The Daily Chomp

Our Blog May 29, 2020

Are Sweet Potatoes Paleo? The Definitive Guide

If you're wondering if sweet potatoes fit into your paleo diet, you can rest assured — they definitely have their place. Read our complete guide! READ MORE

Our Blog May 11, 2020

15 Healthy Weight Watchers Ground Beef Recipes

Want ground beef recipes that are healthy? We rounded up15 of the best to help you stick to your health goals without boring your taste buds. READ MORE

Our Blog April 10, 2020

Is Salami Keto? Carbs, Benefits, & How to Enjoy

Wondering if or how salami fits into your keto diet? We've got your covered. Here are the carbs in salami, health benefits, and best uses. READ MORE

Our Blog April 09, 2020

Paleo Diet Basics: Food List, Rules, & Meal Plan

Learn more about the paleo diet and discover delicious paleo-friendly foods like grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables. READ MORE

Our Blog March 31, 2020

Is Dark Chocolate Keto? + The Best Low-Carb Brands

Carbs in dark chocolate can vary widely, so today we're going to cover exactly what you need to know about eating dark chocolate on keto. READ MORE

Our Blog February 24, 2020

Is Half and Half Keto? Carbs and Alternatives

Half and half can be safe for a keto diet with the right portion sizes. If you're close to your carb limit for the day, try a keto-friendly creamer alternative. READ MORE

Our Blog January 29, 2020

Is Chorizo Keto? Calories, Carbs, & Recipes

Looking for exciting food options to include in your keto diet? Then chorizo is definitely a contender. Here's where chorizo fits into your keto lifestyle. READ MORE

Our Blog January 09, 2020

Carbs in Tuna: Is Tuna Keto-Approved?

We all love tuna but is it a good food to eat on the ketogenic diet? Continue reading to learn if tuna is keto-approved. READ MORE

Our Blog December 10, 2019

Low-Carb Canned Soup: 9 Keto-Friendly Soups to Buy

Indulge in your favorite comfort food with 9 keto-friendly soups. We provided low-carb soup options perfect for the keto diet. READ MORE

