Everyday Paleo

by Sarah Fragoso, Robb Wolf (Introduction)

Do you want to lose weight, regain your health, and achieve a level of fitness you never thought possible? Are you interested in eating the foods that our bodies are intended to eat, but have no clue where to begin? You may already be a Paleo diet enthusiast; but are you struggling to feed your family the same foods that fuel you?In Everyday Paleo, Sarah Fragoso gives detailed instructions for acquiring a Paleo lifestyle and improving the health and longevity of your family. An active mother of three, Fragoso shows that eating Paleo is not only feasible for the busiest of families, but also easy, delicious and completely life-changing. She offers numerous recipes for all meals of the day, and provides tips for getting around common roadblocks, such as eating out. Finally, to keep your entire family fit and sane in the 21st century, she lays out easy-to-follow workout routines that you can do either in the gym or your own home. In Everyday Paleo, Fragoso shows you how to make Paleo your lifestyle, not just another fad diet.

Genres: Cookbooks, Health, Food, Nonfiction, Cooking, Reference, Nutrition

569 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2011

Reviews

[Katsim Simons · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this cookbook. I like her website/blog. Sarah does a good job in including sections you don't really see: a fitness section, a kids section, getting your family on board, etc. She's cute and there recipes sound tasty enough.

But I've tried several, and all have the same problem: inaccurate instructions (particularly on cooking/prep time) and blandness. There wasn't one of the seven or so I tried that I didn't need to re-copy so I could add my own notes on how to improve it and have a realistic time from start to eat. The 'prep times' listed are ludicrous. Yes, maybe that is how long it would take if I already had thinly sliced apples in my fridge, or something like that.... but I don't, and so the prep/cooking times were always quite a bit off. That's fine if I'm cooking on the weekend, but not for a weeknight.... particularly once the baby gets here.

She's inspiring, but she needs a better editor and someone who actually tests the recipes before they go in the book. I will borrow, not buy, any subsequent books she puts out.

[Trace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm in a real dilemma... I don't need yet another cookbook that I'll only use for 2-3 of its recipes....and there are so many wonderful blogs and websites that offer Paleo recipes for free..

But there are at LEAST 45 recipes in this book that I'd love to make...and I can't renew this library book because there are 81 more people waiting to read it... hmmmm....

The best Paleo cookbook I've read so far....

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reservations about paleo aside, I thought this was a good book and well worth a read. I know of the author through her blog (of the same name) and a low-carb podcast she's part of, and that she is also an avid CrossFitter. Knowing her take on such issues ahead of time, I thought this to be a book worth examining.

The book is split broadly into 3 parts: nutrition, recipes and exercise. Part one discusses general nutrition, paleo eating and its ideology (including use of the dreaded "I'm not a scientist, but..." though a lot of it is actually sound advice), and how to get into the paleo style of eating including what to stock in your cupboards and fridge. Part two consists of recipes that all look delicious and undeniably healthy, a sample 30 day meal plan (including weekly shopping lists) and school lunch ideas. Part 3 covers fitness based largely on bodyweight and movement, and fitness for children and families, too. It covers the individual as well as the family angle.

If you are looking for a book with advice on changing your lifestyle for the better in terms of nutrition and activity, presented in a way that makes it easy to follow and adopt, then this is a good place to start. Even if you aren't, or are only partially, interested in paleo, there's something for everyone.

[Stephanie Cowart · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Paleo lifestyle is not difficult to understand. It's all about eating food that were available to people who lived as hunter/gatherers a long time ago. So it's meat, lots of veggies, fruit, nuts and seeds. No grains, legumes or dairy.
It appealed to me because I had already been cutting way down on my consumption of grains and pasta etc. because I'm pretty sure I have a gluten allergy. Cutting out dairy was a little more difficult because I do love cheese! But the coconut milk alternative in recipes, my coffee etc. is delicious! 
The crazy thing about it for me was all the fat they recommend you eat. It's all "good" fat - coconut oil, avocado, animal fat from lean, grass-fed organic meats etc. But she makes a pretty convincing
argument that you have to eat fat to burn fat.
Anyways, I tried the recipes and they are all so good that I really never thought about what I wasn't eating. My family liked all the dishes I made too!
I don't know if I'll go full time Paleo but I'll definitely be getting this cook book. The recipes are creative, easy to make and delicious!

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book looked great from the outside, but once you actually opened it up, it was a real disappointment. I don't usually pay attention to things like layout, but in this book it was so unprofessional that it was very distracting. The pictures of the food look like something that an amateur photographer took which made them less than appealing. The exercise shots are on a plain white background which looks very odd. I only tried one of the recipes and it was ok.

