Paleo McDonalds

Credit paleodietlifestyle.com

I know this is a coffee blog and all, but I think you'll like this. I'm going on a trip in a little while and I realize that there will probably be a time when my only option for food is the fast food giant McDonalds. Rather than winging it and feeling like crap on my trip, I'm going to go in with a plan. Here is my compilation of the best food (I stress 'best' because there really aren't any 100% paleo foods at McDonalds).

Breakfast

1. Try one of their break fast sandwiches without any bread. 
2. Coffee or Latte (just watch out, they will want you to add syrups).

Lunch

1. Go for the McDouble without a bun or ketchup, it has the most real ingredients and protein for the price.
2. Apple slices
3. Side Salad (watch the dressings)
4. Water

Dinner

1. Premium Salad with Grilled Chicken
2. French Fries (if you do potatoes and can handle vegetable oil)
3. Iced Tea (unsweetened)

Starbucks Splurge on Paleo

You know that moment when see that Starbucks Frappuccinos are 50% off and you are really want one? This happened recently to me. I know that Frappuccinos are definitely not paleo, but when you need to bend the rules (or use your 10% non-paleo food as my family puts it) how do you do it without getting sick? The last time I had a slice of cake I was as sick as a dog. My strategy here is to watch the sugar as only a couple of their Frappuccinos have wheat. In my opinion, having artificial sugar once in a great while is better than the insulin spike from refined sugar.

Tip #1

• Go for the "Coffee Frappuccino® Light Blended Beverage" without whip. According to Starbucks's website there is no added sugar in it.

Now that is literally coffee, milk, and ice blended. For me, if I'm going to splurge I want something with a little more flavor.

Tip #2

• Most major flavors have "Light" options, such as mocha, cinamon dulce, caramel. These use artificial sweeteners to keep the sugar content below 23g.

Credit to Starbucks.com

The only problem with the light type is that it is made with non-fat milk. From a paleo perspective, it is better to have whole milk than non-fat. You can order whole milk in your "light" drink, but I can guarantee the barista will give you a weird look.

Tip #3

• Forget the whipped cream, it is really foamy sugar and oil.

I have encountered some Starbucks with real whipped cream, but most don't have it.

Tip #4

• Don't be afraid to order a tall/small.

If you don't know how your body will handle milk and artificial sweeteners now that you started paleo, this is a good idea.

Tip #5

• Make your own!

You can then control the ingredients and even make it pure paleo if you want. Check out this recipe!

PALEO FUDGE!

I was surfing the internet for paleo recipes and came across this guy from The Detoxinista . I edited it a little bit. After you try it, it is hard to stop making it.
I'm seriously warning you!
It's like darn good.

Paleo Fudge
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon almond butter
1 teaspoon coconut oil
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
pinch fine sea salt
Directions:Mix ingredients in a small bowl and it is ready to eat. I personally microwave mine and mix again as the  almond butter can be hard to entirely mix in. I've also found that putting it on a piece of wax paper and freezing for 15 minutes turns it into like a candy bar. Enjoy!

The Perfect Cappuccino!

After repeatedly attempting to create a good Starbuck's like cappuccino, I think I got it!
I turned on my budget espresso maker this morning and concocted this recipe:

Paleo(ish) Cappuccino

3 tablespoons of espresso (or 6 for a double shot)
1/2 cup of half and half or milk
1 teaspoon of maple syrup (optional)

Put 1/4 cup of the milk in the microwave for 30 seconds, whip with Ikea frother and add maple syrup if you want. Microwave the rest of the milk in microwave for 30 seconds and leave in the mug, add espresso and mix. Then pour the foamed milk on top. Enjoy!