4 reasons why I use PurePaleo Protein powder

4 reasons why I use PurePaleo Protein powder

by | Dec 30, 2018

Finding a good protein powder that works well for your body isn’t easy given all the crappy and unknown ingredients found in most protein powders on the market.

A high-quality protein powder should make you feel good when you consume it. Protein powders should not cause symptoms like gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, lethargy, etc. – and if you’re using one that does, I highly recommend removing it from your diet.

If you’re new to protein powders or shopping around for a different protein powder, I recommend reading this article to get a better sense of what to look for in a high-quality protein powder.

PurePaleo Protein has been my go-to for many years now and has played a large role in my journey back to health. Its benefits are so great that even Functional Medicine Practitioners and Naturopathic Doctors use and recommend this protein powder to their patients.

Check out what makes this protein powder so great …

4 reasons why I use PurePaleo Protein powder

1. It’s comprised of 70% collagen making it the perfect anti-aging protein powder.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body ensuring the health and vitality of your skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones, and joints.

Our bodies cannot synthesize enough collagen on their own and our diets today contain minimal collagen which is why supplementing with collagen is so important.

PurePaleo Protein, and its collagen-rich composition, works from within to enhance your skin, hair & nails and support your bones and joints, naturally. Collagen helps restore the skin’s moisture, improving the elasticity, tone and vibrancy that’s already within you. A true anti-aging protein powder!

2. It’s gut-friendly so you won’t crap your pants!

Many people complain about how protein powders irritate their gut and cause things like gas, bloating, heartburn, diarrhea, etc. That’s because most protein powders on the market use low quality protein sources that are contaminated and/or hard for our bodies to digest. They are also loaded with fillers, artificial flavours, colours and preservatives.

PurePaleo Protein is processed in a way that allows for easy extraction, digestion & absorption of protein + nutrients. It’s also squeaky clean with no added garbage.

The best part is, because PurePaleo Protein is so collagen rich it actually aids in the repair of your gut lining, so not only does it NOT irritate the gut, but it also helps to heal the gut.

3. It tastes amazing and blends beautifully into a smoothie.

This is by far one of the best tasting protein powders on the market. Whether you choose vanilla or chocolate flavour, you can’t go wrong. PurePaleo Protein blends perfectly into smoothies with not chalky taste or weird textures. You’ll be convinced you’re drinking a milkshake – even with greens added to it!

Additionally, this powder is sweetened with stevia – a natural plant based sweetener that will not spike blood sugar levels. It really is the perfect combination of healthy and delicious!

4. It’s derived from grass-fed cows, making it not only healthy, but extremely nutrient-dense.

According to good research, grass-fed meat gives you more bang for your buck on all fronts, with its significantly higher levels of omega-3s, antioxidants (like vitamin E and glutathione), minerals (like zinc, iron, phosphorus, potassium and sodium), and other important nutrients.

Check out some of the great articles that Chris Kresser (a well known Functional Medical Doctor) has put together. He’ll show you how an unbiased review of the evidence indicates that grass fed red meat is one of the healthiest foods you can eat (find links to these articles in the resource section below).

 

PurePaleo Protein is an ideal protein source for:

  • Weight loss
  • Building lean muscle, cartilage and ligaments
  • IBS or other gut conditions
  • People with food sensitivities

Highlights of PurePaleo Protein

  • Paleo + keto friendly
  • Free of dairy, gluten, grains + GMO
  • Naturally sweetened with stevia
  • Available in vanilla, chocolate & unflavoured

Get PurePaleo Protein

The best protein powder for weight loss, IBS & anti-aging 

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Are you vegan or vegetarian?

For those of you who are vegan or vegetarian, I have sourced out a high-quality, plant-based protein powder for you.

PurePea Protein powder is a true vegan protein which has high bioavailability and excellent digestibility. The raw materials, North American grown yellow peas, are not genetically modified (non-GMO) and are produced with a natural fermentation process which uses no chemical solvents.

Click here to learn more or purchase PurePea Protein.

Join my free smoothie Challenge

Learn how to create healthy and delicious smoothies using PurePaleo Protein + get over 16 dessert-inspired smoothie recipes when you join. It’s the ultimate challenge for weight loss & better health.

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Resources

https://chriskresser.com/red-meat-is-still-not-bad-for-you-but-shoddy-research-and-clueless-media-are/
https://chriskresser.com/why-grass-fed-trumps-grain-fed/
https://chriskresser.com/does-red-meat-cause-inflammation/
https://chriskresser.com/red-meat-cancer-again-will-it-ever-stop/
https://chriskresser.com/the-truth-about-red-meat/

 

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken (Paleo, Low-Carb)

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken (Paleo, Low-Carb)

by | Dec 17, 2018

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love! Sheet pan meals are a quick way to get dinner on the table fast with little clean up since you’re cooking veggies and protein all on one pan.

