We love pasta. I think we are intrinsically wired to adore it. Think about it…How many people do you know dislike pasta? Perhaps only those with gluten-sensitivity or Celiac Disease, but even they wish they could eat it. So in honor of them, here is the Paleo Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp.

Paleo Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp

Name: Paleo Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 zucchini, sliced into thin strips and spiralized; 8 ounces peeled and deveined wild-caught shrimp; 3 tablespoons chia seeds; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons ghee; 2 cloves minced garlic; 1 lemon zested and juiced; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; fresh ground pepper

There has been a movement in the last decade to use vegetables for grains. Think about cauliflower rice/pizza crust (Check out our chocolate cauliflower ice cream recipe) and squash/zucchini iterations. Why is that?

Not only because of the awareness of gluten-sensitivity but more due to the massive obesity and diabetes crisis that has afflicted our nation. People earnestly are trying to find ways to incorporate more vegetables (and its ancillary benefits) and less nutrient-deprived flour-based foods into their diet.

Think about all the flour-based foods we eat: pasta, crackers, cookies, muffins, snack bars, bread, and alike. Tasty but flour-based foods lack nutrients. They also boast loads of food dyes and preservatives which are pernicious to your health.

(Check out our Review of non-Wheat Flour Alternatives. Just because you can’t use regular flour doesn’t mean you must eschew almond flour, coconut flour, etc.)

Going back to gluten, the common protein found in wheat, rye, and other breads. Celiac Disease, the auto-immune intestinal disease, linked to gluten ingestion is rather rare in America. But gluten sensitivity could be pervasive. Some estimates show that up to 60-70% of Americans might be afflicted by it. Common signs are bloating, “brain fog” (inability to focus), weight gain, joint pain, malaise, and flaring up of already-present autoimmune issues.

So let’s try to avoid gluten-based foods as much as we can. This Paleo Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp does that. In short, we substitute zucchini for wheat-based noodles. This brings us added phytonutrition (e.g. vitamins/minerals) and some fiber (alas not too much without the chia seeds). The wild-caught shrimp brings protein and healthy fats. (Try to get wild-caught shrimp since most commercial shrimp comes from infested foreign “shrimp farms” where antibiotics and GMO feeds is commonly given.)

(Check out our article our Eat Clean Guide To Seafood & Mercury Levels.)

Even the minor ingredients are very Paleo-friendly. Garlic is an amazing antimicrobial agent, Olive Oil and Ghee provide non-inflammatory fats (unlike conventional vegetable oils), honey brings prebiotic sweetness, and an NPE favorite, chia seeds, brings a wallop of fiber and more monounsaturated fats.

Check out our article on the Problems with Industrial-Grade Vegetable Oils.

Perhaps the best thing about this Paleo Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp recipe is that it is nutrient-dense but low carb with only around 8 grams of carbs (mostly complex due to the zucchini) and only 5 grams of sugar (without the use of honey). Nutrient-dense, low on allergenic gluten, without sacrificing taste. Those seem like the ideal components of an optimal meal. Enjoy!

Most of the article topics mentioned in this recipe article may be found in our flagship podcast, Naturopathy Earth Radio & Occult Health News.

Purchase some of the needed ingredients now.