Paleo 101
There are a lot of misconceptions about what modern paleo entails.
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It's not about literally recreating the diet of our paleolithic ancestors.
To quote Michelle Tam of Nom Nom Paleo, "The caveman is just a mascot."
It's also not about eating as much meat as humanly possible--veggies are your friend. It's not even about going low-carb, although that is often a by-product of following a paleo diet.
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Paleo is about maximizing consumption of healthful, micronutrient-dense foods that have a positive net impact on your mind and body, and minimizing foods that don't.
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Additionally, a paleo lifestyle involves many nondietary factors that can contribute to overall wellness, including getting quality sleep, spending time outdoors, engaging in active play, and avoiding environmental toxins.
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Below is a rundown of the dietary basics. Also check out our Resources page for further support and information!
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enjoy
A wide variety of micro-nutrient-dense real foods
Go crazy with most produce, especially organic! Add in grass-fed meats, pastured eggs, and wild-caught or responsibly farmed seafood to complete your plate.
Avoid
hormone hijackers and inflammation increasers
Try to steer clear of grains, legumes, dairy, highly refined or artificial sweeteners; artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives; trans fats and vegetable oils higher in omega-6 than omega-3 fatty acids.
LIMIT
Foods with lower
net-positive impact
Factory-farmed meats, tubers, nuts and seeds, and unrefined sweeteners such as honey, agave syrup, evaporated cane juice, etc. are best in moderation.
Many paleo dieters observe an 85/15 principle, which means that about 85% of the diet meets the above criteria, while about 15% may not.
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Paleo means different things to different people, and there's no one-size-fits-all version. While these guidelines are a great place to start, it is up to each person to figure out their practical application. For more on how we do paleo, see here.
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#FIVEMONSTERSPALEO
Hey Y'all!
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I'm the Monster Momma.
I'm a Christ-follower, wife, mother to five sweet paleo monsters, writer, and
paleo food fiend.
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Join me and my family on our paleo journey!