The Caveman Diet, also known as the Paleo Diet, is a popular diet that has been used to help people lose weight and get healthy. The premise of the diet is that we should return to our roots and eat like our ancestors did 10,000 years ago.
Our ancestors ate foods that they could hunt and gather before the development of modern agriculture. This means no grains, dairy, legumes, sugar or processed foods.
Advocates of the paleo diet believe humans were not created to process dairy, legumes and grain and that can lead to heart disease, obesity and diabetes.
Here are the top ten favorite caveman diet friendly foods for you to enjoy on your journey towards health.
Eggs
Eggs is one of the best foods to eat when following the Paleo Diet. They are packed with protein and other essential nutrients, and they are very versatile. You can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
Eggs contain:
- Protein: which helps to build and repair muscle tissue
- Vitamins A, B12 and D: which are essential for good health
- Iron: which is important for red blood cell production
- Selenium: which is an antioxidant
The protein-packed ingredient helps you keep fuller longer, which is important for weight loss.
Coconut Oil
Another great food to eat on the Caveman Diet is coconut oil. It can be used in cooking or as a spread, and it tastes delicious! Coconut oil contains MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides), which have been shown to help improve brain function and boost energy levels. It also contains lauric acid, which is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent that helps to promote a healthy immune system.
Coconut Oil contains:
- MCTs (Medium Chain Triglycerides)
- Lauric acid: which is an anti-viral and anti-bacterial agent. It helps to promote a healthy immune system!
Beans
The Caveman Diet does not allow you to eat grains or sugar, but it does include beans! Beans are packed with protein and fiber, two important components of any meal. They are also low in calories and fat, and they contain important vitamins and minerals.
Beans contain:
- Protein: which helps to build and repair muscle tissue
- Fiber: which helps to regulate digestion and can help with weight loss
- Vitamins B, C and E: which are essential for good health
- Iron: which is important for red blood cell production
- Calcium: which is important for bone health
Berries
Berries are a delicious and nutritious paleo food. They are packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and they are low in calories. Berries can be eaten as a snack or added to cereal, salads and smoothies.
Berries contain:
- Antioxidants: which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals
- Vitamins A, B and C: which are essential for good health
- Manganese: which is important for bone development and strengthening bones and connective tissues
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are an important part of the Paleo Diet. They are arguably the staple to any healthy diet full stop.
They are packed with nutrients, and they are low in calories and fat.
Greens can be eaten raw or cooked, and they are a great addition to salads, smoothies and soups.
Leafy greens contain:
- Vitamins A, C and K: which are essential for good health
- Fiber: which helps to regulate digestion and can help with weight loss
- Calcium: which is important for bone health
- Iron: which is important for red blood cell production
Liver
The liver is obviously very important for good health, but it also happens to be one of my favorite caveman diet foods. Liver contains a lot of nutrients and can really help you feel energetic. It’s always best when the animal that they are from has been grass fed or free ranging.
Liver contains:
- Vitamins A, C and D: which are essential for good health
- Iron: which is important for red blood cell production
- Zinc: which is important for a healthy immune system
- Copper: which helps to produce energy and maintain tissue health
Fish
Fish is another great food to eat when following the Caveman Diet. It is a lean protein source that is also very high in omega-three fatty acids, which are essential for good health.
Fish contains:
- Protein: which helps to build and repair muscle tissue
- Omega-Three Fatty Acids: which are important for brain function and healthy skin, hair and nails! They also help reduce inflammation throughout the body.
Nuts
Nuts are a great food to eat on the Caveman Diet. They add variety and extra flavor to your meals, while also providing healthy fats and protein. Nuts can be eaten raw or roasted, but it is best when they have not been salted or flavored in any way.
Nuts contain:
- Healthy Fats: which help to regulate blood sugar levels and promote a healthy heart
- Protein: which helps to build and repair muscle tissue
- Vitamins B, E and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, zinc and selenium. Selenium is important for a healthy immune system!
- Fiber: which helps to regulate digestion and can help with weight loss
Lean meat
Lean meat is a great food to eat on the Caveman Diet. It is a great source of protein and it also provides iron, which can be hard to get on this type of eating plan. Lean cuts of beef, chicken, turkey or pork are the best options.
