The Paleo Diet: A Guide to Getting Started

Consult your healthcare professional first

Before starting any new diet, including the Paleo Diet, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider. Guidance from a professional ensures that the diet aligns with your health goals and any pre-existing conditions you may have.

What is the Paleo Diet?

The Paleo Diet encourages eating like our ancestors, focusing on whole foods and eliminating processed options. The main focus is on meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds while avoiding grains, dairy, legumes, and refined sugars.

How to eat on the Paleo diet

Prioritize whole foods: Choose fresh, minimally processed ingredients.

Balance nutrients: Try to consume protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates at each meal.

Avoid processed foods: Stay away from packaged foods, artificial sweeteners, and anything with a long list of ingredients.

What to eat on the Paleo diet

Protein: Grass-fed meat, poultry, pork, seafood, and eggs.

Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and more.

Fruits: Berries, apples, bananas, and other whole fruits.

Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, chia seeds.

Healthy fats: olive oil, coconut oil, avocado, and fatty fish.

Timing: when and until what time can you eat on the Paleo diet?

While the Paleo diet does not restrict meal times, maintaining a consistent schedule can support digestion and energy levels. Ideally, try to eat your last meal at least 2 to 3 hours before bed, which can help with sleep and metabolism.

Snacks on the Paleo diet

To satisfy hunger between meals, focus on whole-food snacks that align with Paleo principles:

Vegetables with guacamole

Mixed nuts and seeds

Apple slices with almond butter

Hard Boiled Eggs

Quick Paleo Snack Recipe: Energy Balls

Ingredients

1 cup of almonds

1 cup pitted dates

2 tablespoons coconut flakes

1 tablespoon almond butter

pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Blend the almonds and dates until smooth.

Add coconut flakes, almond butter, and cinnamon. Mix well.

Roll the mixture into balls and refrigerate for an hour.

Benefits of the Paleo diet

Improved digestion: Whole foods are generally gentler on the digestive system.

Increased energy levels: Avoiding processed sugars can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.

Improved Mental Clarity – Many report feeling more focused without processed carbohydrates.

Weight Loss: Focusing on nutrient-dense foods can help with weight management.