Our Blog November 25, 2019

17 Keto Chicken Marinade Recipes (All Low-Carb)

If you've been looking for low-carb chicken marinade ideas, look no further! Though many popular marinades tend to contain a high content of added sugar and carbs, we are happy to share that there are countless ways to create low-carb, keto-approved chicken marinades. Whether you're grilling outdoors or cooking indoors, you'll absolutely love this collection of recipes! These delicious keto-friendly marinade recipes are full of ingredients that are low in carbs but packed with flavor. Marinades for chicken are wonderful for preparing dinners ahead of time, as many of them can be prepared the night before, or the morning that you plan to serve your chicken dish. Whether you like unique marinade flavors, such as lemon dill or peanut, or prefer the classics, like BBQ or ranch, you are sure to find some delicious marinade recipes within this post! — 1. Awesome Grilled Chicken Marinade Made from fresh and flavorful ingredients, this grilled chicken marinade is incredibly easy to make. Essentially, all you do is throw everything into a food processor and blend! One of the best parts about this recipe is that if you find yourself with leftover marinade, you can store it in the refrigerator to use the next time you want some tasty chicken. We also love that this delicious recipe is great for more than just those who follow a ketogenic diet; it's also perfect for those who follow Whole30, too, as the recipe is free from gluten, grains, dairy, soy, MSG, and added sweetener. Ingredients: Garlic Onion Fresh rosemary Fresh thyme Lemon Orange Avocado oil Kosher salt Get the recipe from Low Carb with Jennifer. — 2. Low-Carb Barbecue Chicken Marinade If you're craving some classic BBQ chicken that is low in carbs and full of flavor, you've come to the right place! This chicken marinade is perfect for those who follow a keto diet, plus it's a perfect recipe to have on-hand as it's made with ingredients that you likely already have in your refrigerator and pantry! With this recipe, the involved ingredients create a perfect consistency to create a marinade that's delicious no matter how you decide to cook your chicken! Ingredients: Olive oil No-sugar BBQ sauce Apple cider vinegar Minced garlic Onion powder Paprika Salt Cayenne pepper Get the recipe from The Kitchen Magpie Low Carb. — 3. Maple Dijon Low-Carb Chicken Marinade This keto chicken marinade is really something else! Packed with maple dijon flavor, this low-carb recipe is perfect for your next chicken meal. It provides sweetness without being filled with sugar or loaded in carbs. Using sugar-free maple syrup, dijon, and liquid aminos (or soy sauce), this recipe requires less than 20 minutes to make. Though this recipe uses chicken thighs, breasts will work just as well. With only 0.4g net carbs per serving, you can't beat it! Ingredients: Maple-flavored syrup Dijon mustard Liquid aminos or soy sauce Garlic Fresh thyme Get the recipe from Megan Seelinger. — 4. Keto Greek Chicken Marinade This is a great "I already have everything I need" recipe. All of the ingredients required to make this delicious keto Greek chicken marinade are refrigerator and pantry staples! Try this tasty marinade next time you have company. It's a classic that will be loved and enjoyed by all who taste it! Super easy to make, this chicken marinade dish is a great go-to and one that I love to prepare when I'm expecting guests. Ingredients: Olive oil  Red wine vinegar Lemon zest Lemon juice Garlic Rosemary Oregano Salt Pepper Get the recipe from Keto in Canada. — 5. Easy and Yummy Chicken Marinade If you've got 40 minutes to spare, you have time to make this delicious marinade and cook the chicken! In no time, you'll be left with an easy and delicious chicken marinade dish to serve at tonight's family dinner. You will absolutely love the flavors in this low-carb chicken marinade. With lemon juice, oregano, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper, the flavors are zesty and powerful. If you're in the mood for a southwestern twist, it is suggested to use lime juice in place of lemon juice, and cilantro in place of oregano. How delicious does that sound?! Ingredients: Lemon juice Dried oregano Garlic Olive oil Salt Pepper Get the recipe from Hip2Keto. — 6. Keto Grilled Chicken and Peanut Sauce If you're one for tangy flavors, you're going to LOVE this keto grilled chicken peanut sauce recipe. This recipe is a bit different than the others, as it introduces a sauce that's more saucy than marinade-y. It provides just as much flavor, if not more, as a traditional marinade! Made with peanut or almond butter (your choice!), garlic, ginger, jalapeños, and a few other straightforward ingredients, this recipe is totally customizable. You can even make it a bit spicier by increasing the amount of jalapeño seeds you include! Ingredients: Peanut butter or almond butter Fresh ginger Garlic Jalapeño pepper Fish sauce Rice wine vinegar Lime juice Water Granulated erythritol sweetener Get the recipe from I Breathe I'm Hungry. — 7. Italian Grilled Chicken Marinade If you're aiming for a juicy, tender, keto chicken dinner, this is the recipe for you. The marinade is fast, easy, and perfect for those times when you're craving marinated chicken, need something fast, or just purely aren't sure what to make! Using ingredients like dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, coconut aminos, lemon juice, and more, this delicious low-carb chicken marinade is approved for a variety of diet lifestyles like gluten-free and sugar-free, as well as being paleo-compliant and Whole30-approved! You're going to love this zesty, keto marinade for chicken! Ingredients: Salt Pepper Garlic Italian seasoning Dijon mustard Coconut aminos or soy sauce Olive oil or avocado oil Lemon juice Get the recipe from Life Made Sweeter. — 8. 30-Minute Keto Grilled Chicken Marinade This tasty marinade requires just 30 minutes and, after marinating, the zesty ingredients yield a grilled chicken so flavor-packed, you're sure to be going back for seconds! If you have some additional time set aside though, your chicken will taste even better as you can marinate the chicken for longer to really enhance the resulting flavors! With only 2 grams of net carbs per serving, you're going to want as much of this juicy marinade flavor as you can get. If you're looking for an easy, to-the-point marinade, this is it. It's zesty and totally delicious. Packed with nutrient-dense ingredients that are straightforward and easy to find in your local grocery store. If you're not a fan of mayo, feel free to substitute it with full-fat plain yogurt! This recipe is family and kid-approved and works great with either chicken breasts or chicken thighs. Ingredients: Mayonnaise Tamari or coconut aminos Lemon juice Lemon zest Dijon mustard Garlic powder Dried rosemary Salt Pepper Cayenne pepper Get the recipe from Kicking Carbs. — 9. Ranch