no.
As for the cookbook, simple recipes, easy to follow, nice pictures, lots of flexibility with substitutions or goals. I will continue to make Perfectly Cooked Bacon, Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs, Citrus Macadamia Nut Sole, Roasted Rosemary Roots, and Rosemary Sage Salt. And I hope I never see "Swirly Crustless Quiche" again, not even with a boatload of salsa or bacon.
As for the diet's pros, I have friends who swear by it, I was not hungry, and I ate a lot of vegetables. The cons included:
1. The overwhelming amount of meat. Week One's shopping list for two people includes: 3 dozen eggs, 1 lb. of bacon, 12 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, 1 1/2 - 2 lbs. flank steak, 2 large turkey legs, 1 lb. ground lamb, 1 lb. lemon sole, 12 ounces wild smoked salmon, 1 lb. skirt steak, ½ lb. ground pork, 1 lb. lamb stew meat, and 1 whole chicken.
2. The cost. Over $300/week for two people, which could be easily reduced with substitutions, but it took money and time to find certain organic, grass-fed cuts of meat, duck legs, coconut aminos, and sunchokes, for example.
3. The cholesterol/fat. I never felt good about using so much bacon grease and coconut oil!
4. Breakfast. Without grains, dairy, or fruit, breakfast is either leftovers from dinner, eggs, and sauerkraut. She does have some muffin recipes, grain-free porridge (coconut mixed with almond butter), fried pumpkin puree "pancakes" and whatever, but they are a HUGE disappointment to someone who loves breakfast. I had Roasted Rosemary Roots for breakfast today with a fried egg, and they were delicious, but I can't commit to a week, let alone an entire lifetime, without, well, breakfast foods. You could definitely do Paleo using coconut flour and arrowroot or whatever to recreate breads, but the focus in this book is simplicity, and the substituting flavors just don't do it for me. I might consider eliminating two or three of the major food groups if I had specific health problems, but otherwise, no.
As for the cookbook, simple recipes, easy to follow, nice pictures, lots of flexibility with substitutions or goals. I will continue to make Perfectly Cooked Bacon, Mustard Glazed Chicken Thighs, Citrus Macadamia Nut Sole, Roasted Rosemary Roots, and Rosemary Sage Salt. And I hope I never see "Swirly Crustless Quiche" again, not even with a boatload of salsa or bacon.
June 26, 2013
My wife and I are new to paleo but we have been enjoying this presentation of the paleo lifestyle authored by a young expert who takes the pains to organize and present info that is also digestible!!! Yum! I especially love how I can quickly find a recipe that is organized by food group or by need. I need fat loss... She sets the plan. Great calendar, delicious recipes, and also a web site to cruise to for new ideas and support. Worth the bucks for the
Quality.
Quality.
October 8, 2012
I'm going "Wow, wow, wow" as I'm reading this book! My eleven-year-old is helping choose recipes to try out. Have been more-or-less paleo since mid-January of this year and have seen a huge change in my health.
January 3, 2014
I adore this book. It really makes you want to change your life, and not just help you do a diet. This is perfect for beginners.
HOWEVER she does preach that Paleo is the solution to all health problems:
fart too much - paleo can fix that
twitching eye - paleo can fix that
gunshot wound to the chest that's bleeding profusely - paleo can fix that
Which is clearly bull, Paleo can't fix everything. Except farting (I loved to fart), Paleo gets rid of your toxic butt gas most excellently.
HOWEVER she does preach that Paleo is the solution to all health problems:
fart too much - paleo can fix that
twitching eye - paleo can fix that
gunshot wound to the chest that's bleeding profusely - paleo can fix that
Which is clearly bull, Paleo can't fix everything. Except farting (I loved to fart), Paleo gets rid of your toxic butt gas most excellently.
December 19, 2012
Being new to Paleo and all the food restrictions my family is following, I found this to be my favorite book on Paleo so far. It's more than a cookbook with recipes, it has many chapters dedicated to specific health issues and 30 day menu plans to to help the reader achieve their goal. It's been a life saver in my kitchen.
