The Paleo, or “Caveman,” diet emerged a few years ago and is a hit with many celebs. The diet is based on eating what our cavemen ancestors ate and says we should go back to the hunter-gatherer style to fight against various diseases that occur from bad eating habits. Certain foods like grains, sugar, salt, or processed foods aren’t allowed, which means a decent number of foods are eliminated from your regular diet. Foods that are allowed on a Paleo diet include protein (meat, fish, poultry, eggs), fruits, veggies, oils like olive and coconut, and nuts.
It can be a challenge to maintain this diet because that means no sweets (goodbye ice cream and doughnuts) or fried foods (TTYL French fries). One way to stay on track so you don’t lose your mind is meal prepping. The meal prepping process is popular with everyone from your favorite athletes to your best friend who wants to try something different. It takes the stress out of thinking about what to make and saves you time and money. Here are 11 paleo meal prep ideas to help you get through the week.
1. One-Pan Healthy Italian Sausage and Veggies
The sausage and veggie combo is made together, which saves a ton of dirty dishes. This is a basic meal, so whatever type of sausage and veggies you prefer to eat can be easily prepped following the same directions. Once you’ve made this recipe, separate the veggies and sausage into individual containers with some cauliflower rice to have it prepped for the week.
#SpoonTip: Cheese isn’t paleo, so leave the optional Parmesan out of this recipe.
2. Crispy One-Pan Bacon-Wrapped Chicken
Who doesn’t love anything wrapped in bacon? It’s pretty much a delicacy. Sauté veggies in olive oil until crisp. This bacon-wrapped chicken is a quick and simple dinner for anyone looking to channel their inner caveman.
3. Meal Prep Chicken Burrito Bowls
I’m a huge fan of bowls. They’re less messy and I can mix everything together. Using chicken as a base, have fun creating different combos with this burrito bowl recipe. The chicken is filling and you’ll feel satisfied all day.
#SpoonTip: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice in this recipe to make it totally paleo, and skip the sour cream as well.
4. Greek Healthy Meal Prep
This Greek chicken meal prep recipe includes Greek staples like olives and tzatziki. The mixture of fresh herbs and veggies with grilled chicken already has me thinking of a future vacay to Greece.
5. Paleo Sweet Potato Waffles
These sweet potato waffles are great for for breakfast or dinner (or breakfast for dinner). The recipe is only four ingredients and is also gluten-, dairy-, and sugar-free. Consider eating or serving these on Thanksgiving for a 2017 twist on the holiday.
#SpoonTip: Freeze a large batch of these waffles to have them on hand for busy mornings.
6. Paleo Blueberry Muffins
Indulge a little by making these paleo muffins when a sugar craving hits you. You can freeze muffins and heat them up when you’re in a rush, too.
7. Paleo Turkey Chili
Fall is approaching fast, and you’ll want plenty of hot soups on hand to warm you up. This paleo chili is one of those dishes that never gets old. Make a big pot and you’ll stay warm and toasty all week.
#SpoonTip: To meal prep this chili, divide it into Mason jars and take one with you for lunch or dinner each day.
8. One Skillet Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
Yet another meal where everything is cooked in one dish! This cashew chicken stir-fry combines chicken and veggies together with an easy nut sauce. Take lots of time out of preparation by pre-chopping veggies after buying them so they’re ready when you want stir-fry.
#SpoonTip: Peanut butter isn’t paleo (since peanuts are legumes), so swap out the peanut butter in this recipe for almond butter or another nut butter of your choice.
9. Paleo Filipino Skirt Steak and Cauliflower Fried Rice
Meals the qualify as other diets makes life so much more easier. This steak and rice combo is also Keto and Whole30. I’ve never tried eating cauliflower as rice before but there’s no denying I won’t end up making it this weekend. Find the freshest, garden-grown herbs and veggies. Don’t forget to take a pic for the ‘gram too.
10. Turkey Apple Breakfast Hash
Does this qualify as the “breakfast of champions?” This turkey apple hash is a great idea for breakfast because it’s simple and anything can go into it. Diced squash and zucchini complement the flavor of the turkey and sweet apples with their nutty tastes. To be honest, I’d even eat this for dinner.
The Paleo diet doesn’t seem like too much of a struggle, does it? Most of the things you eat already are probably paleo anyway. With these paleo meal prep recipes, you’ll be on your way to becoming like our cavemen ancestors (saber-toothed tigers not included).