Getting Started with Paleo [Infographic]

Want to get in touch with your inner Cro-Magnon, but feeling noncommittal?

Here are some simple rules for getting started with paleo and incorporating it into your everyday lifestyle. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.

These basic principles will help you save time and boost energy without too many commitments.

getting started with paleo factor 75

Step One: Eat clean

This super simple rule isn’t specific to paleo. It’s just an excellent nutrition strategy for optimal health and performance.

Eating clean means no refined sugars, no chem-lab ingredients – just lots of fruits, vegetables, and natural meats. Simple ingredients – simple rule!

This infographic spells it out beautifully:

getting started with paleo diet factor 75

Click Here to download a copy of this infographic.

Step Two: Cut the carbs

paleo-grains-factor75

Cut out high-glycemic carbs that are spiking your insulin levels and draining your energy. Paleo rules out all cultivated grains like wheat, corn, rice, barley, rye, and oats.

Intimidated? Don’t go cold turkey.

Try tightening the belt to only occasional grains (replace your Uncle Ben’s with whole-grain brown rice or quinoa) – and the rest of the time, fill your plate with lean meats and high-fiber vegetables and fruits.

Step Three: Pack in the protein

paleo-meats-factor75

This is not Atkins. We’re not granting permission to eat three T-bones a day.

Instead, concentrate on high quality grass-fed or free-range protein and fiber. Because you’re cutting out the empty calories of refined flours and baked goods, you need to give your body clean fuel.

Meats like chicken, turkey, beef, and pork will keep you satiated, while burning low and slow – delivering lots of sustained energy between meals.

Step Four: Stay well-oiled

paleo-fats-factor75

Forget what you knew about oil.

Marketed as “heart-healthy,” canola, vegetable, grape seed, safflower, and sunflower oils are all high in omega-6 fats. These are proven to cause many inflammatory diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and IBS.

Swap that slime for unprocessed oils like coconut, ghee and olive oil – which are rich in omega-3s and healthy fats.