Sunday Suppers: The Paleo Way, Part 4 – BACON!
My mother and I were discussing paleo tonight and she says it “confuses” her. I really think the problem with Americans and food is that we really overcomplicate what we eat. Primal eating is really about simplifying what we put into our bodies. The main components of my nutrition include meats, seafood, vegetables, fruits, and spices. For those without inflammatory issues, eggs and nuts can be included. I also enjoy chocolate.. dark, non-dairy. I’m a big fan of Theo bars.
I’m guilty of over-simplifying it.
You need to study paleo/primal eating if you are dedicated to it. There is no conceivable way for me to comprehensively write about it in the short Sunday Supper articles. I’m just showing you all some simplified and healthy paleo meals you can enjoy.
My favorite snacks right now include celery with almond butter and raisins, kale chips, and salami (I love the kind in the deli at Earth Fare). But, more than anything, right now I LOVE BACON!
Who doesn’t love bacon? Now, I buy that at Earth Fare as well so that I am not dealing with additives or preservatives. I limit myself to 2 servings a week (heinous, I know)… but we generally have a hot breakfast once a week that includes bacon (I like 2 slices with some fresh fruit or a green smoothie). And then we do bacon with dinner. For this meal, it was chicken.
Chicken with Avocado and Bacon
Bake chicken breasts to appropriate level of doneness. I season mine with olive oil, sea salt, and pepper. Top with fresh slices of avocado and cooked bacon.
Now, we made the meal and then I was immediately frustrated because it was hard to handle. So, the next time I will definitely cube or shred my chicken and will serve the ingredients in a romaine leaf – my variation of a sandwich or wrap.
If your family is not doing paleo, you could always use some whole grain tortillas to wrap and serve the wrap with honey mustard or other dipping sauce.
Our side for this meal was zucchini with shallots. I simply slice 3-4 medium zucchini and a large shallot and put into a glass baking dish with 4 tablespoons of butter (cut into pats) and season with sea salt and pepper. I cover with foil and bake at 350 for about 30-45 minutes. I like my zucchini to retain some bite.
I’ve been concerned with the simplicity of the meals, thinking this may be a turn off, but, it is what it is. A healthier lifestyle requires letting go of the idea that meals have to be complex. Breaking food down to the components our bodies need and nothing more can help with weight loss and many health issues.
So, bacon! Make some extra slices and stick them in the fridge. I like to grab one for a snack sometimes.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy bacon? I’d love to read your recipes in the comments. You can also read my other Paleo recipes in Sunday Suppers: Parts 1-3.
Christa Landingham and her husband are Madison County natives and life-long residents. They have boy/girl twins and two crazy puppers. She loves all things teaching, organizing, and supporting local small businesses. In her “free-time” she loves to garden, travel with her family, volunteer, and comb local thrift stores. Pearl Jam is her jam.