Is it paleo?

[tarag]

So far this week we've made a lot of great dinners and not veered once from the path of the plan...until last night.

We made a beef stew and the only acceptable broth we could find had honey in it. Now, considering the mile long list of ingredients on the "regular" stocks, the organic veggie broth had only 4 or 5 ingredients and they were all easily recognizable as real foods.

So my question is: is honey ok? Its natural, but its still "sugar". This is one of those gray areas I guess where you kind of have to go with the lesser of 2 (or 20) evils but what happens when I want tea? Instead of reaching for my little yellow packet of chemicals, wouldn't honey be a better choice?

[shannaduvall]

Correct on the gray area. Some say it's fine others discourage honey. If you are using it in your tea it is best to use local honey as the local flora has benefits to your immune system.
As far as being in soup stock...at least it is a whole ingredient.
I believe the way we looked at it the first time CFA did 30 days was the guidelines of you can use honey sparingly just do not eat it straight by the spoonful.

[kateduinkerken]

when we talk about spices - can we clarify what this means? to me spices are lawry's season salt and sea salt and pepper and everglade seasoning....spices mean herbs or what??? when a recipe calls for "your favorite spices" i can only assume that they do not mean lawry's. thanks. kate

[tarag]

Kate, I think we are supposed to be limiting or altogether omitting salt.

We use Mrs. Dash original and the table blend. There are no preservatives or weird stuff in the ingredients list. I can see the argument that its processed, but its adds a ton of flavor and its just dried herbs. It's been a staple for us so far. If I'm wrong in using this I hope someone will let me know.

[mcbalz]

About Honey: it's been argued by some that paleolithic humans would only very rarely have encountered honey or any similarly dense source of carbohydrates. It can also be argued, on the basis of modern medicine, that eating too much honey, as with any "refined sugar," raises the specter of getting too many carbs, and thus encouraging elevated insulin levels (= fat storage, and inflammation). A little bit of honey in an industrially produced broth won't kill you. But why not just use water, salt, and veggies with your beef to make stew? All broth is, is ingredients simmered in water.

About spices: yes, Kate, use fresh and dried herbs. Try picking up something new, then searching for it on the internet. For instance, maybe you get a bottle of dried coriander. Then, you google it, and discover! hey! this is just cilantro seeds! What does it taste good on? The wikipedia article has some suggestions. You add it to various sauces for meats. It has an Indian feel too it. Maybe a spice you've never tried before becomes your new favorite.

[russell]

When using pre-made seasonings, be aware that the terms "natural flavors" and "artificial flavors" can basically refer to MSG, which is an excitotoxin, and I believe it can mess with insulin sensitivity. MSG also has a long list of hidden names. Google "MSG hidden names" and check out this video (video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2963728494205235281&ei=t6xCS-PsCI6-rAKkycGmBQ&q=russell+blaylock#) by Russell Blaylock about MSG, aspartame, and insulin response.

[Corey Duvall]

Matt and Russell directly state what I was going to say.

Ditto.

[Miriams]

What's the deal with Mayonnaise? I love it with my tuna fish. Is it Paleo-ish?

[mcbalz]

Miriam, spectrum brand mayos are totally Paleo-ish. Awesome stuff. I eat it daily.

[Miriams]

REALLY? I am so excited! I love mayo. But what does "broad spectrum" mean? It sounds like a medical description of antibiotics. Please explain.

[mdalew2]

Is this Paleo?

shop.paleotreats.com/category/cookies

Oooh, yes by definition.

but it may not be acceptable during your cleanse.

Just wanted to share. I think it looks incredible and would love to split the costs with someone in April.

[Miriam Schwarz]

Are the following items Paleo?
Plaintains
Cured/smoked meats/fish like bacon, salami and lox.

Where do you all get dried fruit that doesn't have sugar coated all over it? I love dried ginger and pineapple, but they are doused in sugar at the health food store.

Thanks!
Metabolically Deranged Miriam

[ethanf]

Miriam,

Plaintains & Bannanas are at the high end the gycemic index(high sugar load). They induce a much greater insulin response than say , blueberries. Every once in a while would be fine, but the daily plantain might derail any body composition changes you are seeking.

I like bacon, but I try to keep it as a once/twice a month deal. The salami and lox as long as the salt content (which can be disruptive) is not through the roof would work.

Not sure about the sugar free dried fruit, but you would also want to minimize reliance on these for snacks (again due to the high carb content/insulin load)

Man, I am now drooling at the thought of fried plaintaines and some bacon.

Cheers,
Ethan

[Miriams]

Thanks. I figured plantains were going to be on the edge, as well as the cured stuff due to salt content. That means the lox must be taken away from me NOW.

I am sorry to elicit the drool response--that wasn't my intention. No one told me that drooling would be a side effect of going Paleo. I'll have to watch that during staff meetings when they pass the cookies around.

[mcbalz]

I eat lox almost every day. I had 3 oz. of it with breakfast today.

I buy smoked salmon that has no artificial ingredients listed and no sugar added. I try not to worry too much about salt, but I am certain I eat too much of it.

Cured meats, so long as they are cured with salt and natural ingredients only, no artificial nitrates or preservatives, are ok in moderation, in my view.

Lots of fruits are "high glycemic" which means they boost insulin levels, and that spells disaster if you're trying to lose fat. However, fruits like Plantains are "paleo;" remember the CrossFit motto: "SOME fruit." Just don't overdo it. The focus should be on veggies.