If you’re looking to improve your nutrition, paleo meals focus on eating fresh, unprocessed foods. As a result, they can even contribute to weight loss. Learn more about this diet’s basics to determine whether it’s a good fit for your dietary needs.

An Intro to Paleo Meals

What are paleo diet basics?

Paleo meals focus on eating fresh foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, nuts, and seeds. Spices and healthy fats and oils add flavor to the food.

Paleo eaters avoid processed foods, sugar, artificial sweeteners, and trans fats. Those restrictions may include some common foods like grains, legumes, and dairy products.

What are its health benefits?

This diet focuses on healthy eating while avoiding high-calorie, nutritionally deficient, processed foods. You’ll generally eat fewer calories in a more nutritionally rich meal. That’s why this diet can be helpful in a weight loss journey.

How do I start this diet?

Starting a strict paleo diet might be challenging, especially if you’re used to eating a lot of grains, dairy, and processed foods. Ease into it with a modified diet to make the transition less overwhelming. For example, a modified diet might include some grains like gluten-free rice or fats like grass-fed butter.

To begin, build your meals around a meat and large portion of vegetables, and enhance their flavors with different spices. Treat yourself to fruits or nuts for dessert. 

What can I expect when I start?

If you frequently eat carbohydrates, prepare for the carb crash that comes with this new diet. In the first few days of your new lifestyle, you might feel especially tired as your body adapts to not using carbs for energy. However, your body will adjust, and in just about a week, you’ll likely feel more energetic without the carb overload.

Simplify meal planning with the help of Aina Meals, a food subscription service in Waipahu, Hawaii. This company offers fresh meals to help customers eat healthier. Meals are customizable, with many paleo options included. For your convenience, orders can be picked up or delivered to your door at an extra charge. To place an order, call (808) 600-7779, or visit the website to check out sample meal plans.