Grilled Chicken Marinade If you've got kids at home, this is the perfect keto-friendly marinade for them; although, even if you don't have little ones hanging around, it's still worth making! This ranch grilled chicken marinade is absolutely delicious and full of those familiar flavors that we all love. This keto marinade only requires 5 minutes of preparation time and about 15 minutes of cook time, depending on the amount of chicken you plan to cook. Other than that, you just need at least 30 minutes for marinating! Made with ranch, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, buttermilk, and hot sauce, you are going to love this tasty chicken marinade! Ingredients: Ranch dressing Avocado oil Worcestershire sauce Buttermilk Apple cider vinegar Parsley Hot sauce Salt Get the recipe from That Low Carb Life. — 10. Lemon Dill Keto Marinade Lemon dill keto chicken marinade is a great option if you're looking for a marinade with as few ingredients as possible. With just six ingredients (including water), this marinade is perfect for chicken! This simple marinade takes no more than 2 minutes to mix together, and from there it's all smooth sailing. What's most exciting about this dish is that each serving of this tasty marinade contains just 0.8 grams of net carbs. We can't wait for you to try this one! Ingredients: Avocado oil Lemon juice Dill Capers Pepper Water Get the recipe from Keto In Pearls. — 11. Keto Paprika Chicken Marinade This is another one of those extra special marinade recipes that could probably be made with items that you already have in your refrigerator and pantry. Those are the best, aren't they?! Using olive oil, paprika, minced garlic, and a few other key ingredients, this is an easy keto friendly marinade that you're going to love. The best part about this keto chicken breast marinade is that it actually doesn't have to sit and "marinate" at all! To make this yummy chicken, simply coat the meat in the marinade mixture, stick it in the oven, and cook! Doesn't get much easier than that! Ingredients: Olive oil Spanish smoked paprika Lemon juice Maple syrup Minced garlic Salt Pepper Get the recipe from Ruled.me. — 12. Lemon Chicken Marinade This lemon chicken keto marinade is perfect for keeping the chicken nice and juicy without skimping on flavor. In fact, this marinade recipe is packed full of intense and delicious flavors that you're going to love. Using olive oil, garlic, rosemary, oregano, and lemon juice, this incredibly easy marinade recipe can be whipped together in essentially no time at all. Allow your chicken to sit for at least 30 minutes while it soaks in all of the delicious flavors. If you can, however, let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator for extra zestiness. As described in the recipe, you can even add some chopped jalapeños for a little extra depth of flavor and spice! Ingredients: Olive oil Garlic Rosemary Oregano Lemons Get the recipe from The Little Pine. — 13. Keto Tandoori Chicken Marinade If you love Indian food, you're going to be head over heels for this tandoori chicken! Though store-bought tandoori seasoning is typically high in carbs, this keto version is a perfect low-carb alternative. There are two parts to this marinade recipe, so the ingredient list in the original recipe is broken up. Both parts are simple to whip together and many of the required ingredients overlap. Though this ingredient list appears longer than the other recipes in this post, it's still just as easy, requiring less than 15 minutes to prep time. Ingredients: Garlic Ginger Kashmiri chili powder Salt Lemon juice Olive oil Greek yogurt Cinnamon Cumin Paprika Allspice Garam masala Get the recipe from My Keto Kitchen. — 14. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Thigh Marinade This garlic parmesan chicken marinade is keto, low-carb, and gluten-free! It's perfect for chicken thighs but is also incredibly tasty when used on chicken breasts. You're going to love it! With a prep time of just 5 minutes, how can you possibly go wrong with this recipe? It uses ingredients such as parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, sea salt, and olive oil. This yummy keto chicken breast marinade contains just 0.5 grams of net carbs per serving! Talk about a great option for keto chicken dinner nights! Ingredients: Basil Parmesan cheese Garlic Salt Pepper Olive oil Get the recipe from Ketogasm. — 15. Low-Carb Garlic Chicken Marinade You can never have too many garlic recipes, and this chicken marinade proves it! Adding garlic to savory and protein-packed dishes is always such a tasty option, and it's the MVP ingredient of this delicious low-carb garlic chicken recipe. Using Herbes de Provence, olive oil, Dijon, and a few other simple ingredients, this chicken marinade is the perfect, easy, go-to keto recipe. This chicken only contains 4 grams of net carbs per serving. It's a tasty dish that's perfect for the ketogenic diet! This recipe includes a number of ways to actually cook the chicken, so you can use whichever method best suits your preferences. You can use an Instant Pot or a traditional skillet! Either way, the resulting chicken marinade is going to taste incredible. Ingredients: Herbes de Provence Olive oil Dijon mustard Apple cider vinegar Salt Pepper Garlic Get the recipe from Two Sleevers. — 16. Low-Carb Chicken Kabob Marinade This marinade is a great recipe to use if you're in a time crunch. Unlike most, this one does not require a long period of time to marinate, as the marinade is applied during cooking! This recipe was created kabobs in mind, but you can also use it for regular chicken breasts or chicken thighs! Put some of the marinade on the meat before cooking. During cooking, pour the remaining marinade over the meat and cook for a brief time. Just like that, you have delicious, marinated chicken! Ingredients: Olive oil Lemon juice Garlic powder Oregano Worcestershire sauce Get the recipe from Moscato Mom. — 17. Apple Cider Vinegar Chicken Marinade This apple cider vinegar chicken recipe is absolutely delicious, and more than perfect for the fall and winter seasons! The tasty, juicy chicken that this marinade creates is perfect for pairing with salads, veggies, and even fall-approved comfort foods like mashed potatoes or low-carb stuffing. To make this marinade you will need olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and spices. You probably already have most of those ingredients on-hand, so making this recipe should be a breeze! When all is said and done, this delicious marinated chicken recipe only contains 2 grams of net carbs per serving. It's such a wonderful keto marinade for chicken, and you're going to love it! Ingredients: Olive oil Lemon juice Apple cider vinegar Garlic Fresh basil Fresh parsley Fresh rosemary Fresh thyme Salt Pepper Get the recipe from Easy Family Recipes. Get your keto journey started with our easy, dairy-free keto recipes and a handy grocery list. READ MORE

