The Paleo diet is often called The Caveman Diet. Cavemen didn’t have agriculture or processed foods, they were ‘hunter gatherers’.
Foods to Eat on the Paleo Diet
You eat lots of meats, plants, vegetables, fruits and drink lots of water.
Lots of non-cave-many stuff are also on the diet however, red wine, espresso,
- Grass fed meat
- Wild fish
- Fresh fruit
- Fresh vegetables
- Eggs
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Unrefined oils such as coconut oil and olive oil
- Spices
- Unrefined fats such as grassfed butter (some argue that this shouldn’t be included in a Paleo diet however as it’s dairy)
- Sweet potatoes
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Foods to Avoid on the Paleo Diet
Dairy is restricted or eliminated, as are grains.
Foods you can’t eat –
- Dairy (mostly)
- Cereal Grains
- Sugar (refined)
- Processed foods
- Vegetable oils
- Sweetners
- Trans fats
- Legumes
- Low quality meat
- Starchy vegetables such as ‘normal’ white potatoes
- Alcohol
Benefits of the Paleo Diet
- It’s healthy – With no processed foods or sugar, the diet has anti-inflammatory benefits
- Reduced likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes compared to conventional Western diet
- Improved gut health – thanks mainly to high quality foods that are ingested on the diet
- Full of vitamins & minerals
- No food additives (or greatly reduced amount)
- Improved satiety — a feeling of fullness between meals meaning you’re less likely to snack
Cons of the Paleo Diet
- The price. Unfortunately wild fish & grass fed beef are a lot more expensive than factory farmed options.
- No dairy & no grains – can be good or bad depending on the person
- Very difficult to get enough protein if you’re a vegetarian on this diet. Although hemp is a great source of all amino acids and Paleo friendly.
- Can be tricky for athletes to get enough carbohydrate for optimal performance. Some argue that this depends on the sport and that most people adapt to a lower carb diet within 4-8 weeks
Overall the Paleo diet is a lot healthier than the average Western diet, full of organic whole foods.
Paleo Diet Shopping List
Vegetables
Spinach
Brussels Sprouts
Broccoli
Kale
Carrots
Peppers
Beetroot
Asparagus
Cucumber
Celery
Butternut squash
Cabbage
Sweet potatoes
Fruit
Oranges
Apples
Pears
Tomatoes
Berries
GrapesMango
Pears
Pineapples
Avocados
Meat & Fish
Organic grass-fed beef
Organic chicken thighs & breast
Wild Salmon
Nitrate free bacon
Tuna
Other
Organic Free Range Eggs
Almond butter (peanut butter is not allowed as it’s a legume
Oils
Coconut oil
Olive oil
Organic ghee
Nuts and Seeds
Almonds
Pecans
CashewsHazelnuts
Pumpkin seeds
Sunflower seeds
Walnuts
Organic Spices
Cinnamon
Basil
Garlic Powder
Turmeric
Drinks
Coffee
Coconut water
Kombucha
Paleo Diet Plan
Breakfast – Omelette with spinach
Snack – Pumpkin seeds with goji berries
Lunch – Salad with kale, spinach, avocado & chicken or bacon or tuna
Snack – Beef jerky
Dinner – Salmon, fried with vegetables
Snack – Primal Bar or home made protein bar