August 18, 2012
I consider this a really good intro to paleo book. It goes a little more into digestion and poop than "It starts with Food" but the pair of them are high on my "read this" for more info pile. And yes, Diane, I did learn something reading it, even after a year on paleo.
October 10, 2012
Loved this book so much I'm adding it to my wish list. If you could read/buy just one book on the Paleo diet, this is the one I would recommend. With the basic science, diet plans and lots of yummy recipes, this book covers all the bases.
May 17, 2018
Honestly, you could do a Google search and see the same info. (Meaning, it's not all that new). However, if you are a beginner it might be useful. (She even shows and defines the ways of cutting veggies). Is it practical? Eh, not really. I did really like the sections on various elements/nutrients to add more of for specific health issues.
January 14, 2013
I have very mixed thoughts about this book, which was originally recommended to me by a nutritionist.
Pros:
Lovely photography, great looking pages and layout
Recipes are fairly simple and easy to follow
The 30 day plans are varied and well thought out
Cons:
I really don't get the 'science' behind this diet. Ms. Sanfilippo claims to debunk a lot of scientific theories and nutrition advice, but never goes on to provide any real scientific evidence for the Paleo plan that is much beyond 'our ancestors knew what was good for us'.
Cooking all your food in bacon fat, butter, or coconut oil is not good advice, IMO, for people with cholesterol problems. Again, show me some science here.
Her explanation for avoiding ALL grains is that SOME people have trouble digesting them, and others don't know how to avoid processed foods.
There are many valid reasons for decreasing simple carbohydrates, but telling me that because some people have food intolerances and many people don't get understand how to choose well, we all just have to avoid grain s makes no sense to me.
I think Dr. Mark Hyman's books (Ultrametabolism, The Blood Sugar Solution) are much more scientifically based and nutritionally sound, and will be following those instead.
Pros:
Lovely photography, great looking pages and layout
Recipes are fairly simple and easy to follow
The 30 day plans are varied and well thought out
Cons:
I really don't get the 'science' behind this diet. Ms. Sanfilippo claims to debunk a lot of scientific theories and nutrition advice, but never goes on to provide any real scientific evidence for the Paleo plan that is much beyond 'our ancestors knew what was good for us'.
Cooking all your food in bacon fat, butter, or coconut oil is not good advice, IMO, for people with cholesterol problems. Again, show me some science here.
Her explanation for avoiding ALL grains is that SOME people have trouble digesting them, and others don't know how to avoid processed foods.
There are many valid reasons for decreasing simple carbohydrates, but telling me that because some people have food intolerances and many people don't get understand how to choose well, we all just have to avoid grain s makes no sense to me.
I think Dr. Mark Hyman's books (Ultrametabolism, The Blood Sugar Solution) are much more scientifically based and nutritionally sound, and will be following those instead.
January 22, 2013
Practical paleo is a one stop introduction into the world of paleo. New to this diet, I had no clue to begin. I'd browsed several websites and still had questions like: But what am I going to eat for breakfast? On what kind of science is this diet based on?
Practical paleo provided me with answers, background information and recipes. The book is divided in three parts. The first parts discusses the science behind food and your body, the second part lists several 30-day meal plans and the third part includes the recipes.
The science-y part is easy to read and follow for everybody. Due to this, the science background isn't that deep - if you want to delve into the science behind, try another book - as the author suggests as well.
The 30 day meal plans include plans for helping to support the body and it's healing processes for people autoimmune conditions (eczema, asthma etc.), thyroid health and many more.
The recipies are mouthwatering. Not only are some kitchen basics included (mostly chopping and such), but there are many different recipies for one to choose from.
I would definetly recommend this book, in fact, I can't wait to get started and try some recipies!
Practical paleo provided me with answers, background information and recipes. The book is divided in three parts. The first parts discusses the science behind food and your body, the second part lists several 30-day meal plans and the third part includes the recipes.
