Paleo eating has become a popular way of eating in recent years. Essentially, consuming a Paleo diet is consuming a diet with no processed, packaged foods, no artificial ingredients, consuming only fresh foods that are rich in nutrients. While some consider Paleo low carb, it really isn’t, as starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes are acceptable.

The basics of the Paleo Diet include:

Meat: Grass-fed beef, organic, pasture-raised pork and poultry, or game meats are acceptable.

Eggs: Pasture-raised.

Fish: Preferably wild.

Vegetables and fruits: Local, in-season produce, grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides, and consumed at the peak of ripeness.

Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, natural fat from grass-fed animals, nuts, seeds, and avocados, and unrefined nut and seed oils like walnut, flaxseed, or macadamia.

Seasonings: A variety of herbs and spices add flavor to any dish.

Sugars: No refined sugars, but a small amount of honey, dates, or other natural sweeteners is generally acceptable.

What isn’t included in the Paleo diet? Most dairy products (except grass-fed butter or ghee), beans, legumes and grains.

Paleo does involves food preparation, so to help save time, plan ahead and make enough to last for a few meals. Take advantage of these convenient ingredients:

Canned tomatoes: Choose brands without salt, sugar, or additives, preferably in a BPA-free can.

Coconut aminos: A Paleo substitute for soy sauce, which is derived from soy beans.

Arrowroot powder: A vegetable-based thickener and Paleo substitute for cornstarch.

Almond or other nut butters: Paleo alternatives to peanut butter.

Bone broths: Choose grass-fed Paleo bone broths.

Noodle alternatives: Spaghetti squash or spiralized squash, like zucchini noodles, which some stores sell already spiralized.