[Tracy · Rating 2 out of 5]

The introduction (not the forward) sounds just like the intro to Robb Wolff's book. She could have done something of her own and not just copied his style. The recipes seem fairly easy, but I have't tried any yet. My one main complaint is that almost everything needs coconut or coconut oil. I don't think my paleo ancestors ate that much coconut oil. I have not yet switched to paleo I am just interested in it but this book wasn't enough for me to make that change.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I borrowed this up from the library to check it out before buying. I made two things in one day and both turned out nicely (berry crisp and veggie-filled meatballs). The recipes are easy, with not too many ingredients and will appeal to the kiddos. I am going to pick this up for my cookbook library.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

gonna give this a try - sounds interesting

[Binski83 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found a few recipes my family really loves, but wasn't as helpful to me as I hoped.

[Rachel Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great overview of the paleo diet (or as everyone who is on this regimen calls it, the paleo "lifestyle"), with some questionable organization and unfortunate typos early on. While most books on the subject focus on the science of nutrition, Fragoso really delves into the family/lady bits issues of changing dietary habits, which is useful for some, and I'm sure is pretty rare among this category of dieters. Paleo is so butch.

The book is broken up into 3 basic sections: 1.) Anecdotal meanderings/ "Why go paleo" section 2.) Recipes and meal plans 3.) Exercise and routines.

The recipes seem easy and basic and I bookmarked a ton of them. If nothing else, this is the book that has convinced me to join a meat CSA. I want to cook all of the beef. All of it.

While I have no intention of being a crossfit exerciser 100%, I appreciate the depth of discussion about the standard exercises. They are basic, modifiable, challenging moves that emphasize the body's natural mechanics. I should also mention that each recipe and exercise has a picture attached to it, and they aren't glamour shots. Extra star.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've started living a paleo lifestyle recently and thoroughly enjoyed the Everyday Paleo book. What I really loved about the book was that the recipes are straight-forward and simple, and that there is a picture with every recipe! That right there makes it a big winner in my mind. I could do without the workout section of the book, but it would helpful to those who are truly just starting out. All of that aside, the photography definitely needs a boost. Most of it looks like it was shot in a darker environment and it's not consistent. Also, the overall design of the book leaves much to be desired. I know that the design isn't necessarily a reason to rate the book less, but in looking for a cookbook I generally like a clean, simple and pretty design so that I can keep it out on display. Plus, full disclosure, I'm a graphic designer.

Overall, I highly recommend the book as the recipes are truly delicious for those who follow paleo. I've tried many and have not been disappointed.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this as an introduction into the Paleo lifestyle. It does not go very in depth on the background of Paleo- like despite her blurb on bacon I still don't understand how it's "good" for you or why organice brown rice is REALLY that bad. She talks a little bit about not eating gluten but I thought that gluten was only bad if you have an allergy- anyway I need to pick up a book that provides a little more research. However the recipe section in this book is AMAZING! So many good options AND easy to find ingredients. A lot of the recipes have likes 5-8 ingredients, easy peasy, I hate hauling a plethora of items out of the pantry all at once. She also lists staples to always have on hand, and shopping list by week with her menu planning option. First recipe I tried was Apple Shallot Pork Chops and it was so good. I've got steak kebabs marinating for dinner tonight. Every if you don't plan on following Paleo strictly this book just have GOOD recipes worth checking out.

[Kristi L Clephane` · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been wanting to read this book for a while now, and was finally able to own it! I was so excited to read this book that I DEVOURED it.

Everyday paleo is a wonderful book. Its an easy read without a lot of science talk, but the basic premise is this: its important to eat healthy, whole, fresh foods, and get up and move. Its equally important to also feed your family healthy, whole, fresh foods, and get them up and moving. She even gives you the HOW on converting your kids over to healthful eating. Along with the how to and whatfor comes a cookbook, meal plan to get you eating right, and up off your booty, in a way that will motivate you. Baby steps!

[Vivian Ruble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the book. The Tenderloin with cherries is wonderful. I served it over "mashed cauliflower" which we have a lot in my home as "mashed potatoes". Very good. Many recipes that look delightful. The photos are not the best, but there is one for each recipe and yes, (to the reviewer that says it looks like she took her own photos... I think it says she did!) :) Doesn't bother me in the slightest, as the book was not expensive and so far worth every penny! The author has a nice blog, too, with a whole Thanksgiving menu and recipes that I plan to use this year.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sarah's recipes are doable and delicious in a truly "everyday" way. They not only stand alone, but they serve as great inspiration for other creations in the kitchen, and I have yet to try one I didn't like.

She includes in the book some practical advice on how to transform your kitchen to a paleo kitchen, an easy meal planning/grocery shopping guide, and also a few CrossFit workouts for the paleo/CrossFit beginner.

My only critique of the book is the photos. They could be so much more appetizing. But the food tastes awesome, so I can't complain too much.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there was a little more information on the science behind why a Paleo diet is healthy, but I understand Fragoso is not a doctor and is coming from the working mom angle. This is a great all around starter book and I loved that it had recipes, meal plans, shopping lists, and also exercise routines for beginners and advanced. I have read a few other Paleo books that really explained the why, and this book is great for the what. Lots of practical tips to help you succeed. Can't wait to try some new recipes.

