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THE PALEO ITALIAN LIFESTYLE

This cookbook assumes that you have some familiarity with the Paleo lifestyle and you’re ready to take your skills up a notch to create authentic Italian recipes for your family or friends. If you’re new to Paleo, there are many books and online resources that offer a sound introduction. The basic principles of Paleo living involve avoiding dairy, grains, legumes, vegetable oils, processed sugar and most other processed foods. I use grass-fed meats and organic vegetables and fruits whenever possible, and I always keep coconut oil, olive oil, nuts and seeds on hand. Paleo and gluten-free diets are not identical, but if you’re avoiding gluten, the Paleo lifestyle is a great way to stay healthy.

Back when I was a kid, food was different: my grandfather had a garden and chickens, and most of our food was unprocessed. In today’s world, we need to pay attention to everything that goes into our bodies. Eating wholesome food will enhance your life. When I first learned about Paleo, I loved the community’s shared enthusiasm for the lifestyle and for longevity. If you want to live a long life and share your history with your children and grandchildren, why not start now? You’ll see the difference after making a few small changes, and you’ll want to share it with everyone you know.

I’ve taken the dishes my Nana made for our family and transformed her recipes to fit a Paleo lifestyle. If you’re following this path, you may wonder how to incorporate Italian cooking without it being complicated or losing authenticity. In my opinion, coming from deep-rooted Italian family that ate a lot of lamb, veal, poultry and tons of meatballs, it’s easy and welcoming. My family and friends all understand my love for cooking, since I prepare enough to feed the neighborhood and welcome company, but they also know I’m cooking Paleo-style. The best part of this transition is that everyone wants to be in the kitchen with me, helping me out. They don’t realize it, but I’m teaching them how to cook healthy and keep it easy.

Maybe you’re wondering how an Italian can go without pasta, pizza and bread dipped in a big pot of sauce. Well, to be honest, sometimes I don’t! Some might call this “cheating,” but I call it portion control and making the right choices. Sometimes my Italian nature craves a small bowl of pasta, so I’ll indulge it. I am a Paleo advocate, but I also love food and cooking for my family and friends. I feel that if you decide you want that bowl of pasta or slice of pizza, then enjoy it, but don’t over-indulge or make a habit of it.

In the course of writing this book over the past four years, I have been updating my Paleo blog and living the Paleo lifestyle. I’m living proof that it’s easy to keep your traditions and adhere to the Paleo lifestyle while bringing happiness and love to your guests. I hope that this book creates a place in your heart for my tradition and culture by letting you try out Italian recipes for your friends and family. I also hope to inspire you to create your own traditions for passing on your love and joy through cooking. This book is filled with real food that real people want to eat!

KEEP GOING, AND ENJOY YOUR JOURNEY INTO PALEO ITALIAN CUISINE.

Italian Chopped Salad (page 45) and Antipasto Platter (page 36)

Different types of Italian sausage

Spaghetti Squash Puttanesca (page 122)

Custard Pie with Pine Nuts & Almonds (page 145)