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Just as with any change, adjusting to the Paleo diet will take you some time. After all, you’re not only changing your diet, you’re changing the way you think about food. Ingredients that you’ve known and loved for most of your life are now strictly off-limits. If you’re allowing yourself to have caffeine (which many Paleo dieters do not), then it’s probably the only part of your morning meal that will remain the same.
Now you’re going to be eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, so you shouldn’t ever be hungry. If you are, just eat something! You’re not going to be counting calories, but you still need to be cautious about what you eat because, just as in most diets, all Paleo-approved foods are not equal. You’re going to hit some rough spots, too, so here are some tips to get you through.
If you’re serious about changing your lifestyle and want to be successful with your transition, submerge yourself in it completely. Clear all of the non-Paleo foods from your pantry and your refrigerator, and head to the grocery store. Don’t buy anything that isn’t on your list, and don’t stop for a “final burger” on your way home.
For the first week or so, you’ll probably have decreased energy because you’re not eating a ton of sugar and empty carbs. Your body will have to adapt to burning proteins and complex carbs for energy. Just push through it and remember that if you do, you’re going to have more energy than ever once your sugar addiction is over.
This is a positive life change, not a trip to the gallows. Don’t look for ways to cheat or try to find loopholes because the only person you’re cheating is yourself. If you find that the diet is too difficult to follow or if your energy levels are flagging, feed a few more carbs back into your diet and allow your body to adjust slowly.
There’s nothing that gives you more of a sense of accomplishment than going to the gym and getting in a good workout. It has a way of making you want to eat healthful foods and take better care of yourself, so it’s a great tool to help you stick with it.
You’re probably not going to be feeling so great for the first week on the diet, so that’s not a good time to make a decision regarding your health. By week two, you’re going to be through your detox and gaining steam, but you’ll still be longingly eyeing the chips. Give the Paleo diet a chance for a full thirty days, and if you haven’t gotten the results that you were looking for, then you may consider whether or not it’s right for you. But don’t give up too early.
You’ve most likely been told for years that fat is bad: Avoid fat. Fat makes you fat. Fat makes you sick. Well, some fats do, but not the healthy ones that you’ll be eating on the Paleo diet. So go ahead and eat without fear. Trim extra fat off and cook using methods that allow for the most fat to cook off, but don’t obsess about it; there are good fats and bad fats, and Paleo foods are generally the good kind.
This is probably one of the biggest keys to your success. Don’t get stuck out in public with no food when hunger strikes because that will tempt you to head to those Golden Arches. Instead, prepare in advance so you have healthful meals and snacks ready to eat when you need them.
As with any other diet, you’ll have a better rate of success if you start with a friend. It’ll be even better if you start with a spouse or significant other because he or she is right there under the same roof with you and can provide support.
Many foods will claim to be Paleo friendly but won’t be. They’ll have some kind of artificial garbage, sugar, or gluten in them that will make them inedible. If nothing else, they may contain lots of calories or forbidden oils. Just be careful and read your labels.
Just because you’re changing the way that you eat doesn’t mean you have to give up the foods that you love. Find ways to modify your favorite recipes so you’re still eating foods that you enjoy.