So, everyone wonders about “what can you eat on the Paleo Diet”. In fact, the Paleo Diet has been linked to our ancestry food habits and thus the natural way to obtain food in the simplest form. It is not rocket science to prove that eating healthily is just simply eating from natural food source and not the kind of processed food we have today. Let us dwell further into the topic as we move along.
What Does The Paleo Diet Consist Of
Most people are skeptical about diets. Especially Paleo Diet, which is unfamiliar for some, it is widely misunderstood to be some trendy fad or spun off theory from some self-proclaimed experts. (Read more here if you want to know what does the paleo diet consist of)
The Paleo Diet is actually based on proven logic from past Paleolithic ancestors who did not have processed foods or packaged snacks like ours today that include dairy and grains products. They also did not have options like fast foods which are so easily available. The Paleo Diet is mainly natural foods like vegetables, fruits, seafood, nuts, seeds, eggs, natural fat and other meat sources which are not processed. Think of what is available naturally when you think of what you can eat on the Paleo Diet.
List of Foods on What Can You Eat on The Paleo Diet
Vegetables
Here is the vegetable list recommended for the Paleo Diet:
- Arugula
- Broccoli
- Kale
- Brussels sprouts
- Spinach
- Bok choy
- Romaine lettuce
- Cabbage
- Asparagus
- Cauliflower
- Mushrooms
- Celery
- Carrots
- Radish
- Peppers
- Onions
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Pickles
- Beets
- Squash
- Olives
Fruit
Fruits are good substitutes for sugar cravings on the Paleo Diet. However, make it fresh and not preserved!
- Apples
- Citrus fruits
- Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and most berries
- All melons
- Banana
- Kiwi
- Tomatoes (including sun-dried)
- Lychee
- Grapes
- Peaches
Proteins
Protein is a common essential of the Paleo Diet, but any processed food e.g. processed bacon is still not acceptable.
Poultry:
- Chicken (preferably free-range)
- Quail
- Turkey
- Goose
Meats:
- Veal
- Lamb
- Beef (preferably grass-fed)
- Bacon (preferably nitrate-free)
- Pork
- Wild boar
Game Meat:
- Rabbit
- Bear
- Moose
- Duck
- Reindeer
- Elk
- Deer
Fish (Preferably Wild-Caught):
- Mackerel
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Bass
- Anchovies
- Grouper
- Trout
- Walleye
- Tilapia
- Haddock
- Flatfish
- Cod
- Herring
- Turbot
- Catfish
- Tuna
Shellfish (Preferably Wild-Caught):
- Oysters
- Clams
- Lobster
- Scallops
- Mussels
- Shrimp
- Crab
Nuts and Nut Butters:
- Macadamia nuts
- Almonds
- Brazil nuts
- Cashews
- Almond butter (No sugar and artificial sweeteners)
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
Eggs (Fully Pastured or Free-Range)
It is advisable to choose fully pasteurised eggs or free-range chickens rather than farm kept fowls.
Healthy Fats
Some of the healthy fats recommended on the Paleo Diet:
- Avocado
- Chia seeds
- Butter
- Tahini
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Ghee (from grass-fed butter)
Herbs and Spices
Adding flavours to your food is good in keeping your diet interesting and delicious. Besides, most herbs and spices are known to contain anti-inflammatory properties:
- Ginger
- Basil
- Leek
- Chilies
- Fresh chives
- Vinegars (including apple cider vinegar)
- Garlic
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Cacao powder
- Mustard
- Capers
Sweeteners
Losing weight does not mean totally avoiding any sorts of sweeteners as proclaimed by many Paleo Diet advocates. Just take it in moderation.
Sweeteners allowed on the Paleo Diet:
- Maple syrup
- Raw honey
- Date sugar
- Coconut sugar
Drinks
Hydration is important for digestion as well as for those who are trying to lose weight. Here are some recommended fluids to stay hydrated on the Paleo Diet:
- Herbal and matcha tea (Moderate consumption)
- Water
- Bone broth
- Black coffee (in moderation)
- Low-sugar hard cider (Moderate consumption)
- Coconut water
- Unsweetened sparkling water (no natural or artificial sweeteners)
- Gluten-free spirits (Moderate consumption)
- Kombucha
How Does the Paleo Diet Work for You
The benefits of having a Paleo Diet are that calories or carbs are necessary but not to the point of exact measurement to make it succeed. Although it is a restricted diet on a scheduled routine, the ultimate key to make it succeed is to follow the approved list of foods appropriately and not over binged.
In fact, if you look at the list of foods on the Paleo Diet recommendation, they make absolutely sense for a balanced and healthy diet which is easily available for everyone to make it happen. So, why not make it a habit and start adopting the Paleo Diet as a way to improve your eating lifestyle? Helps lose weight and keep trim too!
Check out our selection of Paleo Weight Loss Guide to help you achieve the goal of a successful diet for a beautiful you!
