You've heard of the Paleo diet, but what does it involve? In a nutshell, this popular program is a throwback to when early humans ate only whole, unprocessed foods. Paleo recipe creator Addison LaBonte gives us an overview.

PALEO 101

The Paleo Diet® consists of foods that hunter-gatherers likely ate thousands of years ago. Researchers believe that those who lived during the Paleolithic era ate whole, unprocessed foods available in their local environment and eating this way led to lower rates of nutrition-related diseases and illnesses. In recent years, the Paleo diet has exploded in popularity due to its health benefits.

The Paleo diet includes fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, nuts and seeds, spices and seasonings, heart healthy fats and unprocessed oils. Those following a Paleo diet steer clear of all processed foods, refined sugars, grains, almost all dairy, legumes, soda, alcohol and sweeteners. Although hunter-gatherers diets varied by availability, season, and location, these are the basic guidelines of the Paleo diet.

WHAT DOES A DAY OF PALEO EATING LOOK LIKE? 

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with veggies, bacon, and tea

Lunch: Salad with mixed greens, nuts, and grilled chicken tossed with unprocessed oil (for example, a cold pressed oil) for dressing

Dinner: Steak, vegetables, and a handful of fruit and nuts

GO OCTONUTS FOR PALEO

There are thousands of Paleo recipes that are easy, healthy and delicious. Although Paleo diets are typically high in protein (especially animal protein), there is no firm guideline about eating meat — there are great Paleo options for those who prefer a plant-based lifestyle.

Octonuts products are Paleo and Paleo Vegan certified by Paleo Foundation. The nut oils are minimally processed and contain high levels of nutrients and vitamins. Both the California Cold Pressed Virgin Almond Oil and California Cold Pressed Virgin Walnut Oil are great for roasting vegetables, searing meat, or for salad dressings and marinades. The Octonuts Almond Protein Powders are a great option for adding to smoothies or baked goods since they’re gluten, grain and dairy free.

Having Paleo certified products on hand makes eating Paleo that much easier. Thanks to products like Octonuts, eating Paleo can be convenient and easy. Not only do these products taste delicious, but they’re packed with nutritional flavor and ingredients you can feel good about.

CLICK HERE to visit the Octonuts recipe library and see how these plant-based, minimally processed products support the Paleo lifestyle. 

ADDISON LABONTE is the talented food photographer, food blogger, and recipe developer at OrganicallyAddison.com. Addie is passionate about leading a healthy, active lifestyle without sacrificing her daily dose of chocolate. When she's not in the kitchen crafting a delicious Whole30 or Paleo recipe, you can find her out running, shopping, cozied up by the fireplace with a good book, or admiring the ocean in her hometown of York, Maine. Follow Addie on Instagram or Facebook.