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.
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.
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:
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:
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!
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 Minutes
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 Training
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.
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 Easier
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…
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 Physical
Should be an interesting experiment.
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub recently posted…A Daily Dose of Eats
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!
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!
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 + GIVEAWAY
I think these tips are great and can be applied to most dietary changes.
vicki recently posted…Workouts – Last Week Today – August 4
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, & Backpacking
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!
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!)
Yes! I see myself as being mostly Paleo in the long term, but I’m really enjoying it right now!