Our Blog November 12, 2019

Are Bell Peppers Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly?

Yes, bell peppers are keto-friendly, but there are limits which depend on the peppers you choose and the serving sizes you eat. READ MORE

Our Blog October 15, 2019

24 Paleo Soup Recipes That Are Tasty and Healthy

If you follow a paleo diet and are craving a warming, comforting bowl of soup, you will love the recipes included in this list! We especially love that many of these recipes can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator or freezer to enjoy all week long or even months after having been cooked. Free from ingredients containing gluten, dairy, grains, legumes, refined sugar, and MSG, these delicious paleo soup recipes are perfect options for your weekly meal prep. Each recipe is nutrient-dense and full of flavor that the whole family is sure to enjoy! Whether you're looking for paleo chicken soup recipes, paleo vegetable soup recipes, or a paleo soup recipe that is entirely different than one you've ever tried before, this list is one that you need to bookmark. — 1. Creamy Paleo Cauliflower Soup with Bacon As the weather gets cooler, it's always a good idea to have a deliciously thick paleo soup recipe on-hand and ready to prepare! This paleo creamy soup with bacon will give you all of the cozy feelings you need to enjoy the fall and winter months. This recipe is dairy-free, gluten-free, Whole30-compliant, nutrient-dense, and doesn't take ages to cook. So, go on, treat yourself to a bowl of this warming soup tonight. You'll be so glad you did! Get the recipe from The Endless Meal. — 2. Paleo Tomato Basil Soup with Sausage This paleo tomato basil soup with sausage is what you get when you give your traditional tomato soup a spicy and protein-packed makeover! This recipe is low-carb, dairy-free, and makes for a great appetizer or a light meal. If you're not a fan of spicy paleo soups, then you can simply omit the hot sauce and opt for a milder tasting sausage. No matter what level of spiciness you decide on, you will be so thrilled with the resulting taste of this soup! Get the recipe from Real Simple Good. — 3. Healing Carrot Turmeric Ginger Soup Sometimes, even the healthiest of bodies can fall ill so, if that happens to you, you'll want to supply yourself with food that will aid in your rapid healing. This paleo carrot turmeric ginger soup recipe is compliant with a variety of diets and is absolutely perfect for those who need something wholesome, satiating, and soothing to help boost their recovery. Get the recipe from Real Balanced. — 4. Paleo Zuppa Toscana If you're in the mood for some Zuppa Toscana, which literally translates to "Tuscan soup", then you'll love this paleo-friendly Italian soup recipe! Prep the ingredients and toss them in a slow cooker, then come back to 6 restaurant-worthy servings full of rich and delicious goodness. Each bite is packed with bacon, Italian sausage, kale, and potatoes! Get the recipe from Tastes Of Lizzy T. — 5. Paleo Potato, Leek & Chicken Soup with Kale Need a family-friendly paleo chicken soup recipe that you can whip up whenever the weather gets a bit too chilly or when someone in the family ends up with a cold? If so, this paleo- and Whole30-compliant Potato, Leek & Chicken Soup with Kale is just what you need! The combination of flavors from the veggies, chicken thighs and stock is enough to bring back the pep in your step. We especially love that this recipe can be prepped and ready to serve in just an hour of time. So, if you need to whip a meal together for the family, make sure you have this recipe at the ready! Get the recipe from Tastes Lovely. — 6. Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Soup Too busy to stand over the stovetop to watch your soup cook but still want to eat lean and clean? Try making this paleo crockpot soup! In just 10 minutes, you can prep the ingredients for this recipe and have it in your crockpot to cook. After 8 hours of slow cooking, you'll be so pleased with the flavor in each bite! This paleo-friendly dish is easy to prepare, packs so much flavor into each bite, and is great for your weekly meal prep routine. Get the recipe from Real Simple Good. — 7. Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Chicken Zoodle Soup This flavor-rich and anti-inflammatory paleo chicken noodle soup is proof that eating healthy doesn't mean being stuck eating bland, boring, and tasteless food. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how perfectly spiced this dish is and how well it fits a variety of therapeutic diets! Get the recipe from Wholefully. — 8. Loaded Broccoli Chicken Soup Loaded Broccoli Chicken Soup is the hearty paleo soup of your dreams! This tasty, dairy-free soup is delicious, easy to make, and is packed with nutrients. This recipe yields 6 to 8 servings, so it's a great choice when making family dinner with the hope of having leftovers for tomorrow's workday lunch. Get the recipe from The Whole Smiths. — 9. Paleo Chicken Pot Pie Soup There's something so nostalgic about chicken pot pies. Many people grew up with this comforting dish being served at family dinner night, so we love that this classic meal has been transformed into a paleo-friendly soup! Even without the chicken pot pie crust, this is still one of the best paleo soup recipes that you'll ever find. Get the recipe from Real Food With Jessica. — 10. