10 tips for starting the paleo diet

September 12, 2014

I've gotten a lot of questions about the paleo diet. Where do I begin? Can I eat beans? Can you seriously not eat cheese? What do you eat? Are you starving? I'll be honest, I was super skeptical before I started. I had no idea what the diet was about, what it included, excluded or what it really meant. I thought I would always be hungry! It wasn't until Callie began telling me about it, that I fully understood what paleo really meant. I probably wouldn't have ever started paleo if it wasn't for Callie helping me. So I want to help you! So here are my 10 tips for starting the paleo diet.
  1. Do some research. Read about it, look it up online, get a cookbook. This diet takes a lot of changes to your pantry, refrigerator and life so take some time before you jump in. You want to make sure what the paleo diet includes is right for your life, right now. 
  2. Do what's best for you. The paleo diet excludes certain every day foods including granola, oats, quinoa, butter, ect. But if you can't go without granola in the morning, eat granola! Paleo is a diet that should be done 80% of the time, at 100%. Do what feels good to you! 
  3. Plan your grocery list ahead of time, aka, meal plan. Paleo requires replacing certain items with new items. Say goodbye to your white flour and replace it with coconut flour and almond flour. Say goodbye to your skim milk, and look forward to delicious almond milk! It's fun, but it requires a long list of new, yummy items! Don't just wander the grocery store or else you will be there for years, wandering the aisles a little lost person. 
  4. Buy a cookbook. This is my favorite, Practical Paleo. Pinterest is great for getting recipes, but sometimes its hard to have everything online. A book makes cooking so so easy. And its fun to page through all the pretty pictures. 
  5. Don't be afraid to experiment. A lot of paleo recipes require an adventurous spirit. Cauliflower mashed potatoes might sound gross, but they're actually delish! Don't be afraid to try new things. Seasoning is a huge part of this diet and its so fun to mix different flavors. Sometimes yes, it might turn out bad, but sometimes you'll surprise yourself with something amazing! Have fun with it! 
  6. Have a cheat day. You will burn out very fast if you never give yourself a cheat day. Trust me, you will miss pizza, pasta, cheese, chinese food (or maybe thats just me). Allow yourself to have a cheat day where you indulge!  It will make going back to Paleo the next day feel even better! 
  7. Remember it might be expensive, but it is worth it in the end. The initially shopping trip might leave you a little shocked. But I promise, once you buy the initial stuff it will get cheaper. Also, go to Costco! They sell huge jars of coconut oil & almond butter, cheap eggs and delicious medjool dates! It will save you money in the long run! 
  8. Read labels. This diet lifestyle will make you real labels more and understand what exactly you're eating. Have you ever read the label on Siracha? There are so many things in it that I've never actually heard of. It makes you much more aware. 
  9. Take it one day at a time. When I first started, I felt great. Then a week later, I got a little tired, a little bored of constantly cooking chicken and just wanted some french bread. A month+ later, I feel great and I'm in the swing of it. I still take it day by day and little by little I get more and more used to it. 
  10. Paleo is a lifestyle. Get exercise, fresh air, go on walks, drink lots of water. I promise you will feel great! Since I've been eating paleo, exercising has never felt better for me. Make it a lifestyle and you will feel (and see) the rewards! 
  11. Extra tip, Have fun! This is a fun and challenging change on the way you eat. Enjoy it! Adam and I have a blast looking up new recipes, trying new things and cooking together. I promise you won't regret eating paleo. You'll look great & feel great too!


2 comments

  1. 3 Researches SHOW How Coconut Oil Kills Belly Fat.

    This means that you literally burn fat by eating coconut fat (also coconut milk, coconut cream and coconut oil).

    These 3 studies from big medicinal magazines are sure to turn the conventional nutrition world around!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Having Trouble FOLLOWING with your Paleo Diet?

    Want to eat some delicious recipes as soon as TONIGHT?

    Check out the: Paleohacks Cookbook.

    ReplyDelete

I love hearing from all of you and greatly appreciate all your feedback and comments! xx Kristen