How to Include Healthy Bone Broth in Your Paleo Diet

How to Include Healthy Bone Broth in Your Paleo Diet

If you’ve been exploring the world of healthy eating, chances are you’ve come across the Paleo diet. This diet is all about going back to the basics – eating foods that our ancestors might have consumed, which means lots of vegetables, meats, nuts, and seeds. One nutrient-packed superfood that perfectly fits into this diet is bone broth. Here’s how you can incorporate healthy bone broth into your Paleo lifestyle and why you might want to do so.

What is Bone Broth?

Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water for an extended period, often over 24 hours, to extract valuable nutrients. The result is a rich, flavorful liquid that can be enjoyed on its own or used as a base for soups, sauces, and other dishes. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, collagen, and amino acids, making it a powerhouse of nutrition.

Benefits of Bone Broth

Before diving into how to include it in your diet, let’s look at why you might want to. Bone broth supports gut health, aids in joint repair, helps to combat food intolerances and allergies, boosts the immune system, and can even improve sleep and brain function. It’s also exceptionally hydrating and can be a great source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

How to Incorporate Bone Broth into Your Paleo Diet

1. Sip It as a Warm Drink: One of the simplest ways to enjoy bone broth is to sip it like tea. Season it with a bit of salt, maybe some garlic, ginger, or herbs, and enjoy it in the morning or before bed. It’s incredibly soothing and a great way to hydrate and warm up.

2. Use It in Soups and Stews: Swap out vegetable or meat stocks with bone broth in your favorite soup and stew recipes. It adds depth of flavor and boosts the nutritional profile of your dishes.

3. Cook Grains and Vegetables: Although the Paleo diet usually excludes grains, for those who include nutrient-dense grains like quinoa or wild rice in their version of the diet, cooking them in bone broth adds flavor and nutrients. The same goes for steaming or sautéeing vegetables.

4. Make a Sauce or Gravy: Use bone broth as the base for sauces and gravies to pour over meats and vegetables. Not only does this enhance the taste, but it also increases your nutrient intake.

5. As a Base for Paleo-friendly Ramen: Use spiralized vegetables as noodles and bone broth as a base for a delicious, Paleo-friendly ramen. Add in your favorite meat, some greens, and a soft-boiled egg for a hearty meal.

Making Your Own Bone Broth

Making bone broth is cost-effective and allows you to control the ingredients to ensure they meet Paleo and your personal dietary standards. Here’s how:

1. Collect Bones: Save bones from meals, or ask your butcher for a mix of bones – marrow bones, joints, and knuckles are great.

2. Roast: For added flavor, roast the bones in the oven until browned.

3. Simmer: Place the bones in a large pot or slow cooker, cover with water, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar (to help extract the nutrients from the bones). Bring to a gentle simmer and let it go low and slow for 12-24 hours. The longer, the better.

4. Strain and Store: Once done, strain the broth to remove the bones and any solids. Store the broth in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for later use.

Conclusion

Bone broth is a versatile and nutritious addition to the Paleo diet that supports overall health and wellness. Whether you’re sipping it as a warm drink, using it in cooking, or making delicious stews and gravies, the ways to enjoy bone broth are endless. Making your own ensures you have a steady supply of this nutrient-rich superfood to incorporate into your meals regularly. So, why not give it a try and see how bone broth can boost your health and complement your Paleo lifestyle?