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Soup No round-up of paleo soup recipes is made complete without mushroom soup! This exquisite creamy mushroom chicken soup is bound to make any mushroom-fan swoon. It's flavorful, nutritious, and comforting. This recipe yields 4 servings and we would highly recommend doubling it because we're sure you're going to want leftovers for later in the week. Get the recipe from Physical Kitchness. — 11. Hot and Sour Soup Serve yourself a bowl of this paleo-friendly hot and sour soup and you are sure to enjoy each hearty and flavor-packed bite! This soup is delicious and we love how simple it is to make. Each bite will immediately warm your body with its light peppery flavor and the subtle sourness from the vinegar is sure to awaken your taste buds. Get the recipe from Nom Nom Paleo. — 12. Paleo Turkey Meatball Zoodle Soup If you're looking for a paleo turkey soup recipe, this is the one you're going to want to bookmark. This flavorful paleo turkey meatball zoodle soup will soon become a household staple recipe as it is simple to make and is packed with vitamins and nutrients! You'll only need one pot to make this dish and it only takes 35 minutes to whip up. Serve alongside your favorite paleo side dish or simply on its own. No matter what you decide on, this soup is sure to fill you up and energize you! Get the recipe from Paleo Running Momma. — 13. Asian-Inspired Zoodle Flu Buster Soup If you're needing a delightful soup dish that will keep you strong all winter long, look no further! Not only is this recipe delicious and bursting with Asian-inspired flavors, like anise seed, freshly grated ginger, five-spice, and fish sauce, it can also be enjoyed by those who follow a variety of different diets, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and, of course, paleo. Win-win! Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch. — 14. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup Love everything pumpkin-flavored and fall-inspired? If so, you are going to want to whip up this vegan paleo slow cooker pumpkin soup recipe! Each ingredient is easily accessible in your local grocery store, the steps are simple to follow, and the entire recipe can be prepped and in your slow cooker to cook in just 15 minutes. What we think is even better? This recipe is also allergy-friendly making it a perfect option for those who have family members with food allergies. Get the recipe from Simply Recipes. — 15. Paleo Egg Roll Soup This egg roll soup is so delicious! It contains all of the delicious flavors reminiscent of the popular Chinese takeout dish that we all know and love, without the extra carbs from the wrapper. Enjoy this paleo soup recipe on its own or as an appetizer. No matter which way you plan to serve it, we know that it's going to be a hit! Get the recipe from Unbound Wellness. — 16. AIP Paleo Bone Broth Cabbage Detox Soup This Thai-inspired paleo soup recipe truly highlights the nutritional value and flavor of the humble cabbage. The broth itself is very light, yet packed with nutrients, so this paleo soup recipe is an especially essential one to have on-hand if you feel as though you're coming down with a cold. Get the recipe from An Edible Mosaic. — 17. Paleo Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup Who says that buffalo chicken can't be enjoyed in a bowl as a soup?! This Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Soup is for anyone and everyone who loves buffalo sauce. It's a dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, keto, and paleo-compliant soup that only takes 15 minutes to make. It doesn't get much better than that! Get the recipe from Tasty Yummies. — 18.Santa-Fe-Style Vegetable Soup This paleo slow cooker soup recipe is high in protein, vitamin-rich, and is perfect for busy bodies wanting to refuel after a long day of work. This soup can be cooked on high for 3 hours to speed up the cooking time, or you can keep the setting on low for 6 hours; it's up to you! No matter how you decide to cook it, you'll be so pleased with the flavor in each spoonful! Get the recipe from Pop Sugar. — 19. Slow Cooker Ratatouille Soup This Slow Cooker Ratatouille Soup is a classic French end-of-summer dish that we think is perfect for any season throughout the year. It's loaded with flavor, hearty, and well worth the effort in the kitchen! You'll be delighted to know that this soup continues to become more flavorful the longer it cooks. So, what's the best advice we have for you on creating a successful slow cooker ratatouille soup? Don't rush the cooking time! Get the recipe from My Whole Food Life. — 20. Slow Cooker Shrimp Butternut Squash Chowder The beauty of owning a slow cooker is how easy it is to make a proper meal with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Shrimp Butternut Squash Chowder is a delicious paleo soup recipe that comes together without any fuss. Just throw everything together in your crockpot, set the timer, circle back a few hours later, and that's it! You've now got yourself a satiating, heartwarming soup that is protein-packed and paleo-compliant! Get the recipe from Physical Kitchness. READ MORE

