An Index of the Best Paleo Recipes from My Natural Family (2024)

FAQs

Is sweet potato paleo? ›

“Sweet potatoes are the only potato that is considered paleo,” explains Evans. “Sweet potatoes have a much lower glycemic index so while they have a similar amount of carbohydrates, their impact on blood sugar and insulin is much lower, which is a goal of eating paleo.”

Fatty, calorie-dense foods include fatty meats, oils, nuts and seeds, avocados, coconut, and coconut products. If you tolerate dairy well, full-fat dairy can also add a significant number of calories to your daily intake.

When it is made with chickpeas, no, hummus is not Paleo. Chickpeas are a legume and legumes are not Paleo. However, if you make hummus without chickpeas, and make it out of something else, like cauliflower, then, you can enjoy it!

White potatoes aren't paleo because they have a high glycemic index. Figure 6. 1. Glycemic Index for various food items.

Generally, unprocessed potatoes of all types can be part of a paleo diet. Similarly to grains, which are off-limits on paleo, potatoes are starchy and rich in carbohydrates. However, potatoes are actually a type of starchy vegetable that grows underground, known as a tuber ( 2 , 3 ).

In recent years, several studies have found that the paleo diet may help increase weight loss. For instance, one study in 70 women observed that following the paleo diet for 6 months resulted in 14 pounds (6.5 kg) of fat loss, on average, and a significant reduction in belly fat ( 4 ).

Paleo is a high fat diet—even if they're “good fats,” such as nuts. If you start sneaking carbs on top of that, you get excess calories, which lead to weight gain. And even if you're super vigilant, it's possible to snack too much.

Usually a lack of good fats and/or a lack of protein are what cause hunger when you first switch to a paleo or ketogenic diet. Fat and protein are what make you feel satiated. Examine your food intake and try adding a little more protein and fat and see how you feel.

Rotisserie chickens that you can buy already made at the grocery store are great, but they can have seasonings and additives that are not paleo-friendly. Making your own chicken at home helps ensure that you have quality proteins and fresh ingredients.

What nuts are not paleo? ›

Tree nuts and seeds are full of healthy fats, fiber and protein. Plus, they were foraged in prehistoric times, so you can load up your cart with them. Keep in mind that peanuts are not considered paleo because they are technically legumes that grow underground.

You can make a batch of crispy buffalo wings in everyone's new favorite kitchen appliance, too! These wings are delicious and also Paleo friendly, Whole30 compliant (just use compliant ingredients!), naturally gluten free, and keto friendly. Keep reading to learn more about how to make the best buffalo chicken wings!

These are beans, lentils, and peas. Legumes are not paleo because they were only introduced into the human diet about 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. Legumes are difficult to digest and can contain unhealthy fats.

Paleo-Friendly Sweeteners

Raw honey might have been most prevalent to cavemen so this would be approved if you're going the paleo route! Maple syrup and molasses are also paleo. Maple syrup, in its purest form without any additives, is a naturally occurring sugar extracted from maple trees.

Many paleo followers wonder if bananas are paleo because of their higher sugar content. They are considered paleo. One medium banana has 113 calories, 2 grams of fiber and 26 grams of carbohydrates. Bananas are an unprocessed, whole food with a good source of potassium.

Strict paleo dieters exclude all grains from their diets — including rice — primarily due to their high phytate content. Although it's technically prohibited, many people still consume small amounts of white rice while following a paleo diet because it's lower in phytates, compared with other types.