True Paleo Recipes/Advice?

I just can't imagine anyone in today's world being absolute paleo. I've read Ido's blog on Eskimos but really who wants to eat boiled fish every day when there's other options?

My question in particular is on sauces particularly for vegetables but also applicable to other things.

I'm aware that these are not Paleo!

1. Which is healthier Soy Sauce on white rice or Spaghetti Sauce on pasta? In general whats the consensus on Soy Sauce? (and yes I know I shouldnt eat Pasta or Rice at all so please don't answer the question by saying that. I want to know between those two which is better)

2. Same type of thing except whats the general outlook on Sesame Oil?

3. Finally what about Vinegar? White Vinger? Malt Vinegar? Balsamic Vinegar?

4. Since none of these are Paleo what do you all use for cooking meats and also vegetables. I eat a lot of Bok Choy and Eggplant since they are year round for very cheap ($1.20USD/$3Local for 20 Eggplants or 4 bunches of Bokchoy [chinese cabbage]). I make use of Limes/Lemons for some add flavor but seriously could use some more cooking ideas.

1. probably spaghetti if you're using a meat sauce. at least it has tomatoes. white rice is nearly devoid of being worthwhile to eat compared to brown rice and sho-yu is good for sodium and taste. Soy sauce is at least a fermened soy product.

3. i heard vinegar is good but i dunno why as I've never researched it much.

4. i can't eggplant but i like sho-yu on cabbage. i generally season my steamed vegetables with pepper, spices or just like my salads- italian salad dressing.

i think the sauces would depend on exactly which one you use... i imagine they flucuate some...

vinager is good because its acidic... consuming acidic things when you eat affects digestion... if i remember right it reduces the insulin spike...

i like seasame oil but i don't know the paleo view

quinoa is a great alternative to rice... cooks and tastes the same

Ryan,

IMO, if you're going to be eating rice and pasta on a regular basis, you have no place to be worrying about minutae like sesame oil, sauces, vinegar. Things like that are only going to make a fraction of a % difference to your health and performance even if your diet is otherwise optimal (which it is far from being if including grains). Or if you prefer a visual, it's like trying to f--t against a tsunami.

That said, to answer you questions:

1. "Which is healthier" - if you're going to pick one of the two options and eat it every day, I'd go with the rice because it is gluten free, but both are poor choices. At the very least add some protein to the meal.

Soy sauce - while there's a general soy scare going on, it seems fermented soy products are OK to consume in moderation. Again, look for gluten-free (assuming you ditch the pasta, otherwise it makes no difference).

2. Sesame oil - use as a condiment only as it doesn't have the best fatty acid profile.

3. Vinegar - generally it's good stuff. Can help lower the glycemic impact of your meal and improve digestion. They're all good, apple cider vinegar is the "cleanest".

4. Here are a couple links to Paleo recipe collections. Google is also your friend on questions like this.

http://paleofood.com/

http://board.crossfit.com/showthread.php?t=20799

Many people eat a fairly strict Paleo diet, not just "crazy Ido" :wink: It does take some time for your taste buds to adjust after years of being ravaged by Oreos. After a while, breads and pastas just don't register as "food" anymore.

It's not ever going to be as easy as pouring milk on cereal, but who said being exceptional was supposed to be easy? 8)