Top Paleo Diet Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the cleanest Paleo intentions can go awry. Let’s tackle the most common slip-ups and stay empowered, not overwhelmed.
1️⃣ Mistake: Skipping Protein at Breakfast
Why it happens: Quick morning routines, grab-and-go habits, or low-protein breakfasts lead to blood sugar swings and hunger later.
How to fix: Make protein non-negotiable:
- Breakfast ideas: Scrambled pasture-raised eggs (Vital Farms) cooked in grass‑fed ghee(4th & Heart), or a collagen-boosted coffee with Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides.
- Snack backup: Keep CHOMPS Grass-Fed Beef Sticks or RXBAR Whole Food Bars on hand.
2️⃣ Mistake: Over-Reliance on Packaged “Paleo” Snacks
Why it happens: Convenience wins, packaged labels mislead, portion size gets ignored.
How to fix: Choose simple and real:
- Wholesome options like Bare Baked Apple Chips, nut butter paired with fruit or veggies, and homemade trail mix.
- Or pick thoughtfully crafted bars like Epic Chicken Sriracha Bars.
3️⃣ Mistake: Ignoring Healthy Fats
Why it happens: Fear of fat or sticking with low-fat packaged “Paleo” meals.
How to fix: Embrace the power of healthy fats:
- Cook with fats like Chosen Foods Avocado Oil, ghee, and coconut oil.
- Add fats to meals using foods like avocado, olives, and bone broth (Kettle & Fire).
4️⃣ Mistake: Not Planning Meals (and Getting Hangry)
Why it happens: Lack of prep leads to fast food or convenience meals.
How to fix: Use batch cooking and smart containers:
- Cook big batches in an Instant Pot Duo 7‑in‑1, store servings in Prep Naturals Glass Containers.
- Always keep snacks ready—like Kirkland Raw Almonds and Terrasoul Medjool Dates.
5️⃣ Mistake: Forgetting Hydration & Gut Health
Why it happens: Focusing on food only. Paleo can be rich and cause sluggish digestion.
How to fix:
- Hydrate with a Hydro Flask Bottle and sip bone broth or water.
- Support digestion with Garden of Life Primal Defense Ultra Probiotic or NOW Super Enzymes.
6️⃣ Mistake: Overdoing Nuts, Fruit & Treats
Why it happens: Nuts and dried fruit are “healthy,” and almond‑flour treats feel Paleo-friendly.
How to fix: Treat them as treats.
- Use nut portion packs and balance each plate with protein and veggies.
- Bake occasionally with almond flour, using wholesome choices like 365 Almond Flour, not every day.
7️⃣ Mistake: Going Too Low-Carb Too Quickly
Why it happens: Paleo often overlaps with low-carb trends—but sudden carb cuts can zap energy.
How to fix: Ease into carb reduction:
- Include Paleo carbs like sweet potatoes, bananas, or plantains.
- If you’re combining Paleo + Keto, read our guide: Paleo or Keto? Choosing Your Lifestyle.
✅ Common Mistake Bonuses & Smart Fixes
| Mistake | How to Fix |
|---|---|
| Not rotating protein sources | Vary your plan—from beef to fish to eggs to occasional organ meat |
| Skipping vegetables | Aim for half your plate to be colorful veggies |
| Relying on treats for motivation | Plan non-food rewards and fun recipes to stay inspired |
👉 Want to Learn More?
- Read [What Does a Paleo Diet Mean?](https://purepaleopath.com/what-does-a-paleo-diet-mean/) to understand the fundamentals.
- Dive into [Common Paleo Mistakes](https://purepaleopath.com/common-mistakes-in-paleo-dieting/) to catch more missteps early.