Here we are, deep in the throngs of a Paleo Challenge this month and I’m sure

some of you are thinking to yourselves, “what else can I eat???”. I know when I’ve done these challenges in the past, I’ve found myself eating the same things over and over,  which can be convenient, but can definitely get old pretty quickly! I thought I’d share a few of my favorite recipes and substitutions with you all.

A big question I’ve had from people is what can you eat for breakfast, besides eggs and bacon? I mean, who doesn’t love some eggs and bacon, right? That can get old pretty quickly though…I’m not sure I know of anyone who can tolerate that every day. I also like to not have to cook myself breakfast every morning too. Let’s face it, quite a few mornings a week I’m awake at unreasonably early hours of the morning to get my day started. I don’t need to complicate the process more by having to cook up something, so I like to opt for something that’s quick and easy. (Full honestly disclosure, I’m not a fan of cooking at all, so quick and easy is my “go-to”!) One of my favorite breakfast recipes that I found can be prepped ahead of time, and just dished out single serving when you want it! What is this magic I speak of you ask?? It’s a breakfast pumpkin custard that can be served warmed or chilled. I’m telling you, this is pure magic….I’ve been known to eat it as a dessert too!  Bonus, it’s so simple and easy to make! Here’s the website link to this magic recipe:

www.louisianabrideblog.com/2015/07/breakfast-pumpkin-custard

Now, I’m not going to lie to you all and say I’ve always been a fan of healthy snacks, because well…I’m not. However, during my forays into eating Paleo, I’ve found some healthier snack type foods that have stuck with me. I’ve always been a fan of anything crunchy…potato chips, tortilla chips, crackers, etc…if it was at least salty and crunchy, I love it! Well…none of those foods are in the paleo lifestyle, so that’s when I was introduced to Kale chips. I know, right? At first I wasn’t even quite sure what kale was, let alone it being a ‘chip’, but after trying several different types, I’ve become a fan of them! My favorite are zesty flavored kale chips; to me they still have the salty flavor, some zing to them and trust me, the crunch of them is pretty darn satisfying! There’s many brands out there these days too, which is quite nice because that makes them easier to find.

Since we’re talking about snack foods, I’d be remiss to not mention my love for anything chocolate, and who doesn’t love some chocolate chip cookies right? Now, I know, chocolate is not a true paleo food, however even if you’re going by the 80/20 rule (80% paleo/20%non-paleo), then there’s a brand of chocolate chips out there for you! They are the Enjoy Life brand, which is dairy free, gluten free and soy free….pretty much as close as you can get to being a ‘paleo chocolate chip’. Anyway, I’ve found many a recipe for paleo chocolate chips cookies out there, because let’s face it: those cravings need to be filled at some point before someone is hurt. Here is a link to one of the many recipes I’ve used (it can be non-vegan if you use butter instead of coconut oil, which still follow paleo guidelines): https://detoxinista.com/paleo-chocolate-chip-cookies-vegan/

I hope all those who are currently taking on the Paleo Challenge this time around are not only seeing some benefits already, but finding new foods they enjoy. Even though I’m not strictly paleo these days, I have found myself incorporating recipes and foods I’ve found during past challenges into my everyday life. I’ve not only come to truly love these foods, but I’ve found that I feel better overall when I’m eating them. Even if you’re not currently in the Paleo Challenge, I’d encourage you to try one of these recipe links above or ask us about some of our other favorite paleo type foods; you never know what new food awaits you that you didn’t know you love!