If you’ve recently gone Paleo, you might be worried about navigating the kitchen this holiday season, what with all of the sugar, bread, and other non-Paleo staples of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner floating around.
But do not fear, Paleoistas! I’ve got your wheat-free little backs!
We’ve put together this Paleo swap cheat for you so you know what to use to replace those common holiday ingredients. You don’t have to give up your favorite Thanksgiving dish!
Holiday Paleo Swaps
Flour. Wheat flour is a no-no for Paleo. I’m also not a huge fan of those gluten-free flour blends (most contain potato starch and ingredients that can spike your blood sugar). Luckily, there are alternatives available. Use arrowroot for your thickening needs (be it a pie or a pan of gravy) and coconut flour for baking.
Dairy. Say no to the heavy cream and yes to full-fat coconut milk! And, yes, it has to be the full-fat coconut milk when you’re using it to replace cream in your recipes, or you won’t be happy with the results.
Sugar. Refined sugar is the enemy. And, as a Paleoista, you know that. Replace the sugar in your recipes with honey or xylitol so you can have your Thanksgiving cake and eat it, too.
Vegetable oil. Another big no-no on the Paleo diet is vegetable oil. Actually, nobody should be eating vegetable oil, Paleo or not. Swap out the oil in your dessert recipes for grass-fed butter or ghee. Coconut oil is also great for cooking with, and for greasing those pans.
Bread. Bread is the ultimate no-no for Paleo. When it comes to the coveted leftover turkey sandwich, use lettuce leaves as your “bread” and you can enjoy that sandwich without the bloat!
Potato. No mashed potatoes for the hardcore Paleoista, either. Many of us will have a scoop of mashed potatoes (if they’re organic!) with our Thanksgiving dinner. But, if you’re not allowing any white potatoes on your plate this year, choose sweet potatoes (orange or purple), and you’ll be perfectly happy. Especially if you prepare my famous sweet potato recipe!
There. How simple was that?
Be sure to share this cheat sheet with all of your Paleo friends!
Here’s something that will make you smile–it’s our Paleo Thanksgiving Menu! Below is our Paleo option, and it is yours for FREE! Just click below to get the menus.