When I first started following the paleo way of eating 3 years ago, I spent countless hours googling recipes. Is "googling" a word? If it isn't, it should be! Anyway, I came across so many paleo blogs while searching for paleo-fied foods, and couldn't believe the amount of information out there. I have learned so much, and I am still learning every day. I had no idea about food sensitivities, or how processed our food was until I started searching for a way to eat fried chicken and still be healthy!
Really, my whole life has changed since going paleo. I wouldn't have this blog, and I definitely wouldn't know how to cook! I am so thankful for this way of eating, I can't even begin to express how life changing it has been. I would probably still be eating low calorie Lean Cuisines, and fat-free, sugar-free, and taste-free everything!
I often get asked where to start when trying to find paleo recipes, so I thought I would put it all in one place for you! I follow all of these authors on social media, and have their cookbooks. I love flipping through cookbooks and being inspired. I love the internet and it makes it so easy to find recipes quickly, but I am still obsessed with cookbooks. You get a sense of who the writers are, and their passion for food shines!
Danielle Walker - Against all Grain and Meals Made Simple
Blog: Against all Grain
I cannot say enough good things about both of these cookbooks! Danielle Walker was the first paleo blogger I started following, and I quickly fell in love with her recipes. She has a son around Judah's age, and is pregnant. She has been through so much, losing a set of twins and most recently a little girl who was born and passed away shortly after. She is a Christian and has a beautiful spirit. She has healed her body with food. Almost dying from an autoimmune disease called Ulcerative Colitis, and she has taken control of her health when doctors told her it wasn't possible. Her food is simple, and kid friendly. She is an expert baker, and in her first cookbook she has dozens of desserts and a kid section! You cannot go wrong with these cookbooks!
Some of my favorites from Against all Grain is the Pot Roast, Granola, Banana Porridge, The Real Deal Chocolate Chip Cookies, oh, and the waffles! I have made the waffles more times than I can count! Too many amazing choices!
Meals Made Simple is so great for beginners and really anyone trying to change their food choices. She breaks down how to shop, appliances, and give you meal plans! This cookbook also offers ways to use leftover ingredients, like the second half of a can of coconut milk or left over seasonings! She makes it easy, hence the name! From Meals Made Simple, I am obsessed with the Beef Stroganoff, Slow Cooker Thai Beef, and her make ahead fluffy pancakes! Oh, and she has amazing salads in this cookbook as well!
Julie Bauer- Omg? That's Paleo? and The Paleo Kitchen
Blog: PaleOmg
Juli is probably the funniest person ever. I came across her blog three years ago, and have loved it ever since. She has a hilarious sense of humor, and writes like you are her best friend. Her blog has hundreds and hundreds of amazing recipes. I cook from her blog all the time, and her baking is super simple. She keeps food very simple and clean. No fancy machines, no gourmet ingredients, and the steps and directions are short.I went to her book signing for her second cookbook and she was asked what her favorite cooking appliance is. Her answer, "Um, I pretty much just use big cereal spoons!" Hilarious!
Her first cookbook, "Omg, that's Paleo?", is wonderful. I cook from it all the time. Again, simple and easy. I love her style! Her second cookbook, with George Bryant who runs a blog called "The Civilized Caveman", is stunning! I actually went and met both of them at their book signing last year! They are both hilarious, and this cookbook is a combination of Juli's simplicity and George's creative style. My favorites from her first cookbook are her Blueberry Muffins, Broccoli Fritters, Cinnamon Plantain Pancakes, and her Barbacoa.
From The Paleo Kitchen, the Asian Marinated Bacon Wrapped Asparagus, Lemon Blueberry Pancakes, and the Avocado Mousse. Seriously, go follow her on Instagram and follow her blog. She is the best!
Bill and Hayley Stayley-Make it Paleo, Make it Paleo II, Gather, The 30 Day Guide to Paleo Cooking
Blog: Primal Palate
Bill and Hayley are pretty much the top dog in the paleo world in my opinion. Their blog is such an amazing resource. You can filter recipes based on your food sensitivities! I follow them both on Instagram and I follow their blog. They are both hilarious, and on a journey to better health. Hayley is striving to heal her body through food, and has been so open about her struggles. I love following their story! I have Gather and The 30 Day Guide to Paleo Cooking. I haven't picked up their other two cookbooks, but I have heard amazing things. Gather shows you how to throw parties the paleo way, and it is simply stunning. They do all their own photography, and they are amazing at it! The 30 day Guide to Paleo Cooking has 4 weeks of grocery lists, recipes, and it lays out exactly what you will cook for breakfast, lunch, and dinner each week! They did all the work for you! Pick up this cookbook! You will not be disappointed in anything they write!
I hope this helps you get started on your journey to better health! Fueling your body with whole foods is so essential to our health. The less processed the better! It may seem overwhelming at first, but you will so realize that anything worth doing takes time and effort! Take the time to plan your meals, and shop. Take the time to prepare healthy meals you not only want to eat, but feel good about! I am working on a meal planning post for you guys, so stay tuned for that!