THE PRIMAL APPROACH with Paul and Nicole Gusé
Looking for guidance on stocking the ideal paleo pantry? Look no further. From the basics of the pantry to the fridge, and the best supplements to have on hand for daily use – here’s your guide to getting started from The Primal Approach.
THE ESSENTIALS:
GELATIN + COLLAGEN
ALMOND FLOUR
COCONUT FLOUR
CASSAVA FLOUR
COCONUT OIL
COCONUT MILK
STEVIA
MONK FRUIT
FISH SAUCE
COCONUT AMINOS
DRIED MUSHROOMS
FRESH GARLIC, GINGER, SCALLIONS
FRESH GREENS / VEG
PASTURED MEATS
PASTURED EGGS
WILD CAUGHT SEAFOOD
FRESH HERBS
SALT, PINK HIMALAYAN
NUT BUTTERS/SEED BUTTERS (ALMOND, CASHEW, SUNFLOWER, OR MAKE YOUR OWN.)
BONE BROTHS OR VEG BROTHS
ASSORTED VINEGARS SUCH AS WINE VINEGAR, APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, AND BALSAMIC WHEN YOU WANT A KICK OF SWEET.
CHIA SEEDS (GROUND AND USED IN BAKING) ADDS OMEGA 3, FIBER, IRON, CALCIUM, AND PROTEIN.
HIGH QUALITY DARK CHOCOLATE
PROTEIN: The most sustainable, nutritionally dense, and flavorful animal proteins come from healthy pastured livestock eating what nature intended. When filling your fridge or freezer, look for pastured or grass-fed (and grass-finished) beef, lamb, goat, bison, and whatever else your local area has available. Variety is important. Also, look for pastured poultry/eggs and sustainable wild caught seafood. These items are not cheap, but we make it work by buying most of our meats ground or getting cheaper cuts meant for braising such as roast, brisket, and chicken thighs. Look for sales and stock up when you can.
In a pinch, deli meat is a good go-to but make sure that it is “uncured” and free of nitrates and MSG. A great go-to is rotisserie chicken from Whole Foods, or whichever local grocer you visit for any unplanned (or planned) meal.
VEGGIES + FRUITS: Paleo is not some all out meat fest as many assume. Veggies are extremely important as they allow nutrients to be absorbed and carry a good amount of vitamins and minerals. Our go to are dark green leafy vegetables such as arugula, kale, watercress, parsley, cilantro, spinach, and baby chard. Broccoli is also a go-to powerhouse for us with its folate content, but make sure to steam (not boil) or you can roast it lightly. The key with getting the vitamins to absorb from these yummy plants are fats – which they do contain on their own – but a little avocado, nuts, or seeds mixed in can only help, plus bring your level of satiety up to par.
Other veggies that are staples are sweet potatoes which come in multiple colors and flavors such as white, orange, and purple. Squash are a great way to get in extra vitamin A and trace minerals. And you can’t go wrong with whatever is in season.
Fruits like berries, lemons (all citrus are perfect), kiwi, banana, melons, or anything seasonal. Although some will say that certain fruits are not “paleo” there are many benefits to having fruit in your diet, but just make sure to get organic where possible.
FATS: Cooking fats are best kept in the realm of healthy and minimally processed. Fats like ghee, unrefined coconut oil, rendered animal fats (lard, tallow, and duck fat) from trusted sources – as well as avocado, nut and virgin olive oils (these are best used quick, so don’t buy in bulk). Fats are needed to absorb fat-soluble vitamins such as: Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
PROTEIN POWDER: Powdered proteins are all over, but should not be a main source of nutrition. However, if it’s absolutely needed then some good sources are veggie based protein powders such as pea protein, hemp protein, and more recently on the shelves – sunflower seed and pumpkin seed proteins. Bone broth proteins such as Dr. Axe are good options although are not complete proteins in themselves, so combine with a hemp milk or other source of protein.
SUPPLEMENTS:
(Daily functioning, hormonal support, and active lifestyle)
Moon Juice Dust (Brain Dust, Beauty Dust, Sleep Dust, Sex Dust)
Moon Juice Maca
Sunfood Superfoods Gelatinized Maca Powder
Sun Potion Ashwagandha
Sun Potion Anandamide
American Shaman Water Soluble CBD Oil
OMG Superfoods Reishi Mushroom Powder
Chaga mushroom powder (Four Stigmatic’s Chaga Elixir)
Digestive enzymes
Bee pollen
Sunfood Superfoods Cacao Butter and Cacao Paste
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin D
Barlean’s Seriously Delicious Omega-3 Fish Oil
Probiotics
A NOTE ON ADAPTOGENS:
Via Sunfood Superfoods:
“Adaptogens are known to help regulate adrenal health, notably by assisting the body in dealing with internal stress. Stress in the body can result in inflammation, imbalances, pain, tiredness, a weak immune system, and many other negative effects.
One of the most incredible and beneficial aspects of adaptogens is that they help the entire body, not just one particular system. This means that wherever an imbalance occurs, adaptogens can help to restore balance, relieve stress, and improve health.
Adaptogens go where they are needed, hence their ability to “adapt” to help many bodily systems. They can help improve immune health, mental focus, mood, weight management, discomfort and more.
In our modern world, we are consistently exposed to numerous chemicals and stress that can interfere with and upset the balance of our endocrine system. The endocrine system is what keeps our bodies in balance. When we are out of balance, ill health and disease usually result at some point. This can be in the form of thyroid issues, diabetes, weight gain, hot flashes, growth and development disorders, and reproduction issues. Also, when we age, our bodies go through changes that can result in some unpleasant symptoms. Through diet and exercise, it is possible to help out bodies to adjust to these stressors and changes and to minimize unwanted symptoms.”