The science-y part is easy to read and follow for everybody. Due to this, the science background isn't that deep - if you want to delve into the science behind, try another book - as the author suggests as well.
The 30 day meal plans include plans for helping to support the body and it's healing processes for people autoimmune conditions (eczema, asthma etc.), thyroid health and many more.
The recipies are mouthwatering. Not only are some kitchen basics included (mostly chopping and such), but there are many different recipies for one to choose from.
I would definetly recommend this book, in fact, I can't wait to get started and try some recipies!
November 14, 2012
The text was very informative, but I fear that people will take her word as gold. Sanfilippo is not a registered dietician or a doctor. She's not even a nurse. She took a test that costs a couple hundred dollars and now gets to put initials after her name. Anyone can make a cookbook, but she is giving anatomy and physiology lessons and, at times, medical advice.
Anywho, the ideas are intriguing and the individual meal plans are well thought out, thorough, and easy to follow.
The recipes are kinda... meh. Some things that call for coconut oil just don't taste good with coconut. Say, for instance, cauliflower. My husband would have been fine with faux-mashed potates, but he couldn't get over the coconut flavor. And the recipe I was most excited to try, the pancakes, were mushy. I made them exactly as instructed and they not firm up as shown in pictures and were really just gross.
So overall, this is a good book for people just getting started with a paleo lifestyle, but I have to think there are better cookbooks out there.
Anywho, the ideas are intriguing and the individual meal plans are well thought out, thorough, and easy to follow.
The recipes are kinda... meh. Some things that call for coconut oil just don't taste good with coconut. Say, for instance, cauliflower. My husband would have been fine with faux-mashed potates, but he couldn't get over the coconut flavor. And the recipe I was most excited to try, the pancakes, were mushy. I made them exactly as instructed and they not firm up as shown in pictures and were really just gross.
So overall, this is a good book for people just getting started with a paleo lifestyle, but I have to think there are better cookbooks out there.
September 2, 2012
I love how this book maps everything out! Its part instruction to the paleo lifestyle. Like how to survive in the "real world". The rest is chalk full of recipes with pretty pictures. Also, I love how she addresses a variety of mainstream diseases that afflict today's population. For each unique illness she describes a 30 day meal plan. She even has a plan for hypo/hyperthyroid. There are healthy desserts and comfort foodie stuff. I think I will purchase this book in the fall and do her prescribes 30 day meal plan then.
December 3, 2012
Presented in an way that is easy to digest (pardon the pun) with 30-day meal plans to get you started no matter what health issues you may be dealing with. The recipes look flavor-filled yet simple and the photography is beautiful. The tear out copies of the guides are an added bonus and will likely soon be decorating my refrigerator door.
October 26, 2012
blah, blah, blah, with a few interesting tidbits; but some interesting recipes I''d like to try.
November 28, 2018
This is a very nice book with lots of information and wonderful pictures to go along with the recipes. Sadly I didn't find anything practical about the "plans". If you were to follow the plans with the given recipes it would be extremely expensive so nothing practical about that.
August 21, 2019
Good explanation of what, why, how to apply, etc. Recipes have easy headers for any extra dietary concerns. Excellent base handbook.
November 26, 2017
Life changing.
April 22, 2017
This is definitely a "Paleo Bible" of sorts! Super informative with sections on how to tweak the meal plans for various illnesses. Great recipes as well. A must have if you decide to pursue the paleo lifestyle .
June 23, 2023
Pseudoscience, terribly written.
September 27, 2016
Diane Sanfilippo produced a runaway NYT bestseller with her first edition of Practical Paleo. Now she’s back with an updated and expanded second edition. I had wanted to get the original, but now I’m glad I didn’t because I LOVE this new expanded version. Congrats to Diane and Victory Belt Publishing.
Diane Sanfilippo holds a BS from Syracuse University and is a Certified Nutrition Consultant who specializes in blood sugar regulation and digestive health. Practical Paleo is not simply a cookbook (though there are many superb recipes within the covers), but a comprehensive health primer for allergy and thyroid problems, gluten intolerance and a host of other health issues that can be eliminated or at the least, regulated holistically through diet.
