Paleo is…
…a lifestyle consisting of eating high quality, nutritionally dense, natural, unprocessed/minimally processed whole foods with an emphasis on consuming a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, fruits, high quality meat (that has spent most of its life in a pasture), wild game, wild caught fish, high quality/unrefined fats, nuts, and seeds. Quality is crucial.
…getting great exercise (mostly outdoors), lifting heavy things, low stress, getting proper sleep, staying hydrated, spending time with family and friends, and using natural products for cleaning your body and home.
Paleo Foods to Eat
Meat and Protein- Eat pastured farm animals, wild game, wild caught fish and seafood, free-range eggs
Produce- Eat lots of organic, locally grown vegetables, focusing on leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, non-starchy tubers and other roots, squash, and mushrooms.
Eat a variety of colorful organic, locally grown fresh or frozen fruits, in season. Berries are an excellent choice for color and lower sugar content. Choose mangoes, pineapple, bananas, and other higher sugar fruits for more active days. *Avoid if you have spikes in blood sugar.
Fats and Oils- Eat natural plant fats that are gently or mildly processed and animal fats from the animals above.
Herbs, Spices and Seasonings- Add flavor to your foods by adding herbs, spices, and seasonings to your foods that are free of additives, preservatives, anti-caking agents, etc. Make your own herb and spice mixes, if possible..
Nuts and Seeds- Raw and unsalted is your best choice, next best is dry roasted.
Full Paleo Food List
Foods to Avoid on Paleo
Avoid all grains, legumes (including soy and peanuts), dairy products, refined vegetable oils, refined salt, refined sugars, syrups, and artificial sweeteners, no processed and pre-made foods (unless pre-made by you from the ingredients above)…and avoid any foods containing these food products.