Don’t Go Hungry! What Not to Eat on a Paleo Diet

What Can You Not Eat On A Paleo Diet?

If you're planning on following a paleo diet, you may have heard that the foods allowed are limited. But what can you not eat on a paleo diet? Let's break down the basics of this popular diet and consider which eating habits should be avoided in order to live a healthy lifestyle.

The paleo diet is based on the idea that our ancestors ate differently than we do today. It aims to recreate the way they ate by eliminating highly processed foods. This means no refined sugars, grains, legumes, dairy products and processed meats. The goal is to get back to the basics of how people naturally lived and ate before industrialization had an impact on food production and manufacturing.

To understand what you can't eat on a paleo diet, it's important to first outline which foods are allowed: unrefined fruits and vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds, fish and seafood, all kinds of meats (including organ meats), fats from grass fed or wild animals such as butter or lard, natural sweeteners such as pure honey or maple syrup in small amounts. There's also some room for starchy tubers like potatoes or yams in moderation.

Now that we know which foods are permitted on the paleo diet, let's look at what cannot be eaten: all forms of processed sugar including artificial sweeteners, grains (including wheat, barley, oats and corn), all legumes (beans, lentils, peanuts), dairy products such as cheese or milk (or any product containing cow’s milk proteins), trans fats found in margarine or vegetable shortening; factory-farmed meats; processed food like canned goods; alcohol; any type of junk food like candy bars or chips; anything with added chemical preservatives or flavoring agents (like MSG).

Essentially this means avoiding anything that comes in a box! In addition to cutting out these unhealthy options from your meal plan, it's also important to focus on eating wholesome ingredients that are organic when possible. Prioritizing farm-fresh produce over prepackaged items will help minimize your exposure to chemicals and other additives that could potentially cause harm to your body.

By combining a balanced combination of whole foods with smart portion sizes - plus plenty of water - you'll be well equipped for success on your paleo journey! So next time someone asks you “what can’t I eat on a paleo diet?” – Now you've got the answer!