I recently decided to try going Paleo after spending the last 7 years as a vegetarian (four of those years a strict vegan). Some people might ask "Why go from one extreme to another?" I primarily went vegan because it seemed to curb the years of stomach issues I had. However, after so many years I just got hungry and decided to start mixing dairy and eggs back in. Slowly, over the past couple of years my stomach started bothering me again and eating became "unpredictable" not to mention I was now holding onto 10 extra pounds that I could not seem to get rid of no matter how much I counted every calorie and incorporated daily workouts.
So, at a recent doctor appointment, it was suggested that maybe the problem all along has not been an aversion to meat but more to gluten (and maybe even dairy). After some research, I came across the Paleo diet and I found a book that outlined the diet and explained how it could help someone like me who was constantly having pain with digestion. After about 4 days on Paleo I felt better and my stomach problems seemed to subside. The best part was that I didn't have any kind of bad reaction to meat, as I had feared for so many years. Even better, I lost 3 pounds!
Last night I decided to try my first home cooked Paleo meal. I was really nervous about two things...1) My boyfriend would not like it and 2) I would not cook it right.
In an old cookbook I found a recipe and modified it to make it Paleo.
Paleo Honey Mustard Chicken
3 lbs. Chicken breast (grain-fed and cage-free)
3 tbs. EVOO
1/2 cup organic honey (from local bees)
1/4 cup gluten free, organic dijon mustard
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cumin
Preheat oven to 375. Mix the EVOO, honey, mustard, salt, and cumin together in a 9x9 baking dish and stir well. Wash and pat dry the chicken with paper towels. Place the chicken in the dish and cover with the mixture flipping both sides to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated. Spoon some of the mixture on top and place in the oven for 1 hour.
Needless to say, it was a hit and definitely put on the list of "Things to Make Again."
Needless to say, it was a hit and definitely put on the list of "Things to Make Again."