This is a big, hardbound volume of over 450 pages, beautifully photographed by Bill Staley and Diane. Part 1: The Why—Food and Your Body has been revised and includes two new chapters. “Living a Paleo Lifestyle� is particularly informative and should remove any hesitation about making significant changes to how one eats. Part 2: 30-Day Meal Plans is also updated with new chapters on dealing with health challenges. I found the liver detox and hormone support particularly helpful. Also note: the meal plans aren’t just about food but about developing a healthy lifestyle and tips about supplementation. This is truly a book to devour for its outstanding and eye-opening information on what constitutes a balanced, healthy diet versus what the government thinks you should eat. Ms. Sanfilippo backs up her words with charts and facts.
Part 3 is the recipe section. Diane has added fifty new recipes and eliminated a few of the less popular ones from her previous book. This section begins with a primer on how to dice vegetables, how to butterfly a chicken breast, how to season while cooking and a myriad of important things to improve one’s culinary expertise. I particularly liked the two pages of signature spice blends—everything from Italian, Indian and savory blends to a coffee rub for barbecuing!
Want something new for breakfast? Try the Swirly Crustless Quiche (p. 270) with shredded zucchini and carrots. While Diane cautions about consuming too many Paleo “baked goods�, she’s added in just enough to satisfy the appetite. I particularly liked the Pumpkin Pancakes (p. 284) and the Dairy-free Pistachio Mousse (p. 450).
Hayley’s Skirt Steak Tacos (named for Hayley Mason of Gather fame and on p. 346) are a delight served in butter lettuce shells. Along the same line, her Lamb Lettuce Boats (p. 370) offer lamb pieces seasoned with a dairy-free tzatziki, cherry tomatoes and cucumber in a romaine leaf. I loved the Nori Salmon Rolls (p. 388), a fine Paleo alternate to the rice-filled sushi.
This book is chock full of tasty yet simple recipes to delight the pickiest of eaters. It’s one I plan to use time and again.
Diane Sanfilippo holds a BS from Syracuse University and is a Certified Nutrition Consultant who specializes in blood sugar regulation and digestive health. Practical Paleo is not simply a cookbook (though there are many superb recipes within the covers), but a comprehensive health primer for allergy and thyroid problems, gluten intolerance and a host of other health issues that can be eliminated or at the least, regulated holistically through diet.
This is a big, hardbound volume of over 450 pages, beautifully photographed by Bill Staley and Diane. Part 1: The Why—Food and Your Body has been revised and includes two new chapters. “Living a Paleo Lifestyle� is particularly informative and should remove any hesitation about making significant changes to how one eats. Part 2: 30-Day Meal Plans is also updated with new chapters on dealing with health challenges. I found the liver detox and hormone support particularly helpful. Also note: the meal plans aren’t just about food but about developing a healthy lifestyle and tips about supplementation. This is truly a book to devour for its outstanding and eye-opening information on what constitutes a balanced, healthy diet versus what the government thinks you should eat. Ms. Sanfilippo backs up her words with charts and facts.
Part 3 is the recipe section. Diane has added fifty new recipes and eliminated a few of the less popular ones from her previous book. This section begins with a primer on how to dice vegetables, how to butterfly a chicken breast, how to season while cooking and a myriad of important things to improve one’s culinary expertise. I particularly liked the two pages of signature spice blends—everything from Italian, Indian and savory blends to a coffee rub for barbecuing!
Want something new for breakfast? Try the Swirly Crustless Quiche (p. 270) with shredded zucchini and carrots. While Diane cautions about consuming too many Paleo “baked goods�, she’s added in just enough to satisfy the appetite. I particularly liked the Pumpkin Pancakes (p. 284) and the Dairy-free Pistachio Mousse (p. 450).
