The Paleo Diet Food Lists

Following the Paleo diet is all about going back to the roots of our most ancient ancestors and adhering to their diet.  Back when cavemen walked the earth, they were hunters and gatherers eating the freshest of fruits, vegetables, and meats.  With all diets come strict instructions on what you can and cannot eat.  By following the list of foods set forth, you can gain optimal health and nutrition.

Understanding that the Paleo diet is based on the foods that the cavemen ate, you will need to stay away from all foods that are packaged or processed.  In addition, there are certain meats that are on the Paleo diet “do not eat” list because they are considered fatty.  Some of these meats include chicken wings, deli meats, pork sausage, salami, chicken skin, turkey skin, pepperoni, bacon, fatty pork chops, bologna, fatty lamb chops, breakfast sausage, and spam.

Cavemen lived before the age of agriculture. Therefore, they did not eat grains or wheat.  So these kinds of foods fall into the “do not eat” list of the Paleo diet.  Even the grains that claim to be “gluten-free” are not recommended for the Paleo diet.  Other grains on the “do not eat” list include, barley, corn, millet, oats, rice, rye, wheat, and wild rice.  Any foods that are made from these products can not be eaten as well.  These foods include amaranth, bread, buckwheat, cakes, cookies, corn chips, corn on the cob, corn starch, corn syrup, donuts, flat bread, muffins, pasta, pancakes, pita bread, pizza, quinoa, rice cakes, rice flour, rice noodles, rice pudding, rolled oats, rolls, rye crackers, and tortillas.

Many foods are listed on the Paleo diet “do not eat” list.  But there are also many foods that can be eaten and enjoyed.  Those who have experienced and stuck with the Paleo diet have found that there are a great variety of meals that they can eat.  Although cavemen did not eat dairy, they did eat eggs.  You can enjoy an omelet made with two eggs that contains fresh produce like mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and onions.  You can also enjoy snacks of fresh fruits and vegetables such as berries, raw carrots, and celery.  You can even snack on guacamole.  However, when you are snacking on fruits and vegetables or enjoying them as a side dish to your meal, eat them without many condiments or sauces on them.  They are healthier this way.  Plus, there are many meats that you can eat.  Look for meats that come from pasture-raised and grass-fed animals.  If that is not possible, choose the leanest cuts of meat to fill your appetite.

The best part of the Paleo diet is that it will eventually slow your digestive process.  You will feel fuller for longer periods of time.  So when you are partaking in the Paleo diet, you should only eat when you are hungry.  Don’t worry if you skip the occasional meal.  Your body will let you know when you are hungry.