Lean meat contains:
- Protein: which helps to build and repair muscle tissue
- Iron: which is important for red blood cell production
- Zinc: which is important for a healthy immune system
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are both super important for good health – they provide you with vitamins, fiber and minerals.
Fiber along with protein are the best things you can eat to help you feel fuller for longer.
Fruits can be added to breakfast cereals, yogurt parfaits or eaten as snacks.
Fruits and Vegetables contain:
- Fiber: which helps to regulate digestion and can help with weight loss
- Vitamins A, C and K: which are essential for good health
- Magnesium, potassium, zinc and selenium. Selenium is important for a healthy immune system!
Fruits and Vegetables also provide antioxidants that protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Examples of a daily menu on the Caveman Diet
Here are some examples of what to eat in a day to stick to a paleo diet and making sure you’re doing it right.
Day 1
Breakfast: Smoothie with blueberry, kale, banana and sunflower seeds.
Lunch: Lean meat like chicken or turkey, vegetables and a salad with olive oil dressing.
Dinner: Fish roasted in the oven with sweet potatoes and broccoli on the side.
Snacks: Apple with almond butter.
Day 2
Breakfast: Poached eggs with avocado, kale and tomatoes.
Lunch: Leftover fish from last night along with sweet potatoes and broccoli on the side.
Dinner: Lean meat like steak or ground beef (grass fed beef is best) cooked in coconut oil with vegetables of your choice on the side.
Snacks: Orange with pecans.
Day Three
Breakfast: Omelet filled with spinach and cheese.
Lunch: Leftover beef from last night along with vegetables on the side.
Dinner: Salmon baked in the oven with roasted vegetables.
Snacks: Hard boiled egg, some raw veggies such as carrots or celery sticks.
Day Four
Breakfast: Fruit salad with berries and walnuts. Poached egg.
Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with lemon and olive oil dressing.
Dinner: Baked sweet potato with cinnamon and honey, grilled salmon on the side.
Snacks: An handful of almonds and a square of dark chocolate (as long as it doesn’t have any other additives).
Day Five
Breakfast: Grain free granola with almond milk.
Lunch: Leftover salmon from last night, roasted vegetables on the side.
Dinner: Lamb chops with steamed spinach and red cabbage.
Snacks: An energy ball made of dates, nuts and seeds.
Day six
Breakfast: Veggie omelet with avocado.
Lunch: Turkey burger wrapped in lettuce with some roasted vegetables.
Dinner: Grilled chicken skewers with grilled vegetables on the side.
Snacks: A hard boiled egg and a piece of fruit like an orange or grapefruit.
Day seven
Breakfast: Two eggs cooked any way you like them. Leafy greens cooked in coconut oil.
Lunch: A big salad with lots of different vegetables and a grilled chicken breast on top.
Dinner: Pork chops with mashed sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.
Snacks: Homemade trail mix made of nuts, seeds and dried fruit.
These are just some examples, but you can mix and match to create different meals that will work for you. Remember to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as healthy protein and fats sources like nuts, seeds and fish. And don’t forget the liver – it’s one of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat!
Why people lose weight on the Caveman Diet
As you can see, there are many foods to eat on the Caveman Diet. With such a varied diet along with plenty of exercise and allowing yourself some treats here and there, you’re going to be well on your way to your ideal weight.
Many people lose weight when they start following the paleo diet because they are cutting out processed foods and sugars, which tend to be the main contributors to weight gain. When you’re eating natural, unprocessed foods like those found on the paleo diet, your body is going to be able to metabolize them better and you’ll have more energy. You’ll also be getting all of the essential nutrients that your body needs to function properly.
The Caveman Diet may also be effective for weight loss because it’s so full of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that your body gets what it needs without craving more food. When you’re not hungry all the time due to nutrient deficiencies in other diets (and when you don’t have cravings for sugary foods), weight loss is much easier.
So there you have it – the top ten foods to eat on the Caveman Diet! With a diet full of healthy, unprocessed foods, you’ll be well on your way to losing weight and feeling better than ever.
Related Content