Our Blog September 06, 2019

Is Meat Gluten-Free? Here's What You Need to Know

Is there gluten in meat? What about lunch meat? Here's a quick guide to always making sure you're eating gluten-free meat. READ MORE

Our Blog July 07, 2019

Fast Metabolism Diet: Food List and Sample Menu

Giving the Fast Metabolism Diet a shot? We've got you covered with food lists, sample menus and recipes to make your experience a success! READ MORE

Our Blog June 21, 2019

Paleo Friendly Carbs: What Carbs Can You Eat on Paleo

Navigate the paleo diet effortlessly and guilt-free. Our article guides you through wholesome choices that align with your Paleo lifestyle. READ MORE

Our Blog March 29, 2019

What Is BMR and TDEE + How to Use Them to Lose Weight

BMR and TDEE are formulas that calculate how much energy you spend per day, allowing you to set your calorie goals much more efficiently. READ MORE

Our Blog November 19, 2018

Are Raisins Paleo: Can You Eat Raisins on the Paleo Diet?

There are times when you’re following the paleo diet and find those foods that seem to be right on the line. It’s like... okay, I know grapes are fruits and therefore paleo, but are raisins paleo? Does the drying process screw that up at all? Can I have just a few? Should I avoid them entirely? What if I really just want a little box of them for my sweet fix at work? But wait. That’s the issue, right? Where does that sweetness come from? Well... sugar of course! And paleo and sugar don’t usually mix! We were curious too, so we did a little research on our naturally sugary friends. Here’s the deal with raisins... Can you eat raisins on the paleo diet? The general consensus is that raisins are paleo-friendly, but should be eaten in moderation due to their sugar content. Because raisins are just dehydrated or sun-dried grapes, they carry the same sugar content as a grape, but are much easier to overeat. While sugar makes up almost 72% of their weight, they usually don’t have added sugar like most other dried fruits. They also have a nice blend of vitamins and minerals including thiamin, manganese, potassium, copper, and B6. In other words, while they are generally a healthy snack, one snack binge where you just dive palm-first into a delicious box of raisins may in just a few bites may contain the sugar content you need for the whole day / load you down with some extra calories you weren’t expecting. Some people are more intolerant of carbohydrates like glucose and fructose as well, so make sure to listen to your body — especially if you’ve pretty much cut sugar from your diet. Here’s what other Paleo experts have to say on dried fruits (including raisins). Mark Sisson says: I think a few servings a week of dried fruits is not a big deal at all – fruit is a natural, fiber-rich, vitamin-loaded food source. PaleoLeap says: Fruit naturally contains a relatively small amount of sugar. When you dry it, you take out all the water, which concentrates the sugar in a much smaller package – it instantly becomes much, much easier to get a huge amount of sugar without even noticing it, while you’re supposedly eating something "healthy". How to approach dried fruits when following the Paleo diet Normally, fruits aren’t anything to be scared of on Paleo. They all contain a bit of natural sugars... some more than others (think apples), but natural sugar is still sugar. The issue with dried fruit is not in the nutrients themselves, but in the ability to consume drastically more sugar than you intended due to their decreased size. Think about a small box of raisins. In each little box there could be dozens of raisins... and you usually eat more than one, right? Now imagine eating 60+ grapes. Right!? Grapes have the water weight to prevent overeating. Raisins do not. Check out this awesome chart by PaleoLeap: That really puts things into perspective, yeah? You need to be careful with store-bought dried fruits. As we mentioned, raisins are generally okay, but other dried fruits are often culprits of additives and added sugars. Dried fruits lose a lot of their fiber content as well, so you miss out on most of the digestive positives as well. Here’s the deal: Dried fruits aren’t "bad", the same as honey or other paleo sweeteners aren’t "bad". In small amounts, they can be good for you, but be careful and watch for an increase in sweet cravings that accompany snacking on dried fruits. You don’t want to make sticking to paleo harder than it already it is! There are ways you can eat them that take advantage of their sugar content without overdoing it, too. Make your own trail mix with a low ratio of raisins to nuts. Fill it up with healthier alternatives like almonds, coconut flakes, pumpkin seeds, etc. You could make some soup or stew that uses them! There are lots of paleo beef and lamb stew recipes you could add them to or already have them in the recipe. You can use them as a salad dressing or topping. Think putting them on something with leaves, nuts, etc. And here’s an amazing broccoli bacon recipe from cookeatpaleo.com. Or if you want to get a little risky, here’s a no oatmeal raisin cookie recipe from Jay’s Baking Me Crazy. Making your own raisins is super easy You don’t have to buy your own raisins all the time. It can be fun to make homemade raisins as well and experiment with different grapes! Check out this super simple recipe from Serious Eats on how to make raisins at home! Ingredients: 3 large bunches seedless grapes, preferably mixed colors, stemmed Vegetable or canola oil, for greasing Instructions: Preheat oven to 225°F (110°C). Very lightly grease 2 rimmed baking sheets with oil, then scatter grapes all over. Bake, checking periodically for doneness, until grapes are nicely shriveled and semi-dried but still slightly plump, about 4 hours (the exact time will depend on your grapes, your oven, and your preferred degree of dryness). Let cool. Use a thin metal spatula to free any grapes that are stuck to the baking sheet. The dried grapes can be refrigerated in a sealed container for about 3 weeks. How long they keep will also depend on their degree of dryness; drier grapes will keep longer. Are raisins paleo: the final word Yes; just avoid using dried fruit as the foundation of any meal. Don’t go there looking to satiate yourself—instead, think of them as the icing on the cake. You can have a couple here and there and use them in strategic moments, but don’t make a meal out of them. If you approach dried fruit and raisins with this mindset, you won’t have any problems! See how Chomps meat sticks can be a perfect fit for your Paleo lifestyle. READ MORE

