As I sit here typing this post eating carrots and edamame hummus, I’m glad I do not follow the Paleo diet. You can’t have soy products (edamame) or legumes (chickpeas) both of which are in my hummus. You can’t even have an apple with peanut butter because peanuts too are considered a legume. I do however appreciate some of the Paleo principles.

Paleo Rules

No grains, processed foods, dairy, legumes or added sugar allowed. Eat a generous amount of healthy saturated fats and animal protein. Limit fruits and nuts. Enjoy plenty of vegetables. It ends up being high in fat, moderate in animal protein and low to moderate in carbohydrates without counting calories.

While I appreciate any diet high in vegetables and one that limits processed foods, I don’t like the fact that foods such as quinoa, oats, corn, brown rice, peanuts, kidney beans or pinto beans are labeled as off limits.

I do like that the Paleo diet doesn’t count calories. I once got in a heated argument with a male fitness youtuber/ex Real World cast member about counting macros and calories. He was adamantly for it. I think it works for some people but generally it makes people lame and my schtick as you know is living a healthy lifestyle without giving up your social life. Who wants to try to count calories at a restaurant or BBQ drinking with friends? The paleo principles help you make smarter decisions by choosing options that your body can use and will fill you up. For that reason, I often choose snacks and meals that are Paleo friendly without committing to the lifestyle.

In this video, I feature delicious new-to-me non-GMO, gluten free bars from Caveman Foods. I know bars can be expensive so if you want to try them for free visit CavemanFoods.com. They will send you 2 bars and all you have to do is cover shipping/handling which is a $1.

Here are the snack ideas from the video above listed:

• Apple with Almond Butter
• Gluten Free Crackers (Mary’s Gone Crackers or Flackers) with avocado or baba ganoush (eggplant based hummus-like dip)
• Grain free primal bars, like Caveman
• Beef or chicken jerky (preferably grass fed or organic)
• Carrots or sliced bell peppers with guacamole

Here are some more links to other Paleo snack ideas. Many of these I found to be time consuming and something I would never do for a snack but go for it if you are feeling adventurous.

• 51 ideas from The Greatist (this includes a pepperoni pizza idea that looks fun but I’m too lazy to make)
• 18 ideas from PopSugar
• 53 idea from Paleo Grubs
• 18 idea under 200 calories from Livestrong
• 48 Superbowl – OR 4th of July – snacks from PaleOMG

I haven’t tried to eat a Paleo diet but I could be up for the challenge. I just will always wonder why a slice of bacon is allowed and a bowl of quinoa is not…

Have you given it a go? What are your thoughts?