paleo apple walnut pie

Inspired by the Netflix documentary, The Paleo Way. 

Last week I started (and finished) watching the Netflix Documentary, The Paleo Way.  Hosted by celebrity chef Pete Evans who shares information and recipes that showcase the benefits of a paleo lifestyle. I am by no means advocating or aiming to go full paleo at any time, however I am very interested in learning and understanding the many benefits (both anecdotal and scientifically proven) of the Paleo Diet on our gut health, autoimmune related disorders, hypertension and more. 

The gut holds the root to our health - and all diseases stem from from the gut and what we put into it.   Certain foods can cause significant inflammation for a lot of people - especially with those suffering from autoimmune disorders (MS, arthritis, psoriasis and more).   Avoiding foods such as grains (oats, rice, millet), wheat, all gluten, beans, sugars, alcohol - basically any and all foods that inflame the body, can help reduce these symptoms. 

While the list of what to "avoid" is long, those who are experiencing autoimmune symptoms, or simply want to test out the Paleo method of eating, I would suggest starting off by limiting/eliminating certain food groups — gluten, grains, legumes, sugar and alcohol to start. Once you see how your body reacts and how you feel overall, you can see what it's like when you remove them altogether or slowly incorporate more or less off the list of foods to avoid. 

This Paleo Apple pie with ground spices and walnut crust from Dr Natasha Campbell McBride, the founder of GAPS (Gut And Psychology Syndrome) contains no pastry, grain, flour and sugar. 

Here's the recipe! 

Ingredients: 

• 1 stick pasteurized butter 
• Cinnamon
• Star anise 
• Cardamom 
• All spice 
• Nutmeg 
• Dates
• Raisins
• Walnuts 
• 3-4 apples 

Directions: 
Heat oven to 350. Place 1/2 stick of butter in baking pan and place in oven for a few minutes to melt.
Once butter is melted, take out pan and stir in 1/2 tablespoon each of spices - they can be either freshly blended spices, or pre-ground spices.  Spices release flavor into the butter and it smells amazing! 

Slice up apples with the skins (fiber) and add to the butter and spice mix.  Then mix in about 1/3 cup raisins.  Then add in 5 freshly blended dates for sweetness and mix altogether in the baking pan.  Bake altogether for 20 minutes.  Take it out and put walnuts on top, spread evenly, and bake for another 5 minutes to make It  slightly crunchy and its ready! 

Enjoy! 

More of my thoughts and insight on The Paleo Way to come!