Our Blog October 29, 2018

GMO vs Organic: Key Differences Between Food Labels

Everyone knows that the quality of the food we eat affects our health significantly. We've been taught that organic foods are better for our bodies and the environment. But with the drastic difference in price, choosing between GMO and non GMO vs organic foods may seem hard to justify. As such, it's crucial to understand the difference between non-GMO and organic food labels. More food products are being marketed as "non-GMO" and many of us may not even know the difference. Many of us are left questioning what the actual GMO meaning in food is. We also find ourselves tangled in a debate between GMO vs non GMO products. You may be wondering, aren't non-GMO foods the same thing as organic? Is there really a difference or are we just being tricked into purchasing more expensive foods because they have a label on them? This might also lead you to ponder, “wait, can organic be GMO actually?” It seems like a strange question, but it’s one that plagues the minds of many conscious consumers. In this article, we're going to talk about the benefits and differences between non-GMO and organic products as well as GMOs - specifically: What are GMOs?What are organic foods and can organic be GMO?Non-GMO vs OrganicGMO vs Organic: Analyzing food labelsWhy not all organic foods are good for you What Are GMOs? The GMO meaning in food stands for "genetically modified organisms". Genetically modified foods have certain molecules added or removed from the DNA of the food product to enhance it in some way. A gene is inserted into the organism of the food that it normally wouldn't have. These genes are usually from a virus or bacteria and it's designed to alter the way food is grown. For example, when you see abnormally large strawberries or blueberries at the food store, most of the time these are genetically modified. They are usually designed to produce larger fruit and oftentimes, sweeter fruit.  This showcases the direct application of GMO vs non GMO practices in agricultural produce.GMO foods are most commonly created to provide a higher nutritional value to food and to also make it resistant to pests. Pros of GMO Foods While it may seem unnatural to alter or add organisms into food products, there are a few benefits to it: It costs less to produce GMO foods Fewer weeds invade the crop Provides a sweeter taste to fruits Provides higher nutritionally improved traits to provide health benefits for consumers[*] Cons of GMO Foods When it comes to anything unnatural, there come a few downsides: Many plants are now producing bacterial toxins leading to resistant bugs Superweeds have been discovered that resist normal herbicides Humans are consuming these harmful bacterias and toxins GMOs are a new food source to humans which causes allergic reactions to some people In rare cases, cancer is found because of the altered chemicals in food products Fortunately, more than 60 countries now require GMO labeling and 26 countries are partially banning GMOs. Should You Avoid GMOs? GMOs have been a huge topic for debate. The question of whether or not you should completely avoid them comes down to two factors: your health and the environment. GMO crops lead to an increase in the use of chemical pesticides because the crops have a higher tolerance to withstand these chemicals. This means our environment and farming communities have more exposure to these herbicides and pesticides which causes more pollution to the ocean and air. Little research has been conducted on the safety of GMOs in regards to health. While some people believe it may be harmful to consume foods that are unnatural, more studies must be conducted before making any proper claims. What Are Organic Foods? Organic products are foods free of any harmful chemicals, synthetic herbicides, pesticides, antibiotics, drug residues, and neurotoxins. They are almost always more expensive than GMO foods because they require more care to produce and they need to be certified. Pesticides must also be organically approved before use which drives the cost up even higher. In fact, organic foods can cost up to 50% higher than regular foods. So what’s better to purchase: GMO vs. organic foods? Pros of Organic Foods Here's why organic foods might be worth the monetary investment: No pesticides can be used when growing organic foods. Round-up cannot be used with organic crops. Round-up is a common herbicide used to kill off weeds. Organic crops don’t use hexane. Hexane is a neurotoxin used in common vegetable oils like soybean, canola, and corn. Organic meats don't contain any hormones. Many people express concern that meats with growth hormone can increase the chances of cardiovascular disease. Animals raised organically aren't given any antibiotics. This means the meat it produces won't contain any harmful toxins you may have consumed otherwise. Cons of Organic Foods While it may seem like a healthier alternative to adopt a strictly organic food diet, there are some downsides to it: When it comes to GMO vs organic or non GMO vs organic, organic foods are significantly more expensive. Not all food stores have a wide selection of organic foods. Going to your local farmers market rather than a grocery store may be a better option. Easily goes