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If you have decided to try the paleo diet, you’ll need to head to the grocery store prepared with a paleo shopping list. This way you don’t end up overspending or purchasing items that are not paleo approved. You can also take a look online for new and easy meal plan ideas and add these to your shopping list. Paleo is all about preparation and keeping it simple.
What to put on your shopping list
Before you even head to the store or create your shopping list, clean out the fridge and cupboards. Rely on your list of the paleo approved foods and get rid of dairy products, any grains, starches or wheat products, processed foods, foods that contain sugar and any soda left in the house. Once this has been accomplished, sit down and create a list that contains foods you enjoy.
Fresh produce is an important part of this diet. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to avoid starchy veggies such as potatoes and limit your intake of fruits that are high in sugar such as grapes and bananas. Some produce staples you can add to your favorite recipes include sweet potatoes, avocados, tomatoes, peppers, broccoli, spaghetti squash, cauliflower, spinach and mushrooms.
Paleo is a diet that emphasizes meals that are rich in fats and proteins, but your choices should include only organic, grass fed meats. Other keywords you’ll need to look for when shopping include wild-caught seafood and fully pastured.
Cooking with healthy fats is an important part of the paleo lifestyle, so you’ll definitely want to purchase some olive oil, coconut oil or ghee when you’re at the store.
Clean eating doesn’t have to mean that you’ll be eating only bland foods. Purchase coconut milk, Dijon mustard (gluten-free), beef broth, veggie broth or chicken broth and don’t forget dried herbs and spices, for some added flavor to your meals.
Baking and Snacking on the Paleo Diet
If you plan on doing any baking, you’ll need to get rid of the wheat or white flour and instead purchase coconut flour or almond flour. You can also use stevia instead of sugar or add raw honey or a banana for some added sweetness.
Simple, handy snacks will be important for your success on this diet, when you’re out of the house. While it’s so much easier to pick up a bag of chips at your local convenience store, bringing your own snacks from home and stashing some in your desk at work, in your bag or in your car, ensures that you’ll be successful on this diet. So save your guilt for your weekly cheat meal, if you decide to have one.
Great snack ideas include almonds, paleo approved beef, deer or chicken jerky, dried or fresh fruit or cut up veggies dipped in hummus or almond butter.