I came home about a week ago to find a package on my doorstep. I did not remember ordering anything, so I was curious to get it open. It was super-duper heavy and, when I opened it up, I was stoked to realize that I had just received an advanced copy of the soon-to-be-released book by Diane Sanfilippo, Practical Paleo!
Release date is August 7th!
Diane runs the immensely popular and well-respected blog and podcast, Balanced Bites, and if you have never checked her out, you should. I had responded to her call for bloggers who wanted to review an advance copy but, honestly, I really didn’t think that I would get one since my blog is still just a baby. Baby blog or not though, there it was in all it’s glory. Just for me. I felt so honored. I am so honored! I was so excited that I sat down (I may or may not have neglected my kids for a little while) and read as much of it as I could before I was forced to get up and make dinner. After dinner, I got everyone in bed, did the same with myself and read it until I couldn’t keep my eyes open anymore.
In the last week, I have been able to read it cover to cover and it is nothing short of a Paleo “bible”. It truly is a one stop shop for all your Paleo needs, from what Paleo is all about, to how your body responds to different types of food, to how to get started and what to cook. There is even a FAQ section that answers questions about things like protein powders (are they ok? I think you already know this answer) and fish oil supplements (this answer might surprise you). It’s like Robb Wolf meets Bill and Hayley of The Food Lovers’ Primal Palate (and it sorta really is because Bill did most of the photography!). It is a wealth of information AND recipes, and it’s just almost equally divided among the two. In order to contain all of this information, the book weighs in at 432 pages. That’s HUGE, folks, and it’s a lot of bang for your buck (especially if you pre-order now). Diane really did think of everything.
There are also these really cool, easy to read and understand, one page (tear-out) guides to things like gluten, sweeteners and good sources of dense carbs. If you are like I am, you might be tempted NOT to pull these out of the book for fear of losing them, but Diane thought of this, too. Fear not, Paleo people! Go ahead…tear them out! Each one just happens to be duplicated throughout the book, so you can never lose them. Genius.
See?
Did you know that your makeup could have gluten in it? I didn’t.
This book also contains lots of in-depth 30 day meal plans for all sorts of ailments, including Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes type 1&2, Parkinson’s disease, Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Not only does she tell you exactly what to eat every day for 30 days, she goes into diet and lifestyle recommendations and what sort of nutritional supplements might help for each particular ailment. I definitely got some new ideas on how I can further help my digestive health. Fermented cod liver oil, anyone?
Now, onto the food.
It was really difficult to decide what to make first. It all looks so mouth-watering. However, I just happened to have a pork loin thawed (which helped with the decision-making process), so I chose the cumin spiced pork tenderloin.
The photography is gorgeous!
Here is what you need:
1 T cumin
1 T coriander
1 T granulated garlic or garlic powder
1 tsp sea salt
black pepper to taste
2 pork tenderloins (I had one big one)
2 T bacon fat (or other cooking fat)
2 onions, chopped into large slices
4 parsnips, peeled and chopped ~I am not particularly fond of parsnips, so I subbed in carrots and turnips~
2 fresh garlic cloves, smashed ~ I might have used 6 or 7…I love garlic!~
1 large orange, peeled and segmented
seeds of one pomegranate (approx 1/4 cup, optional) ~ I omitted these because I didn’t have them~
Here is what you do:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the cumin, coriander, granulated garlic (or powder), salt and black pepper.
Using paper towels, pat the pork tenderloins dry, and apply the spice blend to the meat generously to create a crust. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and melt the bacon fat. Place the pork tenderloins in the skillet, and sear on all sides for approximately 2 minutes per side.
Place the onions, parsnips, garlic, orange segments and pomegranate seeds in a large roasting dish, topped by the pork tenderloins. Roast for 30-40 minutes or until the internal temperature of the pork tenderloins reaches 145 degrees F. If you need to continue roasting the vegetables until they are soft, simply remove the pork and set it aside on a cutting board to rest until the vegetables finish roasting for another 10-15 minutes.
Slice the tenderloins on the bias(diagonally) and serve over the vegetables.
So, I mentioned that I subbed in carrots and turnips for the parsnips. When it all came out of the oven, I got the idea to puree the vegetables. There are a couple of reasons I did this. First, the vegetables came out a little dry. It could have been because my meat was so lean, or that I didn’t cook them long enough. Even so, next time I would probably add a little bit of broth or toss them in coconut oil or bacon fat. Secondly, and most importantly, I happen to love veggie purees. I always end up having leftovers when I make them, and I like to use them in my breakfast scrambles. So, it’s a two for one deal. I ended up squeezing the orange segments (once cooled a little) into a bowl, and then I dumped in all the veggies and what juice there was in the pan and used my handy immersion blender to puree it up. Seasoned with a little sea salt, it was perfect. I served all of this alongside some sautéed spinach. It was so delicious! The meat, though lean, was still very tender and juicy, and the whole house smelled amazing. The flavors were so good! If you love cumin (like I do), you are in business.
I thought about doing one other recipe that stood out to me, but changed my mind. Let me tell you why. Better yet, I will show you.
This, my friends, is what is called Nutty Bacon Bark. Yep, you heard me right. Bacon candy! This recipe stood out immediately, but I knew if I made it, I would eat it. All of it. That would be no bueno. So, here is what I am going to do. I am saving this one for Christmas. I will add it to my treats that I make for friends and then I can give it all away. Ok, well, maybe I will give away MOST of it. Doesn’t it look and sound divine?