Sheet pan dinners have made it high on my list of go-to meals during the week and I’ll explain why …

Here’s what makes sheet pan dinners so great:

1. They’re quick to put together and typically cook in under 35-minutes.

2. Clean up is easy since everything is being cooked (and can be prepared) on one pan.

3. It’s an easy way to cook for multiple people or cook enough so that you end up with leftovers for the busy week ahead.

4. The combinations of meat/fish, vegetables and marinades are endless, so you’ll never get bored of sheet pan dinners.

5. Allowing your meats and veggies to cook together in a marinade (or just some simple seasoning) is a great way to achieve a flavourful end product.

Now check out this delicious sheet pan dinner recipe!

If you’re looking for another great sheet pan meal idea, you’ve got to try my Sheet Pan Lemon Butter Chicken & Veggies.

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Paleo

What you need for Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken:

  • Chicken legs
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Zucchini
  • Eggplant
  • Mushrooms
  • Garlic
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Honey
  • Whole grain mustard
  • Oregano
  • Avocado oil
  • Sea salt & black pepper

Want more wholesome chicken dinner recipes? You’re going to love these …

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken Paleo

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies

Sheet Pan Honey Balsamic Chicken & Veggies is a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love! Sheet pan meals are a quick way to get dinner on the table fast with little clean up since you’re cooking veggies and protein all on one pan.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Low-Carb, Paleo
Servings: 4

Ingredients
 

  • 6 whole chicken legs, bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 2 zucchini, cubed
  • 1 eggplant, cubed
  • 1 pack whole mushrooms, halved
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 3 tbsp avocado oil
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Honey Balsamic Marinade

  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil
  • 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425F.
  • Mix honey balsamic marinade together in a small bowl.
  • Coat thighs with the marinade in a large bowl.
  • While the chicken is marinating, prepare veggies and place in a bowl or on your sheet pan and coat with oil, garlic, salt and pepper.
  • After chicken has marinated for 15-minutes, place chicken thighs on top of veggies on the sheet pan.
  • Bake at 425F for 35-minutes.
  • Remove chicken from pan (cover to keep warm) and then place pan with veggies on top rack and broil for up to 5 minutes to cook off some juices from the pan (optional).
Keyword chicken dinner, chicken legs, eggplant, gluten free, grain free, healthy dinner, honey, mushrooms, sheet pan meal, sweet potato

 

How to create low-cost & high-nutrition smoothies

How to create low-cost & high-nutrition smoothies

by | Dec 10, 2018

Smoothies are not only a time-friendly way of fueling your body with nutrient-dense food, but they’re a cost-effective approach too.

A nutrient-rich smoothie using high-quality ingredients can be prepared in under 5 minutes at roughly $5/smoothie. That includes a high-quality protein powder, healthy fats and nutrient-rich fruits & veggies.

Fruits and veggies are loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that your body needs to functional optimally and heal. Smoothies are a fun and easy way to take in nutrients from whole foods that you might not otherwise, due to lack of time for proper meal prep.

This article will cover some practical tips that will help you get an even bigger nutrient bang for your buck when it comes to your smoothies. Check them out …

Tips for creating low-cost & high-nutrition smoothies

1. Organic is highly recommended, but not always necessary

I understand the high cost associated with buying everything organic. Here is a great rule of thumb I follow for buying produce to help keep my costs low while minimizing toxic exposure from crops that have been sprayed.

If you are removing the peel/skin on fruits or vegetables, you might not need to fuss that much about buying organic (ie. melons, oranges, avocados…). These outer layers act as a protective barrier for the flesh of the fruit/vegetable, helping to minimize toxic exposure.

If you’re consuming the peel/skin of a fruit/vegetable OR there is no outer layer to remove, it’s more important to buy organic (ie: berries, leafy greens, apples..).

Another great resource to help you is the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce. Here you’ll find a list of the Clean Fifteen and Dirty Dozen to help you reduce exposure to toxic pesticides.

If buying organic is not something you wish to do, then that’s OK too. The shift over to a more whole foods diet is powerful as is, so you’ll be sure to feel the many benefits. Just make sure to wash your produce thoroughly and/or soak in lemon water or a produce wash.

2. Frozen can be just as good as, if not even better than fresh

Sometimes fresh ain’t so fresh when buying produce from the grocery store.

Often enough fruits and vegetables travel a great distance and are stored for a lengthy period of time before ever hitting the produce section in your store.

The length of time from harvesting to consuming of fruits and vegetables is very important since nutrients are very high when first harvested and slowly (or sometimes quickly) decrease thereafter.

