Popular in Paleo 2011 – The Top Buzz from the Year that was…

The year is winding down; 365 more days in the file and that means its list time.  There are “Top 2011 Lists” for almost every topic imaginable – websites, albums, books, companies, restaurants, celebrities, fitness, TV shows, and pretty much anything and everything else you can think of…   So, why not Paleo too – here it is  – “The Official 2011 Paleo Hit List” has arrived:

1.       Bacon – It was SIZZLIN’!

Whether it was pork, wild boar, or otherwise – bacon WAS big; for some, an obsession and others an addiction.  It was a source of controversy and an ingredient in everything from drinks to desserts.  At the end of the day one thing we can all agree on – bacon is DELICIOUS!

2.       What’s Cookin’ – Paleo Cookbooks go CRAZY!

We kicked the year off with Everyday Paleo in April.  This summer we were gifted with The Primal Blueprint Cookbook  in July. The fall brought us  Paleo Comfort Foods in September and Make It Paleo in October; and to finish the year off we got Well Fed in December.  With all the new introductions – don’t even try to tell me you’re ‘bored’ with paleo eating!

3.       Carbs can be Cool?? 

Sweet Potatoes, Yams, and Winter Squash – Oh my!!  Many are still confused about the concept of ‘safe starches’ – but the overall message here; if your goals, health and training warrant – these vegetable sourced carbs are nutrient powerhouses.

4.       Coconut Crazy – and it’s a good crazy!

What was once considered a ‘devil fat’ became the latest super food.  The all powerful olive oil took a backseat to coconut oil.  Coconut milk trumped the almond variety.  We discovered the virtues of coconut cream, coconut butter, coconut chips, coconut water…  At the end of the day we know coconut is a medium chain triglyceride gold mine and like we always knew – saturated fat is not going to kill us!

5.       Omega me with Omega 3’s!  What’s your n6:n3 ratio?

Good fat/bad fat, nuts or no nuts, EPA/DHA, fish oil, krill oil, long chain/short chain…  Can you say confusion?  We got educated on the merits of the long chain omega 3’s and the inflammatory properties of the polyunsaturated omega 6’s.  The fish oil calculator was rescinded and Robb told us what we need to know!

6.       Grass – all the cool cows are eating it!

Where’s the beef?  If it’s not grazing on the pasture and instead downs corn/grains it’s probably not on your plate!  Grass fed was and is all the rage – and rightfully so!  When comparing the omega-3:omega-6 ratio of grass fed vs. grain fed beef there’s no contest!  The grass really is ‘greener’ on this side of the fence!  Cows eat grass!!!

7.       Fermentation gains appreciation!

It’s not rotten – it’s Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kumbucha…   Fermented foods make their debut on the paleo scene.  Stock your gut with good bacteria – no probiotic supplement required!

8.       FAST BREAKING NEWS!! 

Paleo makes its media debut!  Just check out the 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness – #26 Mark Sisson, #35 Robb Wolf, #56 Gary Taubes…  Paleo Magazine made its debut, the first annual Ancestral Health Symposium was held, there were news broadcasts, magazine features, interviews, and the paleo blogosphere exploded!

 9.       Livin’ La Vida LOCAL!

CSA’s, local sourcing, home-grown, and sustainable agriculture hit big!  Eating seasonally and from your own backyard tastes better than anything flown in from Guatemala.

10.   The “Elk Hunter” and the “Atlatl”

Robb Wolf meets atlatl.  Atlatl meets elk.  The village is fed – Nuff’ said.

It was a damn good year and 2012 is shaping up to be even better!  Any predictions for the next 365 days??

Amy Kubal

Amy Kubal is a Registered "Paleo" Dietitian and the ring leader of Robb's RD consulting team. She works with a wide range of clients from competitive athletes to those dealing with complex health problems. Check out her bio and consulting options, and her blog Fuel As Rx to get your Paleo nutrition fix.