Paleo Diet

What Is the Paleo Diet?

The paleolithic (paleo) diet is based on the idea of eating the way our ancestors did before agriculture — focusing on whole, unprocessed foods that could be hunted, fished, or gathered. The diet eliminates grains, dairy, legumes, refined sugar, and processed foods.

The core principle is simple: if a caveman couldn’t eat it, neither should you.

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Foods You Can Eat on Paleo

• Meat — grass-fed beef, pork, lamb, bison, venison
• Poultry — chicken, turkey, duck
• Fish & seafood — salmon, shrimp, trout, shellfish
• Eggs — free-range or pastured
• Vegetables — all vegetables, especially leafy greens
• Fruits — berries, apples, bananas, oranges, pears
• Nuts & seeds — almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
• Healthy fats — olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, ghee
• Tubers — sweet potatoes, yams
• Herbs & spices — all natural herbs and spices

Foods to Avoid on Paleo

• Grains — wheat, oats, rice, barley, corn
• Legumes — beans, lentils, peanuts, chickpeas
• Dairy — milk, cheese, yogurt, butter (some paleo followers allow grass-fed butter/ghee)
• Refined sugar — candy, soda, pastries, table sugar
• Processed foods — anything with artificial ingredients, preservatives, or additives
• Vegetable oils — canola, soybean, sunflower, corn oil
• Alcohol — most forms (some allow red wine in moderation)

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Health Benefits & Why People Do It

Weight Loss

By cutting processed foods and refined carbs, many people naturally eat fewer calories and lose weight on paleo without counting macros.

Reduced Inflammation

Eliminating processed foods, seed oils, and refined sugar can significantly reduce systemic inflammation, which is at the root of many chronic diseases.

Improved Gut Health

Removing grains and legumes — which contain lectins and phytates — may improve digestive health for many people, especially those with sensitivities.

Stable Blood Sugar

Without refined carbs and sugars causing blood sugar spikes, many paleo followers experience more stable energy throughout the day.

Better Nutrient Density

Paleo emphasizes nutrient-dense whole foods like organ meats, wild-caught fish, and colorful vegetables, providing more vitamins and minerals per calorie.

Clearer Skin

Many people report improvements in acne and skin clarity after eliminating dairy and processed foods.

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Sample Paleo Meals

• Breakfast — Sweet potato hash with eggs and avocado
• Lunch — Grilled chicken with roasted vegetables and olive oil
• Dinner — Pan-seared salmon with asparagus and mashed sweet potato
• Snack — Mixed nuts and fresh berries