bad. Organic foods have a shorter shelf life compared to GMO foods so they must be consumed relatively soon after purchase Higher bacteria levels. Since there are very little to no pesticides and herbicides used on organic foods, the consumption of organic foods has been linked to an increased risk of e-Coli bacteria in the digestive system. No nutritional benefit. Research has found that there is no major nutritional benefit of organic food over other conventional means. What’s the Difference Between Non-GMO and Organic? In the GMO vs organic discussion, organic foods do not contain any pesticides, fertilizers, solvents, or additives. This helps the overall biodiversity of plants and animals which makes it much better for the environment. It also helps prevent antibacterial resistance in animals and chemical runoff when pesticides seep into the ground. When it comes to non-GMO vs organic, non-GMO has many similarities to the organic label but they aren't exactly the same. There’s a subtle difference between non GMO and organic products that really comes down to the fineprint. This label means that the ingredients in any specific food product have been verified by the Non-GMO project to ensure no genetically modified material is present. For meat, this includes the food the animals ate to ensure there are no GMOs in their bodies. This is achieved by testing every ingredient that goes into the final product. Companies and their suppliers with the non-GMO stamp of approval are inspected yearly to make sure they are compliant with Non-GMO Project standards. The slight difference with the organic label is that non-GMO prevents the use of herbicides that contain GMOs, but it does not mean it must be grown organically. They could be grown with conventional, non-organic approaches (which is why people often ask, “can organic be GMO?”) Bottom line: Organic and Non-GMO are similar in the fact that both labels go through rigorous testing to ensure genetically modified material is not present in the food or the creation of it. Which Food Label is Best: Non-GMO vs. Organic The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has extremely strict guidelines when it comes to what can be labeled as organic, GMO or non-GMO. The non-GMO label means the food product wasn’t made with GMO, but this GMO meaning in food doesn't qualify it as organic. Organic foods are the most heavily regulated label. Purchasing foods with the "non-GMO" or "organic" label is your safest bet when it comes to overall health and minimal toxins. Organic and non-GMO labels are highly similar. In fact, many times the only reason why certain companies don't take the extra step for the organic label is that it costs farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars just to get the certification. Whereas non-GMO is almost identical but costs much less for verification. Note: If a label says "natural" it does not mean it's organic. The natural label is not regulated in America which can be very deceiving. If you ever wonder to yourself, “can organic be GMO?”, make sure you are looking for the "organic" label. Warning: Some Organic Foods May Still Contain Harmful Chemicals If health is your main priority, the best course of action is to select unprocessed organic foods whenever possible. But, it's still equally important to check the nutrition label for any unhealthy ingredients. Some organic foods may still contain harmful ingredients including: Hidden MSG While monosodium glutamate (MSG) cannot be used on organic food, there are several other free glutamic acid compounds that organic foods may contain. Avoid buying organic foods with these ingredients: Hydrolyzed soy protein Autolyzed yeast extract Textured protein Yeast extract These chemicals are used to make food taste better but they're also considered excitotoxins. This means they're known to overstimulate your neuron receptors which can lead to headaches, skin problems, and water retention. Vegetable Oils Vegetable oils including canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, safflower oil, and cottonseed oil are linked to increased inflammation and metabolic disease. If you see any of these vegetable oils in the ingredients list of organic foods, it’s best to look for a healthier alternative without these pro-inflammatory oils. We're Proud to Be a Snack Verified By the Non-GMO Project  We know just how important it is to have food products sourced from all-natural methods. Our mission is to provide the world with the healthiest meat snacks you can find on the market. CHOMPS is non-GMO verified and we ensure that our meat comes from animals who followed sustainable, no-chemical diets. They are raised without any hormones or antibiotics. We source only 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. Our animals are never sent to feedlots and are never given antibiotics or hormones. Our birds are free to roam the pastures. All of our animals are fed diets that comply with the Non-GMO Project Verification regulations to ensure the entire food chain has no GMOs. Our prioritization of free-range, grass-fed sources provides you with the healthiest, non-GMO verified snack available, without having to worry about unnecessary fillers, hormones, or antibiotics. Learn more about CHOMPS all natural jerky! READ MORE