Common Mistakes in Paleo Dieting

Avoid these pitfalls to stay on track, feel energized, and make your Paleo journey simple and sustainable.

1️⃣ Skipping Protein at Breakfast or Snacks

What’s wrong: Many skip protein in the morning or grab fruit-only snacks, leading to mid-day crashes and cravings.

Fix: Always include protein-rich foods — like Vital Farms Pasture-Raised Eggs or CHOMPS Grass-Fed Beef Sticks. Add clean protein powders like Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides to smoothies or coffee.

✅ Try: Power-Packed Snack Mix – A spoonful of nut butter (e.g., Artisana Almond Butter) with apple slices or cacao nibs.

2️⃣ Relying Too Much on Packaged “Paleo” Snacks

What’s wrong: Products labeled “Paleo-friendly” may still be heavily processed or packed with dried fruit, nut flours, or seed oils—leading to overeating.

Fix: Choose truly minimal snacks like Bare Baked Apple Chips, RXBAR Whole Food Bars, or Epic Provisions Chicken Sriracha Bars. Or prep quick homemade bites.

3️⃣ Not Using Proper Healthy Fats

What’s wrong: Many replace seed oils with low-fat options but neglect healthy fats like avocado oil, ghee, or coconut oil.

Fix: Cook with Chosen Foods Avocado Oil or rich 4th & Heart Grass-Fed Ghee. Use Nutiva Organic Coconut Oil for baking and spreads.

4️⃣ Forgetting to Prep Meals or Snacks

What’s wrong: Without Paleo-friendly options on hand, you’re likely to grab convenience food when hungry.

Fix: Batch cook meals using tools like the Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1, then store in Prep Naturals Glass Containers. Keep easy snacks like almonds (Kirkland Organic Almonds) and medjool dates (Terrasoul Medjool Dates) at the ready.

5️⃣ Overlooking Gut Health & Hydration

What’s wrong: Paleo flours and protein-rich eating can leave you dehydrated or constipated.

Fix: Drink regularly from a Hydro Flask Bottle and sip on gut-supporting delights like Kettle & Fire Bone Broth. Add digestive support with Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra Probiotic or NOW Super Enzymes.

6️⃣ Ignoring Portion Sizes—Even with Paleo Foods

What’s wrong: Healthy-looking ingredients like nuts and dried fruit are calorie-dense. Portion overindulgence can stall weight loss or trigger cravings.

Fix: Measure serving sizes, especially for pouch bites or bars. If you need more substance, add fresh options like eggs or leafy greens.

7️⃣ Following Too-Strict or Low-Carb Approaches Unnecessarily

What’s wrong: Omitting all carbs can lead to fatigue, mood swings, or nutrient deficiencies—especially for active people.

Fix: Include moderate Paleo carbs like sweet potatoes, fruit, or even UNLEASH’D Organic Sweet Potato Powder. If you’re combining Keto and Paleo, read our guide: Paleo or Keto? Choosing the Right Diet.

8️⃣ Believing Paleo Treats Make Your Diet “Clean”

What’s wrong: Thinking desserts, muffins, or desserts made with almond flour are automatically healthy can lead to unconscious sugar intake.

Fix: Think “treat,” not “food.” Make or buy baked goods like using 365 Almond Flour and enjoy mindfully. Ensure balance with veggies and protein in the same day.

🛠️ Real-World Paleo Fixes

🔚 Final Thoughts

A Paleo diet aimed at whole foods can transform your health—but only if you do it mindfully. Avoid processed “Paleo” foods, hydrate, prep your meals, and support digestion. Focus on balanced plates—not perfection.