How to Be Smarter About Paleo

salmon

03_Salmon_028.tif

Photo by: Con Poulos

Con Poulos

Love them or hate them, caveman-style eating plans like Paleo are the fad diets du jour. While there’s nothing wrong with getting back to basics and giving processed foods the heave-ho, diets like these tend to be too restrictive. Followers are often left hungry, frustrated and nutrient-deficient -- and they frequently aren't sure of what else they're "allowed" to eat.

If you've decided this is the right diet for you, at least make sure you're being smart about it. Here are some meal ideas and recipes to help you along.

Breakfasts

Kicking out dairy and grains can make morning meals a little sparse. Choose one of these four breakfasts to help get the day off on the right foot. Eggs, fruit, almond butter and coconut milk are some key ingredients.

Snacks

Snacks should be well-balanced to keep energy levels high and hunger at bay. Nuts are a top pick for many loyal Paleo-ists, but watch portions or the calories will get out of hand.

Lunches and Dinners

It's no secret that meat is a major component of the caveman lifestyle, but that doesn’t mean you should gorge on bacon. Opt for lean meats and fish and prepare them in flavorful and exciting ways.

Desserts

Some might argue that chocolate isn’t Paleo-friendly but there are some camps that say it's okay in moderation.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

Next Up

How to Stay Paleo on Thanksgiving

Think of it as Hunter-Gatherersgiving.

Smarter Candy Picks?

The good news is, some candy choices are a little better than others.

Spotlight Recipes: Smarter Dips

Whether for a kid’s birthday party or having friends over to watch the game, dips are an easy to make crowd pleaser. Don’t let gobs of calories and fat weigh down your festivities – try our more figure-friendly picks.

21 Smarter Summer Desserts

What’s summer without fabulous desserts? All these delicious treats have 400 calories or under per serving.

Smarter Late-Night Snacks

With a jam-packed refrigerator and holiday junk food lurking in every corner, late night snacking can blow your attempts at healthful eating out of the water. Here are some tips for those who like snacking after dark.

Building a Smarter Sandwich

Nutritionists share their favorite ways to build a healthier sammie.

5 Tips for Smarter Tailgating

Sports events are synonymous with greasy food and alcohol, but tailgating doesn’t have to be a calorie disaster.

Perfect Portions for Smarter Eating

Instead of swearing off your favorite foods, learn how to savor these dishes in moderation using easy-to-remember portion control guidelines.

What Is the Paleo Diet?

The Paleo diet (a.k.a. the Hunter-Gatherer or Caveman diet) has been around for 50 years and continues to be popular for the past decade. But should we be reverting back to what caveman ate thousands of years ago? Here’s the need-to-know about the oldest diet around.

Smarter Snacks: At the Vending Machine

It’s afternoon, you forgot to pack a snack and that candy bar in the vending machine is sweetly calling your name. Whether you're at work or stuck after school, sometimes the vending machine is the only option. Tell the candy bar to shut up and type in the numbers for these smarter alternatives.