Eat like a Japanese Caveman – Paleo Sushi!
In my search for the optimal diet – and I have tried them all – I finally found one that works. By now, I’m sure most of you have heard about the Paleo Diet. In short, it’s a diet designed to mimic the way our ancestors ate during the Paleolithic (Stone Age) era. And although the study of what people ate back then cannot possibly be summarized so simply, it is thought that most of these foods were simply fat, protein and vegetables. No sugar, no grains, no artificial chemicals, and nothing processed. Kind of a no-brainer, right?
Well, I’ve been on this new way of eating for almost a full month, and I feel great! I’m sleeping better, have more energy, and I’ve even shed 20 lbs without any exercise! And unlike, the other diets I have tried in the past, this one was EASY. I’ve had very few cravings, because my body just feels right eating this way. Paleo food is great! There are so many meats, and so many different things that you can do with vegetables, that you’re not likely to ever get bored.
Today I came across a beatiful saku block (rectangular cut block) of yellowfin tuna from Mauritius, and my mouth started to water. I decided then and there, that tonight I would have sushi for dinner. But what about the rice? I have not had grains in almost a month, and I was not about to give up on the Paleo way of eating. So I put my thinking cap on and came up with an alternative that is worthy of its original.
Sushi maki rolls are made up of four basic elements, nori (roasted seaweed sheets), a carbohydrate (rice), crunchy vegetables, and a protein source. So, while the nori, vegetables, and fish are all Paleo, I had to find a way to get rid of the rice, without really changing the flavor profile of the sushi roll. I figured that I needed something for texture, and something for a hint of sweetness. So, I decided that thinly shredded zucchini (with a mandoline) and cooked sweet potato would be a good substitute, and was it ever!
Then I mixed a spicy mayo: mayo, sriracha, gluten-free soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and chopped scallions. I used this to top the rolls once they were cut and laid on the board.
I have to say that from all of the great Paleo dishes that I have been making in the past few weeks, this one tops the list in terms of taste, texture, visual appeal and just pure enjoyment. I am 100% as satisfied having this Paleo tuna roll, as I would have been eating a regular spicy tuna roll from my favorite sushi restaurant.
If you would like to learn to make sushi, we offer interactive sushi making classes in the comfort of your home! And if you’re looking to lose weight and feel great, while enjoying good food, we offer Paleo meal packages to help you achieve your goals!