So, get over to Amazon or Barnes and Noble and pre-order your copy of Practical Paleo today. It is destined to become one of the must-haves among Paleo books and, when it comes out, the price will go up and you will be kicking yourself for not taking my advice. Really, I am just looking out for your best interest.
Oh right, you want a giveaway, huh? Well, I have pre-ordered another copy of this book to giveaway, and it should be here by August 9th or so. How do you win it, you ask? Well, it’s simple really. Leave a comment here telling me why you would love to own this valuable piece of Paleo wisdom. That’s it. Told ya, simple. I will select a winner on August 15th just to give a little leeway.
and forget about that whole 200 likes thing…it’s not really my style.
Primal Belly 
I NEED this book for the healthy wisdom that it contains.
i would loveee to win this book for the recipes! i have the online ebook from her and its super too. im sure the book will be even better.
I would love to have a copy of this book. Recently I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 33 and the paleo lifestyle has helped me greatly. This would be a great resource that would not only help me but my family as well!
I’d love this book! I am starting to get by coworkers interested, and more ammo/recipes would help a ton.
I’d love to get this book for the leaky gut meal plan and recipes. Thanks for the opportunity.
I have recently been diagnosed with gluten intolerance (5 days ago). So I am now tasked with changing my diet completely. This book sounds amazing. The tear out cheat sheets sound like they are just what I need to help me adjust to a gluten free / Paleo lifestyle
I’m new to paleo so I would love to read this book. Previously vegan so I also have a lot to learn about cooking meat.
What a great blog! I’ve been checking out paleo blogs recently, and stumbled upon this one today.
I recently started down the Paleo path, but between full-time work, part-time grad school, and a boyfriend who eats like he’s half-starved every night, it’s difficult to find recipes that work with what I have on hand, and especially difficult to try something other than the ol’ standby (hello, tuna salad…). This book would be a fantastic resource for me!
I would love to win this book because I love the Paleo lifestyle, I am a woman on a budget, and I love winning things. Also, I found your awesome blog thru Balanced Bites! I don’t know what that has to do with anything but I thought that could potentially be useful for you to know!!
I would love this book.
Im new to the paleo life and need more information, please.
This book looks like its full of great information, I would love a copy.
This book would be great because 1. I love all things practical 2. I. LOVE. FOOD. and 3. I’ve got some health problems (PCOS, hypothyroid, etc) that would really benefit from a tailored meal plan. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
[…] have your copy of Practical Paleo, yet? If not, and you would like to enter to win one, go here: https://primalbelly.com/2012/07/26/practical-paleo-a-book-review/ and leave a comment! I will choose a winner on August 15th. Good luck! ~Holly~ Share […]
This looks to be a great great! Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
I only have one paleo cookbook and I’d love to have another on-hand!
My husband and I are just starting out on this Paleo adventure, it’d be awesome to have a great resource to get us kicked into high gear!
I am a new mom to a baby girl, overweight, and on verge of type 2 diabetes if I don’t change my ways. My sister just introduced me to Paleo/primal eating this week and I really want to try it and finally feel good about myself after putting so much energy into my daughter. I would love a copy of this book bc it would help me find my way to a new lifestyle!
I would love a copy of this new book. It looks wonderful!
I would love a copy! Fighting allergies with food…need more ammunition!
I am a personal trainer and i’d love to have a copy of your book so i can learn more about the way paleo diet can improve specific health issues and to be able to give my clients more options of food and recipes to keep them motivated and reach their goals.
I would love to win a copy of Practical Paleo. I have been trying to incorporate more paleo meals and snacks into my family’s diet. I have a 5yr, 3yr & 15 month old twins and it has been tough trying to win the two oldest over.
I’ve been primal/Paleo almost exclusively for a few years–I love how I feel and have a basic understanding of why it makes sense, but I’m hungry for more!! Plus, I’m trying to get my 5 and 6 year old kids transitioned..thanks for the chance! Looking forward to checking out your blog (found you through twitter). 🙂
I would love this book for my mom. She’s dipping her toe into the paleo pool and is already experiencing positive changes in her Parkinson’s symptoms. I’d love to see what could happen if she completely took the plunge.
I would love love love to win a copy of Diane’s masterpiece, because after listening to several podcast interviews I believe she is incredibly wise, level-headed and knowledgeable about healing via diet. Coming out of anorexia and raw veganism which both ruined my health, this sounds like just the tool for rebuilding myself!
I’d loooove to win a copy of this book! I really love her no-nonsense approach and all the amazing information … okay, I really just want to see the Poop Pageant! 🙂
I’d love this book! I have turned to paleo to help with fertility following 2 miscarriages so would love to read more about how to regain my health and fertility with food.
Want so much!!!
I have been coveting this book from afar for far too long…just finishing Primal Blueprint and still doing lots of research on the web. Have begun to eat primal/paleo and still refining. Would really Love to Win Practical Paleo! Good Luck to all that enter!
Im interested to see how Diane presents the information she does a good job with easy to understand info graphics and has yummy recipes. I like the idea of a set of comprehensive paleo information together with yummy recipes and photos!
I have done the 21 day sugar detox (success!) and trying to get my wife (a chef) into the whole paleo movement/lifestyle..this book would get her motivated I am sure…she loves to cook!
My sister loves how she feels now that she’s been eating Paleo, and I want to follow in her footsteps! And I’ve got Hashimoto’s, so eating Paleo might help stop the autoimmune attacks, too!
I love this recipe. I have the cookbook. I think it came from Costco. I have made this three times for my family. The only I do is double the spice mixture, cut the loin into medallions and fry in a cast iron skillet just because I am in a rush. Thank for sharing this. I am going to copy the link and put it on my facebook page.