Hayley’s Skirt Steak Tacos (named for Hayley Mason of Gather fame and on p. 346) are a delight served in butter lettuce shells. Along the same line, her Lamb Lettuce Boats (p. 370) offer lamb pieces seasoned with a dairy-free tzatziki, cherry tomatoes and cucumber in a romaine leaf. I loved the Nori Salmon Rolls (p. 388), a fine Paleo alternate to the rice-filled sushi.
This book is chock full of tasty yet simple recipes to delight the pickiest of eaters. It’s one I plan to use time and again.
March 27, 2015
After years of doing all variety of "diets" or eating lifestyles, from raw vegan to vegan to vegetarian to omnivore with calorie counting to eating-at-home-only to regular juice fasting for quick weight loss, I was so ready for a major change.
I grew up on a Persian diet so lots of meats and vegetables and rice and moderate amounts of bread, cheese, but also a ton of fruits and salads and the usual sweets all cultures adore. So deep inside, I always craved the meats when I was on vegan or vegetarian diets.
I knew that meat wasn't "the problem". I also knew that certain breads and pastas and noodles and foods in general would give me this heavy feeling after eating, and I wanted to get rid of that once and for all. So when a friend talked about her Paleo diet at length, I jumped onboard without hesitation. My husband and I went Paleo late January and we're in week 8 or 9 as I write this review. This was one of the books she recommended and I love the author and follow her on social media. Here's my review of this book.
4-stars. It is the most comprehensive book on Paleo, giving you every reason and logic behind why eating this way is to your ultimate health and longevity. I felt that she spent a long time - about 125 pages - giving you all the health issues you could develop if you eat gluten and processed sugar and how your body reacts to all of that crap and I read them. She lost me when she was talking about all the biology and anatomy but I followed along and appreciated it.
Then between 125-225 are her meal plans but they won't apply to everyone. She addresses major conditions such as high cholesterol, or diabetics or fibromalagia or other conditions before getting to "Squeaky Clean Paleo" which would apply to you if you don't fall under those conditions (I didn't so this section applied). I'm honestly not sure if I'll follow 30-day plans, which naturally refer to a lot of her recipes. And then finally Part 3 - the recipes section starts on page 225 but first a few lessons on chopping and slicing and cooking essential.
The book is about 400 pages, and my favorite recipe so far is the blueberry cobbler (see picture) but these recipes do look slightly complex. She's also huge into bone broth and sauerkraut which I'll have to see if I make - she has recipes. I love her no-nonsense approach with reasoning and science behind it so if you love nutrition and science, you'll LOVE this book. I am giving it a 4 star even though I highly recommend the book because I wish there were less sections on all the human ailment conditions and MORE on just Paleo - how to eat Paleo, how to make quick easy Paleo foods. I hope this helps and happy Paleo eating!
I grew up on a Persian diet so lots of meats and vegetables and rice and moderate amounts of bread, cheese, but also a ton of fruits and salads and the usual sweets all cultures adore. So deep inside, I always craved the meats when I was on vegan or vegetarian diets.
I knew that meat wasn't "the problem". I also knew that certain breads and pastas and noodles and foods in general would give me this heavy feeling after eating, and I wanted to get rid of that once and for all. So when a friend talked about her Paleo diet at length, I jumped onboard without hesitation. My husband and I went Paleo late January and we're in week 8 or 9 as I write this review. This was one of the books she recommended and I love the author and follow her on social media. Here's my review of this book.
4-stars. It is the most comprehensive book on Paleo, giving you every reason and logic behind why eating this way is to your ultimate health and longevity. I felt that she spent a long time - about 125 pages - giving you all the health issues you could develop if you eat gluten and processed sugar and how your body reacts to all of that crap and I read them. She lost me when she was talking about all the biology and anatomy but I followed along and appreciated it.
Then between 125-225 are her meal plans but they won't apply to everyone. She addresses major conditions such as high cholesterol, or diabetics or fibromalagia or other conditions before getting to "Squeaky Clean Paleo" which would apply to you if you don't fall under those conditions (I didn't so this section applied). I'm honestly not sure if I'll follow 30-day plans, which naturally refer to a lot of her recipes. And then finally Part 3 - the recipes section starts on page 225 but first a few lessons on chopping and slicing and cooking essential.