Frozen fruits and vegetables are often harvested and frozen immediately to ensure preservation of nutrients.

In addition, fresh produce can get expensive when it’s out of season. Luckily, the price of frozen produce does not fluctuate based on the season, so buying out-of-season fruits and vegetables will be easier on the wallet if buying frozen. So instead of spending big money on fresh blueberries in January, buy frozen and get a bigger nutrient bang for your buck!

3. Your local farmers’ market knows what it means to be ‘fresh’

Buying produce from local farms is not only a great way to support local farmers, but it’s also a great way to get extra nutrition from your food – and sometimes save money too.

You can be guaranteed that you’re buying fruits and vegetables that have been recently harvested and therefore full of nutrients.

Remember, time from harvest to consumption matters. Time is definitely on the side of fruits and vegetables when shopping at a local farmers’ market!

I also recommend taking the time to chat with your local farmers, so you can learn about their farming practices. Knowing how the food you eat is grown, harvested and stored is important information that matters to your health.

Jen’s recommended read: Eating on the Wild Side by Jo Robinson – a new way to select and prepare foods to reclaim the nutrients and flavour we’ve lost. Find the book here. 

I hope you found these tips helpful. Feel free to leave a comment below.

Note: When finding ways to create high-nutrition and low-cost smoothies, I NEVER recommend being Frugal Frank when it comes to your protein powder. This component of your smoothie is extremely important (especially given all the garbage found in most protein powders), so be sure to source out a high-quality protein powder. Check out my recommendation for protein powder here or take a look at my Protein Powder Checklist. 

Cauliflower, Carrot & Leek Mash

Cauliflower, Carrot & Leek Mash

by | Nov 22, 2018

Are you looking for a low-carb version of mashed potatoes that you – and your waistline – will love?

Look no further than this mouthwatering mash recipe! Nutrient-dense and full of delicious flavours – it’ll be love at first bite.

This vegetable mash is super versatile and can be enjoyed warm or cold …

  • Use as a side to your meat or fish dishes
  • Enjoy topped with fried eggs
  • Use as a dip or spread for crackers, sliced veggies or wraps
Cauliflower, Carrot & Leek Mash

INGREDIENTS: (serves 4)
1 head cauliflower
5 large carrots
1 whole leek
1 lemon (juice only)
2 tbsp avocado or coconut oil
1/2 can full fat coconut milk
1 tbsp dried rosemary
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Chop up all vegetables, place on baking sheet with oil and spices and bake at 350 for 45 minutes.

2. Put cooked veggies in a food processor or high-powered blender with lemon juice and coconut milk and mix until a smooth mash is formed. You may need to do this in two batches.

3. Use right away or store in fridge for use during the week.

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5 Ways to Support Digestion

5 Ways to Support Digestion

by | Nov 9, 2018

In this article you’ll discover practical ways to support digestion on a daily basis. These simple tips go a long way, and will help improve many other areas of your health, especially when practiced regularly.

You are what you eat, right? Think again …

A proper diet is the foundation for good health and maintaining an appropriate body weight. However, the well-known phrase “you are what you eat” is only part of the equation.

You are not just what you eat, you’re also what you digest, absorb, and assimilate. If digestive function is compromised, you cannot fully benefit from the nutrients in your diet, no matter how nutrient-dense your food is.

Here are some signs that indicate you’re not digesting food properly:

  • Bulky, foul-smelling stools
  • Feeling full, even if you haven’t overeaten
  • Gas, bloating, or flatulence
  • Heartburn or burping
  • Lack of energy
  • Undigested food in stool
  • Weight loss even while eating an optimal diet

Proper digestive function is beneficial for:

  • Sustained energy
  • Bowel regularity
  • Robust immunity
  • Balanced moods
  • Healthy skin and strong nails
  • Reproductive health

Digestion can be compromised for many reasons, including:

  • Stress – everyday stressful situations can prevent the “rest and digest” mode from doing its job.
  • Feeling worried, anxious, or eating too quickly – can lead to occasional insufficient stomach acid production.
  • Age – the production of our own digestive enzymes naturally declines 1% every three years after age thirty.

Here are a few practical ways to support digestion on a daily basis. I recommend giving all of these a try or at the very least starting with one and adding to your digestive support routine in time. These simple tips go a long way especially when practiced regularly.

5 Ways to Support Digestion

1. DIGESTIVE ENZYMES & BITTERS

Because you are what you digest and absorb, you need a full range of nutrient-dense foods as well as the digestive enzymes to process them into what your body can actually use for energy. Digestive enzymes can support weight loss, the immune system, and a healthy inflammatory response.

