Due to the strict restrictions of the Paleo diet, Paleo meal planning is extremely important so that the diet is followed properly. If you are not aware of the Paleo diet, the focus is to consume "natural foods." In other words, the Paleo diet does not include foods that are processed in any manner.
The Paleo diet tries to focus on foods consumed in the Paleolithic time period. The main food groups in the Paleo diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean meats and seafood.
Foods that are processed are not allowed in any form. Also, food and drinks such as coffee, alcohol and soda pop are off limits because they were not consumed during that time period. Also, potatoes are not allowed because they have been genetically altered.
As stated earlier, Paleo meal planning will allow you to ensure that you follow the Paleo diet and can reap the health benefits of the diet. Here are some sample meal plans:
Breakfast:
- Two scrambled eggs with a cup of fresh strawberries
- Lean steak with over easy eggs on top and grapefruit
- Lean turkey sausage and sautéed spinach with eggs
- Grilled peaches with fresh mint
Lunch:
- One grilled chicken breast with steamed garlic broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots
- Ground lean chicken burgers with hot peppers and salad
- Grilled tilapia with lemon and fresh salsa
- Guacamole deviled eggs with papaya and mango
Dinner:
- Grilled steak salad with lettuce, onions, and green peppers
- Hot BLT salad with turkey bacon and hard-boiled egg
- Meatballs and mushrooms in the crockpot with bok choy and green onions
- Turkey medallions spiced with poultry seasoning and served with baked apples
Snacks:
For snacking, enjoy fresh fruits such as strawberries or blueberries. You can also snack on nuts such as almonds, peanuts, or cashews.
The Paleo diet does not restrict the amount of food you eat, just what kind of food that is consumed. By eating natural foods, you prevent your body from consuming fattening additives that are often put into processed foods such as chips, bread, and pasta.
The best way to properly plan your meals is to plan out an entire week at a time. Schedule your meals on one specific day each week and go to the grocery store on that designated day. By doing so, you will only buy exactly what you need and prevent yourself from overspending on food you will not consume.
For some of you, it might be difficult to make these changes, if you are very used to eating unhealthy, processed foods. The body actually can become addicted to these types of foods. This results in a vicious cycle of needing a fat or sugary food, eating it and immediately needing it again. By giving the Paleo diet a try for just two weeks, you can transform how your body responds to these impulse cravings to unhealthy and unnatural foods.
The dietary restrictions of the Paleo diet make it relatively hard to follow so proper Paleo meal planning is vital so that you can stay focused on consuming the proper foods and drinks.