The book is about 400 pages, and my favorite recipe so far is the blueberry cobbler (see picture) but these recipes do look slightly complex. She's also huge into bone broth and sauerkraut which I'll have to see if I make - she has recipes. I love her no-nonsense approach with reasoning and science behind it so if you love nutrition and science, you'll LOVE this book. I am giving it a 4 star even though I highly recommend the book because I wish there were less sections on all the human ailment conditions and MORE on just Paleo - how to eat Paleo, how to make quick easy Paleo foods. I hope this helps and happy Paleo eating!
January 1, 2013
No worries. I'm not on a Paleo fad diet. I'm not going to forgo dairy or anything like that. I love local food too much to do that! However, in order to get control of some health issues I'm undergoing a detox starting tomorrow and the diet restricts about 20 common foods/ingredients that cause inflammation and digestive issues and when I started trying to find cookbooks to help me find things to make from the ingredients I can have (which by the way I can have a lot! but strangely am not used to eating so many fresh fruits and veggies :) bad me!) I found that the paleo diet fit pretty nicely. Out of this book there were about 20 recipes that appealed to me. I *loved* the way the book was laid out. I wish every health cookbook could be laid out so informatively and thoroughly. I showed it to a friend and noted to her that the recipes don't start until the back half of the book to which she exclaimed "what in the world do they have in the first part!" (the book is quite a big chunk of book, but this means words aren't crammed together, boring you to death) to which I explained to her it goes into all sort of health info on how foods affect us. Who's going to read that? She wondered (still thinking of it as a pure cookbook). I am! I told her. It's really a great book to help you understand what these Paleo diet people believe. I'll definitely be carrying on some of their advice, but I'm not giving up sugar and dairy altogether unless the detox proves it's having a serious detrimental affect on me. I do expect I'll learn to reduce my sugar intake :)
December 28, 2021
I have a copy of a book entitled "Whole Foods" and enjoyed it. I need to follow it but doing a lot better than I used to--willpower is my issue.
This Paleo diet is the same or equivalent to whole foods.
1. Eat whole foods--in its natural form. Promotes health, healing, and immunity...
2. Avoid processed, modern, and refined foods. I have a hard time eating these foods the older I've gotten. Once you clean, or detox, you can see or feel the difference. (rapeseed, think author meant, grapeseed oil--which I heard was better but see the book says otherwise). I do give up these oils aforementioned, do walnut, avocado, and sesame oils--more expensive and less, but do what is best. I sometimes try without butter or oils.
3. Eat to maintain proper digestive function (this is my main thing since I do have digestive issues since I was young).
4. Maintain blood sugar (yes, need to)
5. plan healthier goals (true)
I love the pics. I like how they share how to create your own spices if you do not want to buy them pre-made for you like I do with Lady V Collections or Laila Ali Seasonings. I usually just mix herbs and spices together too. I may take the advice when I want curry, indian, etc. with the ones I have. I also like the cutting techniques that I learned without reading about it or seeing beautiful illustrations. It was still helpful.
I may share this book with sister or keep the copy on hand.
This Paleo diet is the same or equivalent to whole foods.
1. Eat whole foods--in its natural form. Promotes health, healing, and immunity...
2. Avoid processed, modern, and refined foods. I have a hard time eating these foods the older I've gotten. Once you clean, or detox, you can see or feel the difference. (rapeseed, think author meant, grapeseed oil--which I heard was better but see the book says otherwise). I do give up these oils aforementioned, do walnut, avocado, and sesame oils--more expensive and less, but do what is best. I sometimes try without butter or oils.
3. Eat to maintain proper digestive function (this is my main thing since I do have digestive issues since I was young).
4. Maintain blood sugar (yes, need to)
5. plan healthier goals (true)
I love the pics. I like how they share how to create your own spices if you do not want to buy them pre-made for you like I do with Lady V Collections or Laila Ali Seasonings. I usually just mix herbs and spices together too. I may take the advice when I want curry, indian, etc. with the ones I have. I also like the cutting techniques that I learned without reading about it or seeing beautiful illustrations. It was still helpful.
