Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Cathy
As you transition from processed foods to the Paleo diet, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. But it doesn’t have to feel like a huge ordeal. With a little planning each week preparing Paleo meals is a breeze.
Believe me, I know how hard it can be at times. Life gets busy, kids are hungry right now, heck, even you’re hungry right now. Paleo recipes seem to have many ingredients you don’t have and the recipes are time-consuming. I don’t know about you but I don’t like spending more than 20 minutes preparing meals.
Plus, who wants to buy an ingredient you’re only going to use once? Especially if it costs more than ten dollars and you only need one tablespoon. Fortunately, with a few pantry staples, you can quickly create many mouthwatering meals.
Plan Your Meals
Gone are the days of popping a quick processed meal in the microwave. To succeed in your new lifestyle you need to plan. It’s not that hard, generations of your ancestors did it so you can too.
First, take the guesswork out of your meals. When someone asks “What’s for dinner?” you’ll have an answer. Knowing exactly what you are eating will not only make it easier, it’ll also speed things up.
Make a list for each day of the week and write down what you want to eat. For example, on Monday have fish with sweet potato fries. Tuesday have spaghetti squash with ground turkey and pesto sauce and so forth. Keep it easy, the fewer the ingredients the better. As you write down your meal plan make a grocery list of items you need.
For busy mornings have leftovers for a quick breakfast. You can take leftovers for a delicious homemade lunch everyone will be jealous of. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert and look forward to each meal.
Shopping List
As I mentioned earlier, make a shopping list as you’re writing out your meal plan. List all the ingredients you’ll need to pick up from the grocery store. I like to keep a magnetic white erase-board on my refrigerator. As I run out of an item I list it so I don’t forget such as parchment paper or coconut oil.
One little trick I discovered, was how often stores put pantry items on sale. My store rotates its sales approximately every five to six weeks. If coconut oil goes on sale, I buy enough jars to last me until the next sale. This helps me save money and we all know how expensive real food costs over processed foods.
I also like to write my grocery list in the order as I walk around the store. Okay, you may be thinking that’s a little odd, but it helps me get in and out of the store quickly. I usually enter the store near the produce department so that’s the first item on my list. You don’t have to get that strict but it does save time and energy from walking back and forth. Once you have all your ingredients it will save you time in the kitchen during the week.
Prep Your Veggies
I have to admit, I’m not exactly perfect at preparing my vegetables for future meals. But if you have the time and energy this is a great time saver for those busy nights.
Wash your vegetables then cut them into smaller sizes. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. When I do prep my vegetables, I like to use Pyrex containers. They are easily available, reasonably priced and they come in many different sizes.
Then on those busy nights, there’s no need to worry about chopping up the vegetables. Talk about a huge time saver! Just grab what you need and wha-la, quick and easy with no mess to clean up.
Preparing Meals
It always helps to keep your kitchen organized. That way you’re not wasting time looking for something. And you don’t need a kitchen full of fancy gadgets to get started. Here are some kitchen tools to help get you started however, you don’t need to run out and get them all at once:
- Baking sheet
- Blender
- Cast iron skillet
- Chef’s knife
- Crockpot
- Cutting board
- Glass baking dishes
- Glass containers
- Mason jars
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Mixer
- Parchment paper
- Stainless steel pots and pans
- Vegetable peeler
- Vegetable spiralizer
- Whisk
- Wooden spoons
The best thing you can do when preparing Paleo-friendly meals is to double the recipe. By doubling the recipe you can use it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner on another night. Store extras in the freezer (depending on the recipe) and save it for a night you don’t feel like cooking. Plus, don’t forget to clean up as you go, this will save you time later.
Keep a variety of herbs on hand, they will add extra flavor to your meals and they’re healing. You may even want to grow some in your kitchen window sill. They’re very easy to grow and they’ll help save you money.
Enjoy Your Meals
Now it’s time to eat! A well-balanced Paleo meal consists of mainly vegetables, good fats, meats, and fruit. Include dark leafy greens, colored, and sulfur vegetables every day. Don’t eat too many Paleo treats or too many foods high in carbohydrates.
Unfortunately, we are a society that’s addicted to sugar, it’s compared to cocaine addiction. It’s hidden in most processed foods and drinks. It has many negative effects on your body, organs, and brain. Keeping your blood sugar (glucose) level will give you the best results.
Here’s a short list of how excess sugar can harm you:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Autoimmune diseases
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Hormonal imbalance
- Nutrient deficiency
- Obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Tooth decay
- Yeast overgrowth (Candida)
Stay Positive
If you’re feeling tired or hungry instead of reaching for sugar increase your good fats and protein. This will give your body the fuel it needs to run on until your next meal. Once you figure out the balance your body needs, it will stop signaling you to eat more food.
There are many versions of the Paleo diet. While they follow the same basis, you may need to stay strict since you’re trying to heal from an autoimmune disease. Pay attention to how your body reacts to food. If you have a negative reaction you need to temporarily remove it.
Don’t be afraid to modify your new way of eating, only you will know what works. Keep learning and apply them to your new lifestyle. Over time, you will discover which foods are best for your body to heal.
