Easy Tips For Living with the Paleo Lifestyle
We looked at the Paleo diet before, and we know it is often referred to as the caveman diet. It is pretty simple, the basis of the paleo diet is to turn back the clock and imitate the diet of our ancestors. Just remember what we believe in here, it is all about the Paleo lifestyle.
Adopting a Paleo lifestyle can feel challenging at times; it may often feel that as you look through the grocery store aisles, previously favourite foods are now off-limits (You know Chips, pasta, Grains).
In fact, many of the Western diet staples may need to be left out of your paleo shopping list leaving you confused about just what exactly you can indulge in on a paleo diet.
Learn how to live the Paleo lifestyle
Learning how to shop for a paleo-based diet can take a bit of searching around and working out. Different grocery stores will often carry different products. With time, you will learn which places carry for favourite paleo items and where you can get the best paleo bargains and deals.
Finding paleo products doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to shop in the all-organic, upscale, overpriced swanky stores, however. Big-name chains, like Costco or Woolworths, also have an excellent variety of paleo-friendly foods.
Before you head out to the store, make a paleo shopping list of the items that you need. Remember to take into consideration any special needs, such as budget, friends coming over for dinner, or a new paleo recipe that you wanted to try out.
If you are new to eating a paleo diet, you will want to clear out your pantry and start fresh by stocking up on basic paleo staples.
A good rule of thumb is that anything prepackaged or highly processed should be avoided. Foods such as pretzels, chips or packaged cookies would fall under this category.
As well, dairy can not be consumed by paleo dieters. Cheese, milk, yogurt, ice cream and essentially anything else that falls into the dairy category should be cut out of your diet. As a substitute, pick up some coconut milk.
Protein and substitutes
Protein is highly encouraged on the paleo diet, and most sources of protein are paleo-friendly. Highly processed or low-grade meats should be avoided, otherwise, enjoy your pick of juicy grub, from poultry to turkey to bacon. Yes, bacon is a paleo sanctioned food; however, like all paleo foods, enjoy your tender and crispy bacon in moderation. Select a couple of meat choices to add to your grocery shopping list.
Eggs are another excellent source of protein as well as omega 3 fatty acids; a staple to be included on any paleo shopping list. Eggs are inexpensive and versatile, great for making a wide variety of paleo recipes.
Fish and seafood are both two other staples of the paleo diet. If you are looking for convenience, pick up canned salmon or tuna; however, make sure that it is packed in water and not oil.
Coconut oil is the perfect ingredient for cooking in skillets or other recipes involving high temperatures. Coconut oil also adds a nice hint of coconut flavour to your dishes; especially lovely for meals such as stir fry.
Olive oil is also allowed on the paleo diet. Vegetable oils should be avoided. Some paleo dieters will still consume butter, however, it is not officially part of the paleo diet. If you can’t live without butter, opt for a grass-fed variety.
Paleo snacks you can try
Even paleo dieters need to have snacks every now and again. Nuts are an excellent paleo snack choice. High in unsaturated fats, virtually all nuts are a good choice.
Take note, however, peanuts are considered a legume, and not a nut. All legumes are off the table in the paleo menu, therefore avoid including peanuts in your nut choices.
All grains and refined sugars are not allowed on the paleo diet. This includes basically any bread or flour type product; bagels, pasta, rice and other similar items are all off-limits.
You should also steer clear of sugary drinks such as sodas and fruit juices unless homemade using fresh fruits.
Fruit and Vegetables
Most fruits and vegetables are safe to eat. However, especially if you are hoping to lose weight, it is recommended that you try to limit your consumption of starchier fruits and veggies.
For example
- Yams
- Potatoes ( We prefer sweet potatoes)
- Bananas
Are all allowed in moderation, however, they are more calorically dense foods. If you are very fit, however, these starchier options may provide you with an extra energy boost for your workouts.
Likewise, although fruit is a healthy choice and can make an excellent snack, stick to 1-3 servings a day. Although natural, fruits are high in sugars.
Make sure to stock up on spices before leaving the grocery store. Unfortunately, most store-bought condiments are not paleo safe.
However, this is a great opportunity to invest in a small blender or food processor and start getting creative in the kitchen with your own dips and toppings. Invent your own delicious paleo concoctions to add flavour and life to each of your paleo meals.
Final Tip
Plan your week in advance, that’s every meal you might be having, so that will allow you to make your Paleo Shopping List for the week, so you only need to shop once. It will help when prepping meals as well. If you are going to change your lifestyle then Stick to a Paleo lifestyle for the long term, but if it is not for you, then you can always change.
If you want to know more about paleo or even just cook a few recipes we recommend The Paleo Diet: Lose Weight and Get Healthy by Eating the Foods You Were Designed to Eat