I may share this book with sister or keep the copy on hand.
May 21, 2014
This is one hell of a VERY complete resource book!!!
A heavy-thick-beautiful-easy-to read book ---with a customized approach to health and whole-foods lifestyle. The author has excellent suggestions of supportive type foods for people who have recovered from Cancer, heart health, autoimmune conditions, digestive health, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, athletic health, etc. etc. Plus....she has some yummy recipes! (with beautiful pictures).
Here are a few I like!!!
The Spinach salad with walnuts and artichokes is good.
Roasted pearl onions. Yum!
Red roasted garlic. :)
Baked beets with fennel
Butternut squash with kumquats
Acorn squash with cinnamon and coconut butter
Cilantro-cauli-rice (under flank steak and onions)
apple streusel egg muffins
pumpkin pancakes
red palm & coriander tuna over daikon noodle salad
roasted allium spread (with roasted pearl onions)
I also love the details -art- 'attention' given to this book....(on each page she tells which recipes have nightshades or fodmaps and suggestions of ways to 'change-it-up'.
This is a FAVORITE -KEEPER - book
A heavy-thick-beautiful-easy-to read book ---with a customized approach to health and whole-foods lifestyle. The author has excellent suggestions of supportive type foods for people who have recovered from Cancer, heart health, autoimmune conditions, digestive health, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, athletic health, etc. etc. Plus....she has some yummy recipes! (with beautiful pictures).
Here are a few I like!!!
The Spinach salad with walnuts and artichokes is good.
Roasted pearl onions. Yum!
Red roasted garlic. :)
Baked beets with fennel
Butternut squash with kumquats
Acorn squash with cinnamon and coconut butter
Cilantro-cauli-rice (under flank steak and onions)
apple streusel egg muffins
pumpkin pancakes
red palm & coriander tuna over daikon noodle salad
roasted allium spread (with roasted pearl onions)
I also love the details -art- 'attention' given to this book....(on each page she tells which recipes have nightshades or fodmaps and suggestions of ways to 'change-it-up'.
This is a FAVORITE -KEEPER - book
April 13, 2022
I will admit I skipped the entire theory section-- I've been on a Paleo diet for almost a decade. I am used to this style of cooking, substitutions, etc. and promise I'm not a shoddy cook. I bought this book used as I needed some new inspiration. Yikes. I am shocked by the amount of positive reviews. So far I've tried about a dozen recipes and of those, less than half were good enough to make again. Some were barely edible. The rest crashed and burned. Reading the recipes some instructions were vague, or some ingredient lists were questionable but I thought I'd make the recipes as-is to give it a chance and then refine later. So much time and money wasted on these recipes. I really wouldn't recommend this book for anyone just looking for the recipes.
November 4, 2012
At first I was like I love this book, because it has good nutritional info in it, beautiful food photography and is laid out in a pleasing way. But by the time I finished (and skimmed about 1/3 of it), I felt that to eat this way (no dairy, unless the very rawest, grass-fed finest if you must do dairy, no sweets except very occasional maple syrup/honey, no grains at all - so that leaves meats and produce) doesn't seem like a lifestyle that you can keep up for long and be satisfied. And the one recipe of a delicious seasoned baked bone marrow - ugh. Is that what we must stoop to?
Though they did make a convincing case, I just don't think I'm up for it.
Though they did make a convincing case, I just don't think I'm up for it.
January 6, 2013
This book can change lives! I'm slowly transitioning myself into more of the Paleo lifestyle after reading this book, and I have been a vegetarian for half of my life. Diane and her approach to this topic makes sense and left me feeling empowered to take control of my nutrition levels and heal myself. I recommend this book to anyone suffering from basically any chronic condition, from digestive stress and migraines to autoimmune diseases and skin problems, etc. There are things you can do (and eat) that can help!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.