What You Need To Fill Your Belly & Fuel Your Brain

Okay folks, my latest blog posts have been a little heavy (and there are definitely more of them coming – brace yourself), so I’m going to lighten things up bit this time. It’s been a while since I’ve given you a list of recommended reading material and everyone likes snacks. That being said, here’s some of what’s new and noteworthy for your book and pantry shelves (Yes, I did take these pictures and don’t worry – I’m not planning on becoming a photographer anytime soon…)

Belly Fillers

Well Food Company has added a few MORE good snacks AND some MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) sized options to their already stacked collection. So whether you’re looking for a just a little something to get you to the next meal or if you need portable, shelf-stable nourishment that’ll fuel you for the long haul you’re covered. These guys also have some AWESOME new soy-free dark chocolate options too. Here’s a quick run-down of the new grub:

Paleo Snax
With grassfed jerky, unsweetened dried pineapple and coconut chips you just can’t go wrong with here. Super delicious, super convenient and super healthy, Paleo Snax come in both MRE and snack size portions. These are a great source of protein, healthy fat and have some tasty carbs too. Good stuff for when you’re on the go! (And if you use coupon code WOLF0414 you’ll save 20% on your Paleo Snax order through May 14th, 2014!)

Wolf Snax – Keto Pack
If you’re watching your carbs Wolf Snax are going to be a lifesaver. These are packed with protein-rich grassfed jerky, almonds, walnuts and coconut chips. These are available in both MRE and snack size versions too. Wolf Snax are the perfect (damn good) on-the-go keto meal or snack option. You’ll never be a hungry traveler again! (And if you use coupon code WOLF0414 you’ll save 20% on your Wolf Snax order through May 14th, 2014!)

Dreamy Dark Chocolate (2 new flavors!)
Chocolate – yeah, chocolate. Are you hungry yet? All of Well Food Company’s dark chocolate options are awesome but these two new flavors – DAMN! They are amazing! Both the Peppermint Crunch and Cinnamon Cayenne varieties are made with 85% dark chocolate that’s soy free and delicious. These are MUST haves for every chocolate lover!

Brain Candy: (Books, books and more books)

The Hidden Plague – By Tara Grant
In the words of Robb himself, “Finally, a book that gives sufferers of skin-related autoimmune or systemic inflammatory conditions a way to heal themselves naturally.” Tara has suffered from Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) since puberty – she knows the ins, outs, ups and downs. This book shares her story and tells you how, you too, can survive and overcome HS through diet. You’ll learn about HS and how the condition is affected by the gut and your hormones. Tara also gives guidelines for the food elimination period and for life after that time. If all that’s not enough, there’s an entire chapter devoted to frequently asked questions and another of success stories. If you’re plagued with HS or other skin conditions this is an excellent book to add to your collection.

The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body – By Sarah Ballantyne, PhD
If you or someone you know is battling an autoimmune disease or condition then The Paleo Approach just may become your health bible. It is packed with so much information! Part I talks about the science behind and causes of autoimmune disease (diet, lifestyle and environment). While Part II talks about the cure and ways to help your body heal. This book leaves nothing out and has a plethora of helpful guides, charts and resources to make the Paleo autoimmune protocol (AIP) doable and sustainable in your life. This is a must have for any and every one with autoimmune issues or concerns. It may truly change and save your life.

Sexy by Nature – By Stefani Ruper
Women, LISTEN UP! Newsflash here: WE ARE NOT MEN. Yeah, that’s deep, huh? Doesn’t seem like all the diet, exercise and general ‘life’ information out there is man-centric? Well, there’s FINALLY a book that’s specifically for us!! Sexy By Nature is an overall health and LIFE guide that no woman should be without. It’s not just nutrition, lifestyle and hormone stuff (don’t worry, all of that is more than adequately covered) – no with this book Stefani helps strengthen and empower you to believe in yourself and all of your awesomeness!

Eat The Yolks – By Liz Wolfe, NTP
It’s never a bad idea to have a guide that will help you state your Paleo case and help you understand why you’re doing what you’re doing at the same time. Eat The Yolks does just that breaking down the heavy science making it fun, (yes, fun – I guarantee that you WILL laugh when you read this book) and informative. If you’ve got friends or family that are new to Paleo or have someone who’s on the fence about the whole deal – they need to read Eat The Yolks. It’s got the facts that will get them to give this Paleo thing a ‘crack’.

Beyond Training – By Ben Greenfield
Do you exercise? If you answered yes to that question then Beyond Training has something in it for you. This isn’t a book written just for the extreme athlete, no, it’s for everyone. You’ll learn about different fitness techniques along with the importance of recovery, sleep and lifestyle. And of course, there’s the food stuff! What to eat before, during and after workouts, liquids vs. solids for optimal nutrition and how to fuel during regular life – it’s all in there. Ben leaves nothing untouched in this exceptional guide for your active life.

The Slim Palate Paleo Cookbook – By Joshua Weissman
When you were a senior in high school what were you doing with your life? I’m guessing that writing a cookbook probably wasn’t it. Well, not only is the Slim Palate beautifully done and full of great recipes; I highly recommend the Pistachio-crusted Salmon, Spiced Butternut Squash Soup and the Thai Salad, but the author is a teenager. Joshua has an inspiring story and he’s pretty darn talented in the kitchen too. If you’re looking to add another cookbook to your collection, you can’t go wrong with The Slim Palate.

The Paleo Foodie Cookbook – By Arsy Vartanian
She’s done it again, Arsy’s first cookbook The Paleo Slow Cooker was pretty much awesome and this one is even awesomer (yes, that is a word…). If the Creamy Bacon-Wrapped Dates and Mediterranean Stuffed Peppers don’t get you then the Chorizo Cauliflower Rice and The Perfect Cast Iron Steak will. This hardcover cookbook is packed with delicious recipes, gorgeous pictures and Arsy even let me author the introduction chapter – “The Paleo Diet in a (Coco)Nutshell”. The Paleo Foodie is a must have for anyone that is serious about Paleo and about eating great food.

The Ancestral Table: Traditional Recipes for a Paleo Lifestyle – By Russ Crandall
Get ready to eat and eat well. Russ has taken many of our traditional favorite recipes and he’s transformed them into gluten-free, whole food, ancestral based masterpieces that you and your family will love. This book is refreshingly not completely void of starches incorporating some rice, potatoes and tapioca starch. Pizza (not meatza – it’s the real thing!), Salisbury Steak, Pork Adobo, Butter Chicken and Chesapeake Bay Crab Cakes are just a taste of what you’ll find between the covers of this gem. If you’d like to sample one of Russ’ creations check out his Beef Bourguignon. It’s good stuff, folks.

The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook – By Mickey Trescott
Are following the Paleo autoimmune protocol (AIP) and struggling to find recipes and meals that fit the plan and that your family will eat too? Your struggle is over – you’ve just struck gold! Mickey has put together a gorgeous book filled with delicious AND autoimmune friendly recipes. You’ll find recipes for Cornish Hens with Stuffing, Garlic Beef and Broccoli, Cherry BBQ Sauce (absolutely to die for on ribs!!), and Under the Weather Soup (for those times when you just don’t feel good) – and best of all there’s not an egg, tomato, pepper, potato, nut or seed in the house. This book will change your AIP food life! (And the ONLY reason that it isn’t pictured here is because I only have an e-version and it’s been SOLD OUT! But I will be getting a hard copy for sure – it’s that good!)

And there you have it. The latest and greatest finds to help you fill your belly, fuel your mind and live the good.

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.