Announcing: The Paleo Diet Cookbook

Editor's note: Dr. Cordain's latest publishing projects include The Paleo Diet Cookbook, available for purchase on December 13, 2010. This article includes a brief interview with Dr. Cordain.

Patrick Baker (PB): What did you hope to achieve by publishing your own cookbook?

Dr. Loren Cordain (LC): The Paleo Diet Cookbook will be published by John Wiley & Sons, the publisher of my first book, The Paleo Diet. Because of the enormous success of The Paleo Diet, my publisher wanted us (me, my wife Lorrie Cordain, and Nell Stephenson) to write a follow-up cookbook that would provide my readers with a "how to, hands on" easy approach to preparing and making delicious Paleo meals and snacks. The book contains more than 150 recipes arranged into the following chapters and topics:

• Introduction
• CHAPTER 1: The Paleo Diet Basics
• CHAPTER 2: Paleo Kitchen Basics
• CHAPTER 3: Paleo Breakfasts Dishes
• CHAPTER 4: Paleo Snacks and Appetizers
• CHAPTER 5: Paleo Poultry
• CHAPTER 6: Paleo Beef, Pork, and Lamb
• CHAPTER 7: Grass- Fed Meat, Game Meat and Jerky
• CHAPTER 8: Paleo Fish and Seafood
• CHAPTER 9: Paleo Salads
• CHAPTER 10: Paleo Vegetable Dishes
• CHAPTER 11: Condiments, Salad Dressings, Sauces and Fruit Purees
• CHAPTER 12: Paleo Beverages and Desserts
• CHAPTER 13: The Paleo Diet Two Week Meal Plan
• CHAPTER 14: Treats and Meals for Crossfitters and Athletes

PB: Given the proliferation of other paleo cookbooks, what makes yours stand out?

LC: I am aware of two other cookbooks that have taken the Paleo approach, however it turns out that many of the recipes are not pure Paleo, and use salt, honey and other non-Paleo ingredients. This book comes straight from the originator of The Paleo Diet, and I can assure my readers that all of the recipes in the book are not only pure Paleo, but also appetizing and nutritious. Nell and Lorrie have done a wonderful job creating some brand new incredibly delicious recipes and snacks.

PB: In general, how does the cookbook reflect the principles outlined in your book The Paleo Diet?

LC: In the first chapter of the book, I outline the basics of Paleo dieting - all the do's and dont's that experienced Paleo Dieters may be aware of, but also great background material for newbies to Paleo Dieting. Actually, as most of our veteran readers realize, The Paleo Diet is not a diet at all, but rather a lifetime plan of eating to optimize health and well being. I've also devoted a large section of Chapter I to autoimmune diseases, and how Paleo Diets can ameliorate symptoms of these illnesses. This is brand new information which has never been published.

PB: Do you cross-reference any of your other published work in the cookbook?

LC: The Paleo Diet Cookbook is consistent with most of the work from my prior three books. However, I have completely updated it based upon the most recent scientific evidence. A couple of key points are different from my first book, The Paleo Diet, which was published in 2002. First, I no longer advocate the use of canola oil, for reasons explained in the book, and I have also taken a softer stand on saturated fats based upon my own article on the topic, published in 2006, and available as a free PDF download from my website. Further, I now advocate coconut and coconut oil consumption.

PB: When will your cookbook be available for purchase?

LC: The Paleo Diet Cookbook can be pre-ordered right now at Amazon, but it will not ship until December 13, 2010.

PB: Where can your readers purchase a copy of your cookbook when it becomes available?

LC: The Paleo Diet Cookbook, as well as my upcoming 2010 Revision to The Paleo Diet, can be purchased at my website, at Amazon, or almost any local bookstore.