The Paleo way of life reflects the diet from the Paleolithic era and gets back to the basics of food and nutrition. At its core, living a Paleo lifestyle is all about embracing real foods and eliminating those that may cause inflammation and irritation within our bodies. Here are seven meal prep tips to support a Paleo lifestyle.


 

#1 Know Your Paleo Foods

When eating Paleo, know which foods are Paleo approved. Think of the foods our Paleolithic ancestors enjoyed like wild caught seafood, quality meat, seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, nuts and seeds. Unsure of what foods fall under the Paleo category? Here is an extensive list of Paleo approved foods.

#2 Pick a Theme

Make Paleo meal planning easier by choosing theme nights like Meatless Monday, Taco Tuesday and Fish Friday. Choosing themed meals will help preset a few days each week with guaranteed meal ideas. To avoid meal boredom, be sure to rotate your protein sources. For example, on Taco Tuesday make shredded chicken tacos in lettuce boats one week then the next week try a beef taco salad made with cauliflower rice.

 

#3 Focus on Vegetables

Commonly referred to as the “Caveman Diet,” Paleo doesn’t just focus on high quality meat and seafood, but it also toutes fresh, seasonal vegetables. In fact, when making Paleo approved meals, your plate should consist of at least 50% vegetables. Find some favorites and load up on a variety of veggies to create delectable dishes and sides like roasted Italian zucchini and tomatoes or a Mediterranean-style beet salad.


 

#4 Go Grain Free

When practicing a Paleo lifestyle, you should avoid foods like grains, so instead  of saying so long to your beloved bed of pasta, use this opportunity to explore new recipes like sweet potato gnocchi or grain free bread sticks with a side of rich tomato dipping sauce.

#5 Love Leftovers

Making a little extra when cooking dinner is a real time saver, not to mention you save money on dining out for lunch. Repurpose that extra grilled steak and and turn it into lunchtime beef fajitas or add it a top a bed of greens for a gorgeous lunchtime steak salad. Paleo diet-ers often eat leftovers for breakfast, too!
 

#6 Do Dessert

Although the Paleo way of life recommends you limit fruit, nuts and seeds, you can still create a delicious, Paleo approved dessert like these Mini Zucchini Apple Banana Mini Muffins or bake up a batch of apple slices then drizzle with nut butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.



 

#7 Stock Up on Snacks

Snacks are always a good idea, but they can be tough to find when you are first acclimating to a Paleo lifestyle. Some delicious Paleo snack options include:

• Packets of tuna fish
• Rotisserie chicken
• Crudite with homemade guacamole or olive tapenade
• Apple or banana slices with your favorite nut butter
• Nuts
• Unsweetened coconut
• Jerky
• Snack Mixes
• Snack Packs

Celebrating the Paleo way of life is about finding nourishing alternatives, embracing new ingredients and eating foods that not only taste good, but support your overall health and well being. With these Paleo meal prep tips you will be meal prepping like a Paleo pro in no time.