Chances are that by now you have heard of the concept of a paleo diet plan, but you may find that you are still in the dark when it comes to understanding what that entails. “Eating paleo” is quite simple, but at the same time, it is a healthy, balanced way of eating that encompasses an almost endless variety of food and recipe options.
Paleo meals include everything your body needs to function well. They are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and they provide high-quality fuel that lasts all day long. It’s likely that you are already familiar with most of the foods that you can eat on a paleo diet because they are basic and natural; in fact, most people are big fans of many of this diet’s staples.
It’s no wonder that the paleo diet plan is also known as “The Caveman’s Diet,” because it consists of the simple foods that humans have been eating for thousands or even millions of years.
If you’re considering giving the paleo diet a try, read on. This post will answer many of the questions you may have, and when you’re finished reading it, you’ll be both excited and ready to get started.
The Basics
You may know a little bit about the paleo diet plan already, or you may be a true beginner. Understanding this style of eating at the most basic level is easy. People who follow a paleo diet focus on eating foods in their most natural form and try to avoid processed foods.
The paleo diet focuses on natural, whole foods. The best and easiest way to accomplish this is by focusing on two things: plants and animals.
However, with that said, there is no one-size-fits-all paleo diet. Some people are rather hardcore about it and only eat meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, and nuts when “eating paleo”. Think about that caveman or cavewoman again; if a food could be fished, hunted, cultivated, or gathered, then they ate it. Although few paleo purists are hunting and gathering their food themselves from nature, these are the only types of foods they include in their diet.
Others eat “mostly” paleo and will slip in some rice or whole grains or legumes in every now and then. After all, those things grow too. In general, though, people who follow a true paleo diet avoid even these foods as well.
Benefits of the Paleo Diet
People who switch to a paleo diet often say they can feel a shift right away. Doctors agree that there are many benefits to eating this way. Some people believe that our bodies are made to eat this way and that over the past hundred years or so, we have moved far away from the best way to nourish our bodies. Our pantries and refrigerators are full of unhealthy snacks, and time and time again we turn to comfort food that does not really comfort us at all.
The benefits of a paleo diet are endless. First and foremost, people who “go paleo” find that they have more energy and they sleep better at night. They feel less bloated and gassy, and they soon discover that they have clearer skin and shinier hair. The protein in this type of diet aids in muscle growth and rapid recovery from exercise. Furthermore, people who stick to a paleo diet over the long term may enjoy lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer as well.
There are mental and emotional benefits, too. People who adhere to a paleo diet report feelings of mental clarity and have a better overall mood and attitude on the day-to-day. Some people even feel that eating a paleo diet has helped reduce their feelings of depression or anxiety.
People who eat paleo enjoy many benefits. This alone is often enough to turn someone on to this diet, but wait and see all the different foods you can eat!
Paleo Meals: What Can I Eat?
This diet plan sounds too good to be true and you probably expect it to be very restrictive. Actually, the opposite is the case. Paleo meals can include a wide variety of foods, textures, and tastes.
When it comes to meats, you can eat anything you like. Chicken, duck, turkey, beef, pork, steak, elk, venison, boar, and even rattlesnake are welcome on your plate. The same goes for creatures from the sea; paleo meals can include fish, lobster, clams, oysters, shrimp, and more. Many people who enjoy also eat a lot of eggs.
You can also enjoy fruits and vegetables of all kinds including apples, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, watermelon, strawberries, lettuce, onions, and so on. Seeds and nuts (and nut butters) are also included, but if you are trying to lose weight, enjoy them in moderation.
Animal fats are welcome and so are minimally processed plant oils like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
Surely, you can think of a million things to make using the ingredients from the above list. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating paleo meals.
Which Foods Are Off Limits?
However, if you want to be a true paleo meal plan eater, there are also a number of foods you should avoid.
Obviously, anyone who wants to pursue a paleo diet should avoid processed foods and refined sugar. These things do not appear naturally in nature and no caveman or woman would eat them. It may be challenging to cut these things out at first, but after a short while, you will find that you don’t miss them at all.
You may have noticed that dairy products are absent from the list above along with legumes and grains. People do often find the elimination of these items difficult but there are so many fantastic, healthy substitutions. You will soon get used to avoiding these items and will discover that you never needed them at all.
Happy, Healthy Eating
As you can see, the paleo diet and creating paleo meals are really quite simple. Eat fresh, healthy, simple foods time and time again, and you will experience incredible results. It’s no wonder this easy style of eating is so popular in the world today. It’s how humans ate long ago and it may very well be the way we all eat in the future. Give it a try and see how you feel. You’ll be glad you did.
If you are looking for some help in getting started on a paleo meal plan yourself, we can help. Our thoughtful and experienced chefs design healthy meals that are delivered to our customers on Mondays and Fridays. Let us create a tasty, enjoyable paleo meal for you today. We can’t wait to hear from you.