The paleo diet (or lifestyle, as I like to think of it) has become increasingly popular in the past several years, but that doesn’t mean it is a “fad” diet. Eating paleo just means eating real, whole, and unprocessed foods. One of the most significant benefits of adhering to a paleo lifestyle is the potential for decreasing your risk of developing a number of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and osteoporosis.
Also known as the caveman diet, the term paleo refers to a time when people ate only grass-fed game, wild-caught fish, nuts, vegetables, berries, and occasionally, other fruits. These people lived before the time of modern agriculture and the domestication of animals. When they needed meat, they hunted, and they gathered berries and nuts. There were no grains planted in fields and no milk past the weaning stage. Subsequently, the population wasn’t plagued by many of the diseases that plague humans today.
Even though they had to forage, hunt, and kill most of their food, Paleolithic humans ate better-quality food than most of the world does today. Not only are the hundreds of quick-fix weight-loss products wreaking havoc on the human body, but the standard American diet (SAD)—with grains at the helm—is believed to contribute to a number of diseases caused by inflammation.
You may be thinking that you need to move to a forest and take up hunting, fishing, and gardening to be on today’s paleo diet, right? That couldn’t be further from the truth. This lifestyle simply requires a shift in your thinking. First, you will need to learn what foods are considered paleo “yes” foods and paleo “no” foods. From there, all you need to start on your journey toward paleo success is a simple shopping list, an open mind, and a whole bunch of recipes! While cooking paleo may seem intimidating in the beginning, the truth is that many of the recipes adored by families the world over can easily be converted to paleo-friendly options with a few carefully chosen ingredients and some fun substitution. When it comes to cooking paleo, it’s all about getting creative.
And that’s where your Instant Pot® comes in. Cooking with an Instant Pot® is a life-changing experience, especially when you follow the Paleolithic lifestyle. This multifunction cooking tool allows you to sauté, brown, steam, and warm your food. It cooks soups, eggs, and even cakes! And the high-pressure cooking and steaming ability of an Instant Pot® does wonders to steaks, pork shoulders, and chicken. With the touch of a button you’ll be able to cook cuts of meat that would normally take hours in just minutes. The Instant Pot® cooks food at a low temperature but it does it more efficiently than other slow-cooking methods or appliances because it also uses pressure and steam. It is like a pressure cooker and a slow cooker rolled into one. This cooking method also seals in essential vitamins and minerals and allows the Instant Pot® to turn out healthier, better-tasting food that is perfect when you’re on the go.
Whether you’ve just bought your Instant Pot® or have been using one for years and just need some inspiration, this book is for you. Inside you’ll find 175 delicious paleo recipes ranging from Pumpkin Chip Muffins and White Chicken Chili to Tender Flank Steak with Mushrooms and Onions and Steamed Mussels and Chorizo. You’ll also find decadent desserts, including Double Chocolate Custard and Upside-Down Chocolate Cherry Cake. The more you cook, the more you’ll realize how versatile the Instant Pot® really is, whether you’re making a hearty breakfast, an amazing main course, or a delicious dessert. So plug in your Instant Pot® and get ready to enjoy some amazing, delicious, and quick paleo meals.