A paleo or paleolithic diet uses hunter-gather food principles. The foods you eat will mimic your ancestors. The diet is high protein & fiber, low carb, moderate fat intake, and lacking in processed foods. Plants and animals are the makeup of the diet. Below is the diet rundown.

Allowed Foods

• Meats: grass-food meat, poultry, fish and seafood 
• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eggs
• Nuts and Seeds
• Healthy Oils (olive, walnut, flaxseed, avocado, & Coconut Oil)

Foods to Avoid/ Eat in Moderation

• Grains (oats, rice, barley, & wheat)
• Legumes including peanuts
• Dairy
• Refined Sugar
• Processed Foods
• Salt

Benefits

1. Meat and protein are the staple of this diet. The high protein intake will help you feel full and repair your muscle after tough workouts. 
2. Fiber is essential for your health and plants have eight times more fiber than whole grains.
3. You will be eating unprocessed, fresh foods which are lower in sodium and higher in potassium. Low potassium levels and high sodium intake is associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
4. You will intake a high amount of vitamins and minerals from the whole food.
5. Receiving all nutrients from the diet will improve sleep and clear skin.
6. The possibilities are endless when it comes to recipes. Did some say an avocado and bacon omelet?

Grains and dairy are not completely banned in a paleo lifestyle just allowed in moderation. Again animals and plants are the key.

There are so many awesome recipes out there for Paleo – I love this Paleo Cookbook, 125 of your favorite recipes such as Thin mint cookies, strawberry shortcake waffles, carrot cake cream pies, All-American burgers with French fry buns, ten different flavored bacons… all in this wonderful Paleo Recipe Book. In the meantime, here is a delicious recipe for Paleo Pancakes!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon Coconut Oil

Directions

1. Mix ingredients, omitting the Coconut Oil in a small bowl. 
2. Pour half the batter onto a heated pan coated in Coconut Oil.
3. Cook until bubbles form and flip
4. Repeat with remaining batter
5. Top with grass fed butter, berries and nuts

You can find more paleo friendly recipes on the Paleo Complete App for iphone and ipad.