The paleo diet eliminates grains, dairy, and processed foods to mirror ancestral eating. Learn what to eat, science-backed benefits, and a 7-day meal plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you eat on the paleo diet?
Paleo allows lean meats, fish, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and healthy oils like olive and coconut oil. It excludes grains, legumes, dairy, refined sugar, and processed foods.
Is the paleo diet good for weight loss?
Yes. A two-year randomized trial published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found paleo dieters lost an average of 8.7 kg at 12 months — double the 4.4 kg lost by those following a Nordic diet. Short-term results are especially strong, though the advantage narrows after 24 months.
Is paleo the same as keto?
No. Paleo is defined by food quality — whole, ancestral foods only. Keto is defined by macros — very high fat, very low carbs (under 50g per day). Paleo allows fruit and starchy vegetables; keto restricts them. You can eat paleo without being in ketosis, and you can do keto with non-paleo foods.
What are the risks of the paleo diet?
The main risks are calcium deficiency (eliminating dairy drops intake to roughly 355–395 mg/day, well below the 1,000 mg recommended) and potentially elevated TMAO levels from high animal-product intake, which some research links to cardiovascular risk. Supplementing calcium and vitamin D is generally recommended.
Can you eat potatoes on paleo?
Sweet potatoes are generally accepted on paleo. White potatoes are debated — strict paleo excludes them, but many practitioners allow them in moderation as a whole, unprocessed starchy vegetable.