Digestive enzymes are particularly important for people who fall into one or more of the following groups:

1. No gallbladder

2. Prior use of antacids (prescription, Tums, Rolaids, etc.)

3. Older adults.

4. Chronic gut issues like IBS, illness or high stress.

I recommend Digestzymes which are perfect for anyone who wants the very best digestive enzyme available that is equipped to break down a broad spectrum of foods and assist with optimal absorption and utilization of micronutrients. Take 1 capsule with each meal.

Digestive bitters are also helpful for aiding digestion. Just add the recommended dose found on the label to water and drink in-between meals.

2. APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar helps prepare the gut for incoming food by releasing enzymes that breakdown food.

Add 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar to a glass of water and consume 15-20 minutes before your meals.

3. GINGER

Ginger helps to relax the smooth muscles of the digestive tract.

Try adding a 1/2-inch piece of fresh ginger or 1/4 tsp. ginger powder to your smoothie or incorporate it into your other meals.

I also recommend sipping on ginger tea in-between meals.

4. EAT/DRINK SLOWLY & CHEW THOROUGHLY

Digestion begins in the mouth, so it’s important to chew your food thoroughly before swallowing.

When consuming smoothies, resist the urge to gulp it down, and instead take at least 20-30 minutes to sip on it.

5. AVOID EATING WHEN STRESSED

Stress compromises your body’s ability to digest food properly. If you are dealing with physical, mental or emotional stress, here are some tips to help:

1. Eat sitting, not standing.

2. Take a few deep breaths before eating.

3. Avoid eating when emotions are strong (sad, angry, excited) and 1-hour before or after a workout.

Do you struggle with IBS? Discover 5 natural ways to treat the root cause of your IBS.

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For optimal digestion. Say goodbye to gas & bloating after meals or that feeling of fullness after eating only a small quantity of food.

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Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins (Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo)

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins (Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo)

by | Nov 5, 2018

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins are soft, moist & full of delicious and natural flavour! They’re packed with all the good stuff, including quality protein and healthy fats + naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, so they’ll keep you on track with your health and weight loss goals. Paleo friendly and free of gluten, grains & dairy.

Five reasons to love this chocolate chunk banana muffin recipe …

  1. These muffins are easy to make with basic & wholesome ingredients. Only one bowl (or food processor) required!
  2. They’re gluten, grain & dairy free, yet they’re fluffy, moist and delicious. No one will know the difference.
  3. They’re naturally sweetened with banana, rather than loaded with refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.
  4. These muffins will warm your soul and taste even better with your morning coffee or espresso!
  5. They freeze well and thaw out fast at room temperature or defrost them in the microwave for 30 to 60 seconds, or until gently warmed through. You can also get them a little toasty in the oven or toaster-oven.

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins make for a healthy breakfast, snack or treat all year round.

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins

What you need for this recipe …

  • Eggs*
  • Coconut oil
  • Bananas
  • Honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Coconut flour
  • Almond flour
  • Vanilla extract (optional)
  • Cinnamon
  • Baking soda
  • Dark chocolate bar (85% cacao or higher)

*Substitute with 4 flax eggs or 4 chia eggs for egg free version (see recipe notes below).

Want more delicious & wholesome muffin recipes? Then you’ve got to try these …

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins (Gluten and Grain Free, Paleo)

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins

Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins make for a healthy breakfast, snack or treat all year round. These muffins are soft, moist & full of delicious and natural flavour! They're packed with all the good stuff, including quality protein and healthy fats + naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. Paleo friendly and free of gluten, grains & dairy.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Snack/Treat
Cuisine: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Paleo
Servings: 12 muffins

Ingredients
 

  • 4 pastured eggs*
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
  • 3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, optional
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract, optional
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cup almond flour, sifted
  • 1 tsp ceylon cinnamon
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 1/2 dark chocolate bar, 85% or higher, chopped into chunks

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350. Grease muffin tin with coconut oil or use liners.
  • Beat eggs in bowl, mash bananas with a fork on a plate, then add all wet ingredients together and mix thoroughly.
  • Mix all dry ingredients in a separate bowl then add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and continue to mix until a thick smooth batter is formed. (TIME SAVER TIP: Use a food processor for steps 2 & 3, if you have one)
  • Add chocolate chunks into the batter and mix (save some to add on top).
  • Fill muffin tins 3/4 of the way with batter. Top with remaining chocolate chunks.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool before removing from tray.

Notes

*Substitute with 4 flax eggs or 4 chia eggs for egg free version:
  • 1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water (whisk until gelatinous and creamy) = 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds + 3 tbsp water (Stir and allow to rest for 15 minutes) = 1 egg
TIME SAVER TIP: Use a food processor for steps 2 & 3, if you have one.
Keyword almond flour, banana, chocolate, coconut flour, coconut oil, healthy snacks, muffins

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