I don’t really like referring to paleo as a diet. To me, it’s an enjoyable lifestyle. Eating paleo foods is about going back to the earth and enjoying real foods, not over processed junk and artificial ingredients. Honestly, you may be surprised by the types of food you can eat on paleo.
1. Berries
Some people think that paleo means avoiding all sugars, but that’s not true. The point is to get rid of processed, refined sugars. Natural sugars from fruit are just fine.
Berries are something that ancient hunter-gatherers would have definitely eaten. They’re sweet, juicy and refreshing. They give you energy and help fight inflammation. Nutritionists love berries because of the number of essential nutrients they have.
Raspberries are high in fiber and low in carbs, so they help keep your blood sugar balanced. Strawberries and blueberries are also rich in heart-healthy antioxidants and vitamin C for immune health.
2. Butter
Paleo encourages you to eat ghee, which is essentially a purer form of butter. Ghee doesn’t have dairy proteins because it’s been clarified. That makes it silky smooth and creamy. When was the last time you complained because you had to eat more butter? Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Enjoying healthy fats in moderation — avocadoes and coconut oil are other favorites — is beneficial for your heart and overall health. It can even help you lose weight by encouraging your body to kick-start fat burning in the morning.
3. “Rice”
Technically, rice and other grains aren’t a part of paleo. You’ll be happy to know that there are easy alternatives, however. I like to use cauliflower.
To make Mexican or Oriental rice recipes, just grate cauliflower in a food processor to turn it into “grains” of low-carb, paleo-friendly rice. The texture and flavor are spot on.
Depending on the recipe, add chopped carrots, green onions, mushrooms, snow peas, bell peppers, garlic, cilantro, or other fresh veggies, plus grass-fed beef, chicken or pork. I guarantee your kids will love it.
4. Fried Foods
Frying food yourself isn’t automatically bad for you. If you choose the right type of oil, you can satisfy your desire for crispy, crunchy snacks in a healthy way.
My favorite French fries for paleo use low-carb sweet potatoes. Just cut them up and fry in avocado oil or olive oil.
Want chips for a party? Make plantain chips. They’re crispy and work great with homemade salsa.
5. Yogurt and Cheese
Are yogurt and cheese paleo or no? This is the beauty of paleo. You get to choose. Don't think of it as food commandments set in stone. Some people go for a Primal Diet or even a general low-carb one.
If you want to improve gut health with probiotics from full-fat yogurt and fresh fruit, I say go for it. Cheese has a lot of filling protein that can keep the munchies away. Of course, if you prefer to avoid dairy completely, there are other fermented-food options for probiotics as well, including sauerkraut and kombucha.
Your Personal Paleo Diet
To me, paleo feels rewarding, not restrictive. Everyone has their own take on what getting back to our origins means for healthy eating. Experiment with what feels best for your joints, blood sugar, energy levels, weight loss and blood pressure. That’s your personal paleo lifestyle!