[Darin Ramsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

We found this at Costco over the weekend and spent twenty bucks of our food money on it immediately. Not for weight loss, or out of any need to eat a "paleolithic" diet, but because the paleo diet has NONE of our "avoid" foods! No wheat, gluten, soy, corn, or potato! We can cook and eat from the recipes without modifying them, which is something we haven't been able to do in almost ten years. Plus, the recipes are great and easy. I wish there were more of them. There are, of course; I just have to buy more books!

[Natalie Cardon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first Paleo cookbook I bought a few years ago. I enjoyed the Everyday Paleo Blog so much that I wanted the cookbook. These recipes are relatable for a newcomer to the Paleo world, and there are many yummy ones, and a meal plan, if you just want to be told what to eat, like I did, starting out. A couple recipes I liked were the Easy Skillet Scallops and Spinach, Thai Shrimp Soup, Mom's Mashed Yams, Portobello Mushroom Sandwich, and Great Balls of Dates to name a few. My kids really liked the Breakfast Paleo Pizza.

[Alison Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent cookbook for the beginner paleo peep. Sarah uses simple ingredients to make dishes your family can get behind even if they are not pro-paleo themselves. She has it well laid out with shopping lists, paleo explanations and crucially her own story that many women can relate to. She even has a school lunch plan which I know is a big hurdle. All in all, this is a great starter paleo book, one I have referred my readers to over and over again - it has everything to get your on your paleo way...

[Megan Carpenter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, it makes gluten-free eating seem attainable (no, I'm not a gluten-free person, but I know lots who are).
I wish it wasn't quite so reliant on coconut, as I do have an allergy to that, but Sarah stresses that creating your own thing is perfectly okay. She's just trying to give you ideas. I also love the workout ideas that she provides, and ways to make the transition to Paleo eating easy for the entire family.

[Kelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very helpful read that provided the jumpstart I needed to get started on paleo. I liked that it didn't get bogged down in a lot of the science, which helped me to not become overwhelmed and just get going! If a mother of three can do this, I figure I can, too. I'll read more about the science and health benefits in other books.

I love that there are recipes, grocery lists, etc at the back. So helpful! Some irritating typos, but they're easy enough to ignore.

[Audrey L · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUPER good book if you want to start Paleo eating and exercising. She has basic information about herself and her family, how eating Paleo helped her lose weight and get healthy. She is a Robb Wolf protege (he wrote "The Paleo Solution").

She includes a 30 day mealplan with shopping lists, 2 weeks of lunches for kids, good recipes and a detailed exercise regimen you can do at home. This would be a good book to buy. Check out her website: http://everydaypaleo.com/

[Marceline · Rating 5 out of 5]

The recipe section is a fantastic feast for the eyes, and I have already made 3 of them in the last 10 days. I like Sarah's no nonsense, uncomplicated language. The tone is very positive and she makes the switch to Paleo sound very realistic with practical tips (and she knows the common pitfalls, too!)

I have this out from the library and I'm already considering buying a copy to keep at home. The recipes are too good not to have on hand.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think if I had read this shortly after going to a more paleo diet I would have appreciated it more. However, I'm a year in and so many more and better paleo cookbooks have come out since this was first published, and which I read first, that this was not one of my favorites. I think Practical Paleo does a better job in terms of recipes and meal plans. The only thing this book has that Practical Paleo doesn't is the workout section.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source of reference for someone looking into the Paleo lifestyle. This is clean eating at its best. A year ago I could never consider this lifestyle whole today I'm all on board. The real talk about issues and ideas on how to overcome challenges are a plus to this newbie. The recipes are simple, quick and will make get lunch for the next day. A 30-day meal plan with grocery list is provided. Thanks Fragoso for sharing your real life experience with a no holds barred candor.

[Delores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things that I liked: explains the paleo lifestyle in very simple terms; there are photos for every recipe; the author shares her personal healthy lifestyle journey; there is advice for getting your family on board; and so far the recipes I've made are good. The book is practical and straight forward, a good starting point if you have been interested or curious about paleo. I checked this book out from the library but I recently ordered it from Amazon.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to get my hands on the book because I read her blog both before and during the creation of it. I think it's a great read and offers a solid foundation for eating Paleo. She keeps it real and proves that while we're all busy, we can and should make the time to prepare and eat nutrient dense foods. The recipes are great and low maintenance at that.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read dozens of paleo cookbooks and I have to say that this one was the least appealing to me. The recipes just didn't interest me and I think part of that could be because I wasn't a huge fan of the photographs that went with them. Check out Against All Grain, my absolute favorite paleo cookbook

[Neil · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall the author's enthusiasm is contagious, but I have to say the recipes I made from this book ranged from meh to nearly uneatable. I'd recommend "The Primal Blueprint Cookbook" instead, keeping in mind that I'm not doing a hardcore OMG-STRICT version of paleo, so the latter's flexibility with ingredients is more my style.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

So from what I can gather, I am walking away from this book thinking that if you don't like coconut milk, eggs or almond (almond flour), you aren't going to like this lifestyle change. My kids can't stand all three... Wish there were more options for trying to eat this way. I am not very creative when it comes to food, and I feel like this diet require you to be creative on your own.