7 Common Paleo Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Avoid these pitfalls to stay on track with your clean-eating goals
💥 Why Paleo Isn’t Working? These Could Be the Reasons
Starting the Paleo diet can feel empowering—you’re ditching processed foods, prioritizing nutrient-dense meals, and aiming for a healthier lifestyle. But sometimes, results stall or you start feeling off. That’s often due to a few sneaky mistakes that even seasoned Paleo eaters make.
Below are the 7 most common Paleo mistakes, how to spot them, and easy fixes to get your health and energy back on track—plus a few helpful product links to support your journey.
❌ 1. Relying Too Heavily on “Paleo” Packaged Snacks
Bars, chips, and Paleo cookies might have better ingredients than standard junk food, but they’re still processed. If your daily diet is full of “clean” convenience snacks, you may be missing out on real nutrition.
✅ Fix it: Stick to whole foods for meals and keep bars as true emergencies only.
🛒 Better-for-you options:
❌ 2. Not Getting Enough Carbs
Yes, Paleo is lower in carbs than the Standard American Diet, but it’s not “no carb.” Many people go too low and end up feeling tired, irritable, or experiencing sleep issues.
✅ Fix it: Add Paleo-friendly carbs like:
- Terrasoul Organic Medjool Dates
- UNLEASH’D Organic Sweet Potato Powder
- Bananas, butternut squash, or fresh fruit
❌ 3. Skipping Fats or Choosing the Wrong Ones
Fat is not the enemy—it’s fuel! But if you’re using vegetable oils or avoiding fat altogether, you’re missing out on the benefits of ketosis, energy, and hormone balance.
✅ Fix it: Focus on healthy fats like:
❌ 4. Going Too Hard, Too Fast
Doing a 180 overnight—cutting out grains, dairy, sugar, and caffeine all at once—can leave you feeling awful. Paleo flu is real.
✅ Fix it: Transition gradually. Replace one meal or habit at a time, and support your digestion.
🛒 Consider:
❌ 5. Forgetting to Meal Prep
Without ready-to-go meals, you’re more likely to grab non-Paleo options. Lack of prep = Paleo failure.
✅ Fix it: Batch cook with tools like:
❌ 6. Not Reading Labels Carefully
Just because a product says “gluten-free” or “natural” doesn’t mean it’s Paleo. Many items are sneaky with seed oils, added sugars, and grains.
✅ Fix it: Always check the ingredient list. Look for minimal ingredients you recognize.
🛒 Safer brands:
❌ 7. Neglecting Hydration & Electrolytes
Cutting processed foods and grains can flush out electrolytes and water. If you’re feeling tired, foggy, or crampy, this could be why.
✅ Fix it: Drink more water and replenish electrolytes naturally. Add a pinch of sea salt to water or sip on bone broth.
🛒 Bonus tools:
🧘 Final Thoughts: Stay Paleo Smart
Nobody eats perfectly all the time. The key is to become aware of what might be sabotaging your Paleo lifestyle—and course-correct with intention. Start with these tips and watch your energy, digestion, and results bounce back.
🔗 Want more Paleo-approved pantry, protein, and snack picks? Browse our full Amazon Paleo Favorites for clean living made easier.