Life Over Cancer Blog

The Paleo Diet: What is it anyway?

By Keith Block, MD

In the last few weeks, several of our patients have come in with questions about the Paleo diet, having recently heard or read about its presumed health benefits.  I was surprised to hear that some of these patients had decided to try this diet or had, in fact, already started it, under the mistaken belief that it’s consistent with the dietary recommendations we make to our patients.  It’s time to clear up the confusion! 

The Paleo diet

The Paleo diet is designed to mimic the diet of our pre-agricultural hunter-gatherer ancestors.  The thinking goes that the diet that we evolved on works best with our genetics and thus, makes the most nutritional sense.  While recommendations may vary slightly from version to version, the “modernized” version of the Paleo diet includes:  red meat (grass-fed is suggested), fish, fruits, vegetables, roots and nuts.  It excludes salt, refined sugar, processed oils, legumes and dairy products.  Like most diets, there are aspects of it that have some value, but I believe many of the core recommendations are problematic, and this is particularly true for cancer patients.

Tempeh Taco Filling

Makes 8 Servings                                                        Recipe by Eric Sharer, MPH, RD, LDN

  

Ingredients

1 pound         tempeh (2 8-oz packages)

4 tbsp.         expeller pressed canola oil or vegetable broth

As needed       vegetable broth

1 tbsp.         tamari, or as needed

1/3 cup         lime or lemon juice

1 tbsp.         chili powder

1 tsp-1 tbsp.   Cumin, ground

1 each          onion, peeled and chopped

1 head          organic kale, rinsed and chopped

½ lb.           organic mushrooms, cleaned and chopped

1 tbsp.         Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Quick Bean Burritos

Makes 4 Servings                                Recipe Adapted from Cancer Survivors Guide, p. 207

  

Ingredients

1 can (15 ounces) low-fat vegetarian refried beans

And/or  Tempeh Taco Filling- See below

4 each          whole wheat or corn tortillas

1 cup           shredded romaine lettuce

½ cup           favorite salsa

½ cup           Blockcamole (See recipe)

2               green onions, chopped

1. Heat the refried beans in small saucepan or in a microwave until warmed through.

2. Warm the tortillas, one at a time, in a dry skillet over medium heat. Alternatively, warm the tortillas in the microwave.

3. Spread one-quarter of the beans down the center of each tortilla and top with the remaining ingredients. Fold the bottom end of each tortilla toward the center, then roll the tortilla around the filling. Alternatively, place all of the ingredients on the table and let everyone assemble their own burritos.

For more information on The Block Center for Integrative Cancer Treatment, visit BlockMD.com.

Baked Mochi

From the website:  http://www.mitoku.com/products/brownricemochi/index.html

Mochi, a delicious whole grain food, is made from a glutinous, high-protein variety of rice called sweet rice. The sweet rice is soaked, steamed, and pounded; then it is allowed to dry until it is firm enough to slice. Late in December, traditional Japanese villages resound with the rhythmic pounding of sweet rice as families prepare mochi for the festive New Year's meal.