PALEO RECIPES
Grilled to Perfection Lighten up your summer grilling with these tasty and refreshing recipes loaded with healthy fats for delicious flavour and a great summer complexion!
KIRSTEN BUCK is a Winnipeg
BY KIRSTEN BUCK, RHN
based Holistic Nutritionist, food lover, and founder
On hot. humid days, I prepare most meals on the grill to keep the house cool. Cooking on the grill also means making simple and refreshing salads, dips and salsas that keep things light and easy. I like to focus on basic ingredients that are bright in colour and flavour, like my Grilled Avocado Peach Salsa! Fresh peaches with creamy avocado, bell pepper, onions and jalapeno make a great summertime salsa. It’s so easy to prepare and is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, plus it’s rich in healthy fats from both the avocado and extra-virgin olive oil. These healthy fats are anti-inflammatory and great for keeping the skin well hydrated and smooth. As the weather gets more humid this time of year, inflammatory skin conditions like eczema are more problematic for some, including myself. Along with anti-inflammatory compounds that ease eczema, avocados also pack a punch of vitamin E, which helps to prevent free radical damage, boost immunity and act as an anti-aging nutrient for healthy, glowing skin. Extra-virgin olive oil also contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress throughout the body, which can have a positive impact on skin health as well.
This recipe is not short on flavour either! The longer the avocado peach salsa marinates, the bolder the flavour becomes. Not a fan of spice? Remove or reduce the jalapeno for a milder version. Serve with organic taco chips or as an addition to a bright taco salad. It also makes a great topper for grilled proteins like chicken, shrimp, flank steak or my Grilled Chili Salmon! The chili rub for this salmon recipe is slightly smoky and pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the avocado peach salsa. I love the charred flavour of the salmon when grilled on the barbecue, but baking in the oven also works. Salmon, like avocado oil and extra-virgin olive oil, is full of healthy monounsaturated fats, but it’s also very high in omega-3s which are superstar fats for the skin. A lot of these fats are actually stored in the skin after the salmon is cooked! So make sure you’re purchasing skin-on salmon to reap the full antiinflammatory benefits. Salmon is also packed with protein and vitamin D to help your cells produce collagen, keratin and melanin. These proteins can help the skin retain water which is great for reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
of the popular blog and social media platform Buck Naked Paleo. She focuses on a nutrient dense, paleo approach to eating. Her contributions can also be seen on popular websites such as The FeedFeed, Joyous Health, and The Food Network Canada. She is passionate about creating delicious recipes using fresh seasonal food that inspire others to make healthy choices and find confidence in the kitchen. BUCKNAKEDKITCHEN
V I S TA M A G A Z I N E . C A
45
