Welcome to the newest round of the PALEO CHALLENGE!!!
I am thrilled to have you joining me (and many others) on this 31 day journey to eating a paleo diet. Whether you’d jumping all in, or you’ll be eliminating foods slowly (depending on your needs and style), I’m confident that by the end of the 30 days, you’ll feel great and wonder why you didn’t eat this way sooner.
What Is Paleo?
The Paleo diet could be in in which people have a goal to eat like our ancestors ate as hunter-gatherers long ago. Others see it as a way to simply eat optimally for our body’s make up in a world where much of our food is the furthest thing from actual FOOD. I really am not basing my own diet on a caveman diet at all. Essentially, Paleo is cutting out all grains, legumes (including peanuts), dairy, refined sweeteners, processed oils and most vegetable oils, juice, sodas, etc. Processed, packaged foods are out!
What Can I Eat?
The most important thing you can do this challenge is to make sure that you have a TON of healthy “yes” foods on hand. You’ll probably find, especially at first, that you will want to eat…. a lot… and often. That’s totally normal! Don’t be alarmed! The cool thing is that it’s very difficult to over eat when you’re truly paleo, particularly if you watch your fruit and sweetener intake.
Additionally, the best foods you can eat are going to be local and organic, but not all of us have the luxury of spending the extra money on truly “clean” foods. No worries. Do the best you can within your budget. If you have to do “poor man’s paleo”, trust me – I’m right there with you. Don’t let that stop you from truly reaping the benefits of the paleo diet!
Here are some foods to stock up on:
- Vegetables (Fresh, Frozen, Canned)
- Meat (Your best bet is local, grass-fed, pasture-raised without all the bad stuff in them!)
- Nuts (Except peanuts – those are actually legumes)
- Eggs (Again, your best bet is local, grass-fed, and pasture raised.)
- Seeds
- Fruit
- Healthy fats (avocados, coconut oil, lard, coconut milk, olive oil when used cold)
- Flours such as almond flour or coconut flour
- WATER and beverages such as coconut juice (coconut water), herbal tea, and kombucha
What Is a No-No?
Obviously, as with any healthy way of eating, there are some foods that you must avoid. I’m not trying to be mean here. Getting rid of these will make you feel like a totally different person. You can totally give this a shot for a couple of weeks, right?
- Grains (Rice, Corn, Oats, Wheat, Barley, etc) and foods containing them
- Dairy – Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, cream cheese, buttermilk – and anything that contains these items (some people will continue to eat butter, clarified butter, or ghee)
- Legumes – Beans, Beans, the magical fruit! This includes peanuts as they are actually a legume as well. Get rid of them and don’t look back.
- Soy – This includes edamame, soy sauce, tofu, and the like.
- Sugar! (Allowed sugar includes honey *preferably raw and local* and pure maple syrup for this challenge. Some people will consider stevia okay for paleo. Use your own discretion.) Get rid of food items that CONTAIN sugar of any type. Check your condiments!
- Processed foods – Cereal, granola bars, chips, ice cream, pretzels, etc
- Soda, fruit juices, alcoholic beverages. (I know some people will be keeping a glass of wine or a bottle of beer here and there. This is your challenge, so plan accordingly)
- Vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil
More Helpful Info:
- Paleo Grocery Shopping Tips
- Tips for Dining Out Paleo
- Paleo Resources for the Paleo Challenge
- Paleo Dinner Tips
- How to Stay Paleo at Social Functions
Now What?
I’d love it if you would join me at the Jenn’s RAQ Paleo Challenge Facebook Group. You can gain support, as well as share recipes, ideas, and learn about new products and ways to tweak your previous diet to become more paleo.
In the comments below, let me know if you’re going all-in, or a little bit at a time toward the paleo way of eating.
Welcome aboard!
Joseph Lalonde says
I’m not going all in but I love the idea of paleo and eating healthier.
Joseph Lalonde recently posted…The Toughest Decision I’ve Had To Make
Lisa says
Thanks so much Jennifer! About to make my coffee (with honey) and an omlet! Ready to do this!
Cheryl Cope says
This sounds wonderful. I am a weight loss coach and my clients are basically put on a paleo diet.
Cheryl Cope recently posted…Christian Submission, Authority, Headship
Don Purdum says
Sounds like you subscribe to Dr. Mercola? We go on raw diets often and we subscribe whole heartedly to your recommendations above. It’s not extreme and you would be shocked at how good the foods can be. I had someone call me extreme, but I asked what’s more extreme; put processed foods with things that will give you diabetes, cancer, and other toxins in your body that weren’t meant to be there?
Don Purdum recently posted…Three Traps and One Way to Build Your Dreams, Live Your Passions, and Achieve Financial Freedom
Michelle says
Going all in!! I have been wanting to do this for a long time! Glad I found your blog and looking for to this challenge 🙂
Kristi says
I keep hearing such wonderful things about going Paleo. Can I ask, though, why get rid of legumes?
Kristi recently posted…Her Highness’ Summer Reading List
Sara says
Fun!!!! While we eat fairly Paleo around here I find myself dipping eat to the occasional lentil or two. And we are involved with a raw milk share – so we still eat pastured butter and cream. Otherwise…I try to follow this healing diet. And I’ve coached many people through it. I even wrote on Paleo School Lunches last week when my son declared he was giving up bread 🙂 I will try to follow along this month. See you at UBC. Cheers!!!
Sara recently posted…31 Days of Food Blogging + Happy Canada Day
Tasha @ Thirty-one:10 says
We are about to take the plunge to cleaner eating in our household, too. Thanks for sharing, Jenn!
Tasha @ Thirty-one:10 recently posted…Fourth of July Crafts, Decorations, Food & Drinks
Ned says
wow?! that is tough! I’m not sure i can ever give up milk or wheat or legumes!! they form a major part of my diet~! what is wrong with all this??:(