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Your resource of health knowledge, tips and facts for a healthier lifestyle

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Paleo Meals: What is Allowed and What Isn’t

An example of what paleo meals could look like. A broiled salmon with lemon and loads of veggies like carrots, broccoli, and zucchini.

The paleo diet is worth considering if you’re ready to improve your health and kickstart your diet journey. This dietary approach focuses on consuming food that was available to our ancient ancestors over 10,000 years ago. The premise behind paleo meals is that our bodies have yet to evolve to handle the highly processed food dominant in our modern diets. Here’s why incorporating paleo might be worth it!

Breaking Down Healthy Paleo Meal Delivery

So, what is included in paleo meal delivery? The answer is simple: whole, nutrient-dense foods that our ancestors would have eaten. This can include the following:

  • Grass-fed, lean meat
  • Seafood and fish
  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Nuts
  • Seeds

The goal is to avoid foods that are highly processed or were not available to our ancestors. Food to avoid on a paleo diet includes:

  • Grains
  • Legumes
  • Dairy
  • Refined sugar
  • Nightshades

In-Depth Nutrition of a Paleo Diet

One key aspect of the paleo diet is emphasizing high-quality, pasture-raised meats and wild-caught fish. These protein sources are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These are essential for optimal brain function and hormonal balance. 

In addition to protein, the paleo diet strongly emphasizes eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals essential for good health. A paleo meal plan might include a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits, such as:

  • Leafy greens
  • Carrots
  • Beets
  • Squash
  • Berries
  • Apples
  • Citrus

Lastly, nuts and seeds are also a staple, as they’re rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Almonds, macadamia nuts, and walnuts are good choices, as are pumpkin, sunflower, and chia seeds. Opt to snack on these foods or add them to meals for added nutrition and texture. 

Primal Paleo: What to Consider

Though you may have heard the phrase “primal paleo,” the primal diet is actually its own distinct diet. So, how does the paleo diet compare? The primal diet is similar to paleo in many ways, but there are a few key differences.

The primal diet underscores high-quality protein, fat, and carbs. It especially highlights healthy fats, like coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil. Moreover, there’s a significant focus on organic dairy products, such as grass-fed butter and cheese. 

Additionally, the primal diet allows for starchy vegetables – like sweet potatoes and yams – which are restricted on paleo. Participants avoid grains and sugar on the primal diet. Also, fruit should be minimally consumed.

Incorporating a Paleo or Primal Meal Plan

Both paleo and primal diets share the belief that modern diets are the root cause of many chronic health problems. By returning to a natural way of eating, we can improve our health. 

Both diets encourage the consumption of nutrient-dense, whole foods and the avoidance of processed and refined foods. Indeed, this tactic can be a powerful tool for enhancing your well-being.

When starting a new dietary approach, being patient with yourself is important. Remember that it may take some time for your body to adjust. Though there may be initial discomfort as your body adapts, keep in mind that this is normal.

Above all, listening to your body and making necessary adjustments is vital. And if something feels off, it’s recommended to consult with a qualified professional.

Find Paleo Food Delivery With Z.E.N. Foods

At Z.E.N. Foods, we bring “Zero Effort Nutrition” to all our clients. If you’re ready to uplevel your meal plan but don’t have the resources, we can help. Our highly personalized, farm-to-table meal delivery service will save you time and money while elevating your health and well-being. 


Get started today!

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