Shopping List for the Paleo Diet

Switching to a paleo diet involves ditching all processed and refined foods and placing your focus on foods as close to their natural state as possible. In the modern world of convenience foods, takeouts and TV dinners, this is easier said than done -- even at the grocery store. Once you understand what you can and can't eat, shopping for your paleo plan is a breeze.

Meat and Fish

Protein plays a big role in the paleo diet, with meat and fish as the main sources. Avoid processed and cured meats -- such as bacon or deli meats -- and look for naturally raised produce wherever possible, advises nutritionist Mark Sisson in an interview with "Men's Fitness." Beef, chicken, turkey, bison, game meats, lamb, pork, eggs and even organ meat are all safe bets. As for fish, all varieties are safe, but look for wild fish rather than farm-raised, and limit your intake of canned seafood.

Fruits and Vegetables

Just like meat and fish, vegetables are a cornerstone of the paleo diet. recommends choosing a variety of vegetables, such as cabbage, zucchini, asparagus, peppers, cauliflower, broccoli and celery, as well as some starchier vegetables like butternut squash, acorn squash and sweet potatoes. Stick mainly to low-sugar fruits such as kiwis, strawberries, blackberries, cantaloupe and grapefruit, with some higher-sugar fruits like bananas, figs and oranges consumed sporadically. These higher-sugar items, along with starchy vegetables, are a good source of energy for athletes on a paleo plan, but you may wish to limit them if you're trying to lose weight.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds are another staple in a paleo plan. These are particularly useful due to their higher content of healthy fats, meaning they can give you energy when you're not eating grains such as rice, pasta and bread. Sisson advises sticking to almonds, walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and macadamias. You could also add in the butter derivatives of any of these. Look for natural nut butters with no additives, or make your own.


Meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds may sound a bit bland, but your paleo shopping list doesn't end there. Nutritionist and paleo dieter Robb Wolf recommends adding herbs and spices such as cinnamon, mustard seeds, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, coriander and dilll to your list. If you're not a fan of nuts or nut butters, oils such as olive oil and coconut can come in handy for boosting your intake of healthy fats, too. Certain foods are derisive -- some followers adhere purely to the basics; however, Sisson states that, in moderation, you can also add full-fat cream, coffee, yogurt, honey and cheese to your list.

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Mike Samuels


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