Paleo Diet Beginners - Read This Guide To Get Started!

A problem that many beginners of the Paleo Diet, and beginners in almost anything for that matter, have a tendency to fall into in the habit of waiting until the time is completely perfect before they take the first step into something new. It's natural; people are afraid of change. How often do you hear yourself or others say things like: "I'll wait until after the holidays, so I'll start working and eating right." Or another favorite of mine: "Eat too much healthy cost, I'll wait until I can afford it".

The problem with that mentality is that there is no deadline to get something. Time will never be perfect. The planets will not align and present you with the sign you are looking for. The best way to get started is to do it right, get started! The most effective approach is to always jump and get both feet wet from the bat. Don't worry about being perfect. We all know that perfection is impossible. Here are some simple steps you can take today to set yourself up for lasting success and change with your paleo diet.

Step 1

Clean the fridge and pantry - When I started my paleo diet, I was starving and broke up with college students. So naturally I found this step to fully absorb! I try to find a reason to rely on everything, thinking that it would be a waste of money if I threw in my sandwiches, hot pockets, canned soups, ramen, and peanut butter, all breakfast champions! (incorrect) My initial thought was to get rid of all the unhealthy foods I had and then I would start. Well, the problem with that thinking is that it doesn't surprise your system (metaphorically) that can really signal this change in your life. You can also see it as a symbolic gesture. By cleaning the house all the things that don't conform to your paleo philosophy can effectively tell yourself, "That's it! I've put all that crap in my body!" Go ahead and yank off the bandaid. Don't finish it, just peanuts and do it! By diving in and experiencing increasing pain now, you will be setting yourself up for a better transition later. Remember, the hard way is usually the easy way. Here is a list of easy-to-save and discarded foods to help you get started:

Food to take care of

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  grass fed meat


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  fish and seafood


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  fruits


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  vegetables


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  eggs


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  beans and seeds


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  healthy organic oils (olives, coconut, macaroni, avocado)

Food to throw away

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  cereal cereal


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  beans


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  dairy


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  fine sugar


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  white potatoes


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  processed foods


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  salt


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  refined vegetable oil

Step 2

Now that you've cleaned everything off the approved food list, make a quick trip to the store and fill in any gaps that you now see in your fridge and pantry. Realizing that you are low on fish and seafood? or healthy fruits and oils? Fix it now. Don't do too much at the moment. Many paleo diet beginners think too much and don't do enough. You can always make further adjustments later. This is just the first step.

So here are two steps to get you started on your paleo diet. You cleaned up all the bad stuff, and replaced it with the good stuff. Of course this is a bit easy, but it really is all you need to get started.

Best of Luck!

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