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5 {No Fail!} Paleo Tips for Beginners + a bonus checklist for a smooth start!

August 16, 2016 Michelle Homan 15 Comments

If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed I’m dabbling in the Paleo diet {I know I’m a little late to the Paleo party, but it’s never too late to make healthy changes!} I have NEVER done a ‘diet’ of any kind before–always believing my clean eating, 80/20 lifestyle was ‘good enough’–but my husband recently decided he needed a kickstart, and is participating in a 6 week CrossFit challenge that encourages Paleo living.

So we thought it would be fitting for both of us to give Paleo a go.

Lance Paleo Brocolli

No husbands were harmed during this picture. This was side order of broccoli (he ate a bun-less burger first!)

I’ve been following this lifestyle for a little over two weeks now, and I can honestly say I feel amazing. I dropped five pounds (of most likely water weight), am totally energized, and really have fallen in love with cooking again–something I lost touch with during the last few busy years we’ve endured.

5 Paleo Tips for Beginners

I already have so much to share about this journey, but I thought this would be a great place to start.

5 Paleo Tips for Beginners

These were the little bumps I hit while getting started, so hopefully they will help/inspire you in your journey!

1. Don’t overwhelm yourself

Instead implement one principle at a time.

I started out by reading It Starts with Food, and Well Fed. Two fantastic books that I recommend to everyone, but tons of useful information! There’s no way to absorb it all at once, or do everything the very next day.

2. Don’t try to live the Pinterest life

Instead align Paleo with your lifestyle.

It’s ok to just eat plain eggs, chicken, broccoli. Save the gourmet for another day. I totally felt I had to do too much after consulting Pinterest for Paleo tips. Two weeks later, I finally feel like things are getting easier and I might try something fancy soon 🙂

3. Don’t have unrealistic meal prep ideas

Instead stagger meal prep throughout the week when it’s convenient.

This has gotten me numerous times before. Everything makes you feel like your cooking for the week should be done by Sunday night, and sitting in perfectly portioned containers. It does not have to be. I’ve developed a staggered meal prep schedule that is saving my life. Can’t wait to share it with you soon!

4. Don’t think that gluten free equals Paleo

Instead read ingredients.

Gluten is one piece of the puzzle, but foods that are gluten free can easily have other ingredients that are on the Paleo ‘no’ list.

5. Don’t be caught without a backup plan

Instead be prepared with emergency foods.

Coming home to the thought of preheating the oven has almost brought me to tears numerous times. #hangry

Have snacks ready like a handful of almonds, RX bar, sliced veggies, etc.–they could hold you over while you cook dinner. But even better, have food ready. Utilize the freezer and be organized in planning ahead.

Get Educated

So far these books have been invaluable and like I said, I’m still going back to them everyday:

It Starts With Food

Well Fed ( I also have Well Fed 2 and Well Fed Weeknights on my wish list!)

These websites are also my go to resources for quick questions and clarification:

Stupid Easy Paleo

Whole 30

And…as promised, I’ve created a bonus checklist to get your Paleo lifestyle off to a smooth smart. Click the pic below and it’s yours!

Stay in touch!

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Google+

Nutrition, Paleo #WildWorkoutWednesday, nutrition

Comments

  1. sarah@creatingbettertomorrow says

    August 17, 2016 at 6:07 am

    Though I’m not paleo to a T I like to consider my self whole foods…I eat whole foods with short to no ingredient list…I look forward to your post on paleo and running as I am getting back into running more. And the meal prep…heck we can always learn more and get tips on how to make it work even easier!
    sarah@creatingbettertomorrow recently posted…Calorie Burning Circuit 30 MinutesMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Susie @ Suzlyfe says

    August 17, 2016 at 6:42 am

    I’m not paleo, gluten free, vegan, or even really vegetarian, but I find that I subscribe to each of these “diets” every now and then. But here’s the thing: a good burger is a good burger!
    Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…How to Balance Races with Marathon TrainingMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Carla says

    August 17, 2016 at 6:48 am

    I swear that first one trips so many of us up every damn time. No matter what the goal is – – too much too soon overwhelmed quit.
    Carla recently posted…I value you.My Profile

    Reply
  4. Annmarie says

    August 17, 2016 at 6:49 am

    These are all great tips! I actually felt much better when I went strict paleo in June. I had the luxury of cooking all my lunches at home during the day which definitely made it that much easier.
    Annmarie recently posted…3 Must Do Exercises That Make Running EasierMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    August 17, 2016 at 7:47 am

    I do believe that our American diet is way too heavy in refined carbs–I like the idea of the Paleo diet. But for me, any prescribed diet needs some flexibility. Great review of the diet!
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…So I Run…My Profile

    Reply
  6. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    August 17, 2016 at 7:57 am

    I will be interested to see how it works for you. I am a fan of eating whole foods however paleo does not work for vegetarians. 🙂 Thanks for the link up!
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Let’s Get PhysicalMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says

    August 17, 2016 at 9:01 am

    Should be an interesting experiment.
    Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…A Daily Dose of EatsMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Tricia @ MissSippipiddlin says

    August 17, 2016 at 10:43 am

    I don’t follow a specific diet but I’d say I follow Paleo more than any other. I try to eat more protein, less breads and more veggies. I try, and that’s all I’m going to say about that! I would be curious about looking into these book. Thanks for this info!

    Reply
  9. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    August 17, 2016 at 11:26 am

    Very cool that you’ve gone Paleo! I haven’t looked much into it but I can definitely see how it could get overwhelming when you’re trying to get started!

    Reply
  10. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    August 17, 2016 at 11:29 am

    I’m a big fan of paleo, so I love this post! I totally agree that people should start off simple and then build up their recipe arsenal. I make paleo pancakes that are just banana, egg and vanilla blended together and then made like a pancake – so delicious!
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Country Heat Review + GIVEAWAYMy Profile

    Reply
  11. vicki says

    August 17, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    I think these tips are great and can be applied to most dietary changes.
    vicki recently posted…Workouts – Last Week Today – August 4My Profile

    Reply
  12. Laura @ This Runner's Recipes says

    August 18, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    I don’t prescribe to any particular diet – I just eat primarily minimally processed vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meats, legumes, and whole grains – but I definitely agree with #2 when it comes to healthy eating of any sort! You don’t have to follow complicated recipes to be Paleo, vegan, or generally eat well. In fact sometimes it’s easier to just do chicken, sweet potatoes, and roasted vegetables!
    Laura @ This Runner’s Recipes recently posted…Things I’m Loving Lately: Olympics, Gear, & BackpackingMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Lindy @ Down in the Vale says

    August 19, 2016 at 11:14 am

    Good luck in your Paleo experiment! I also did a paleo challenge a couple years ago as part of group at my CrossFit box. It was definitely hard at times but so worth it. I hope you guys enjoy it. If your looking for recipes to try I shared a brussle sprout and bacon recipe on my blog a few weeks ago that is paleo and very tasty!

    Reply
  14. Laura says

    August 30, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    I have participated in a few Whole 30/Paleo challenges and while I don’t think I could ever stick to that type of diet full time, it was such a good exercise in learning more about myself and my eating habits (as well as about what is in the food we are putting in our bodies!)

    Reply
    • Michelle Homan says

      August 30, 2016 at 7:30 pm

      Yes! I see myself as being mostly Paleo in the long term, but I’m really enjoying it right now!

      Reply

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Hey there, I’m Michelle! Mom, wife, teacher, athlete and blogger. I run on coffee and in my Newtons. Hoping to one day be reunited with my PRs. Sharing everything that helps me reach my goals. What’s your fruition?

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