Healthy eating starts with your shopping cart and creating a good Paleo shopping list is essential.

If you are loading up on rubbish, how do you expect to eat well?

In fact, perhaps the first real key to Paleo is making sure that your cupboards contain the right foods.

So now is time to make your Paleo shopping list before heading out to the shops.

Never forget to take this list with you. One of the biggest mistakes that many of us make is impulse buying.

Supermarkets know this and they make a whole lot of very poor products look enticing.

REMEMBER THIS

If it isn’t on your Paleo shopping list, it doesn’t go in the trolley!

Make the list then buy just what is on it (and nothing else!)

Don’t underestimate the capacity of advertising, labels, and packaging to influence you.

Three pieces of advice that do work when you are making your Paleo shopping list:

Make Your List On Paper At Home

Sometimes you may find it tempting not to create a shopping list at all.

This is especially true if you have been on the Paleo diet for a long time.

But not having a list with you may cause even more problems for you when out shopping.

Sometimes you may not remember everything you need to buy.

There is also a big chance you ending up buying items that aren’t actually on your meal plan for that week. 

You may find that you end up buying more than you need. 

As a result, you end up with more food at home that goes to waste.

The Paleo shopping list you create need not be perfect.

But you must make sure that what is on the list appears on the list of foods that are Paleo approved. 

Having a reliable shopping list with you will ensure you won’t make too many mistakes along the way.

Don’t Make A Paleo Shopping List When Hungry Or Thirsty

The reason for doing this is clear.

You are more likely to create a more balanced Paleo diet shopping list when you aren’t craving sugar. 

The same also goes for when you do the shopping. 

Never do your food shop when you are hungry.

First Steps To Take To Create A Basic Paleo Shopping List

When it comes to creating such a list it is important that you know the basic foods you can eat when following the Paleo diet. 

Unlike other diet schemes, the principles behind the basic foods in the Paleo diet are simple.

The foods approved as part of Paleo are ones that were eaten by our ancestors.  

Not the kind produced using modern agriculture or food processes. Paleo diet foods are often fresh.  

Where possible have been organically grown or raised.

Though there are some who will find organic foods too expensive.  

There are alternatives available that won’t affect your budget too much.

The basic foods that make up the Paleo diet are from different basic food groups.

Here are the foods you can have on your list for your perfect grocery list:

• MEAT: Pork, Lamb, Beef, Wild Boar, Goat, Veal, Bison, Deer, Buffalo
• POULTRY: Turkey, Chicken, Duck, Goose, Quail, Pheasant, Ostrich, Eggs
• SEAFOOD AND FISH: Salmon, Shrimp, Tuna, Trout, Herring, Mackerel, Anchovy, Clams, Oysters, Crab, Lobster, Scallops, Crayfish, Halibut, Tilapia
• VEGETABLES: Kale, Broccoli, Beets, Brussels sprout, Cucumber, Celery, Spinach, Carrots, Cauliflower, Artichoke, Okra, Asparagus, Cabbage, Mustard Greens, Radish, Sweet Potatoes, Winter And Summer Squashes, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Peppers, Onions
• FRUITS: Berries, Apples, Oranges, Melons, Avocado, Bananas, Lemon, Lime, Lychees, Papaya, Grapes, Peaches, Mango, Pineapple
• HERBS AND SPICES: Thyme, Mint, Ginger, Garlic, Fennel Seeds, Sage, Dill, Bay Leaves, Nutmeg, Paprika, Vanilla, Oregano, Tarragon, Star Anise, Cumin, Coriander, Basil, Rosemary
• OILS AND FATS: Coconut Oil, Olive Oil, Macadamia, Avocado, Ghee, Butter (Grass-Fed)
• NUTS AND SEEDS: Pine Nuts, Sunflower Seeds, Walnuts, Almonds, Pecan Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Cashew Nuts, Hazelnuts

This is a good starting point.

One thing you will notice is that lots of these products are fresh.

One thing about creating a Paleo food list is that you will need to buy things like meat (grass-fed beef), fruit and vegetables a little more often.

You want to avoid things that are processed and have a long use by date.

What do you think is in these products that keep them looking so perfect for so long?

Nothing natural, that’s for sure!

If you will get it right with Paleo then it is worth keeping the following in mind.

Tip 1- Scout Local Grocery And Online Stores

Visiting such will help you become more familiar with the foods that are Paleo diet approved.   

It also makes sense to establish a good relationship with local producers. 

Sourcing food locally from a producer you trust not only will save you money. 

But you’ll find in the long term you can get better quality produce. 

When shopping at your local supermarket it is important that you avoid the middle aisles. 

This way you are avoiding the temptation of picking up some ready prepared items.   

The great thing about doing research online if you find some great advice.   

Join a local food or Paleo lifestyle group online.   

These offer some great suggestions about where to find the freshest most affordable produce.

Tip 2 – Create A Budget

One thing that most people are concerned with when it comes to buying Paleo food is the cost. 

Lots of people worry about going Paleo because buying high-quality food has a cost.

Again by creating a Paleo shopping list you will stick to buying what you need.   

If you are finding it hard to buy certain foods locally then look to see if you can get what you need online.

 

Also, you can save yourself money through bulk buying what we class as staple foods. 

So don’t be afraid to stock up on seasonal fruit and vegetables.   

Do the same if you notice certain meat or fish is on offer. 

Then freeze them for use later on.

Tip 3 – Have A Weekly Plan Of Paleo Meals

By planning out your meals for the upcoming week won’t just save you money but also time.

Also planning out meals will help you work out how much everything will cost. 

You can start with the simplest meal so you will only adjust a little of your time.

Then you can gradually plan for more meals that require time to cook once you have adjusted your time and budget.

Meal plans will also help with saving money as you won’t be wasting so much food as you may do now.

Tip 4 – Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

If you still are having problems coming up with the perfect Paleo shopping list then seek help from others.

There are plenty of places online where you can ask questions.

Don’t just limit yourself to visiting blogs, but joining some online Facebook groups or forums. 

There are plenty of people are more than happy to offer you advice that will help you stick to your Paleo diet and lifestyle.

Tip 5 – Think About Growing Your Own

If you have the time and have a knack for growing things, then why not grow some of your own Paleo foods. 

Not only will you have a regular supply of fresh produce you’ll end up saving money.

This money you can then use for buying more costly foods you would like to have on your Paleo diet shopping list.   

If you find yourself with a glutton of a certain crop. 

Don’t let it go to waste try out some ways to keep it for use later. 

Rather than just freezing any extra fruit or vegetable.  Why not try pickling it, or dehydrating it.   

If you are really determined to get fit and healthy by following a Paleo diet then good on you. 

Developing your own Paleo shopping list will not be as hard as you thought. 

What is important is that you create one that fits in with your needs and will help you stick to your new diet and lifestyle. 

If you keep in mind what we have mentioned above then sticking to your new lifestyle will be a lot easier. 

Also, it will help you come up with the perfect Paleo shopping list for you.

Such a list won’t just help you save money but will also help you create some delicious meals.