Paleo what?  For those of you who have not heard about the Paleo diet, it is, in a nutshell, a way of eating that takes us back to caveman days where the only things eaten are what early man would eat…  fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and nuts.

Those who subscribe to the Paleo way of eating contend that if you eat like a caveman you will be eating the best food for your body and your long term health and well-being will be greatly improved.

According to PaleoLeap.com, A Paleo diet should be high in fat, moderate in animal protein and low to moderate in carbohydrates. Calorie counting is not encouraged, neither is portion control.

Here is a brief look at what the typical Paleo diet consists of:

• Generous amounts of saturated fats like coconut oil and butter or clarified butter.
• Good amounts of animal protein. This includes red meat, poultry, pork, eggs, organs (liver, kidney, heart…), wild fish and shellfish.
• Eat generous amounts of fresh or frozen vegetables either cooked or raw and served with fat.
• No cereal grains or legumes. This includes, wheat, rye, barley, oats, corn, brown rice, soy, peanuts, kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans and black eyed peas.
• Vegetable, hydrogenated and partly-hydrogenated oils including, but not limited to, margarine, soybean oil, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil.
• No dairy products other than butter and possible heavy cream.
• No added sugar, soft drinks or packaged juices.

If you are on, have tried, or are thinking about giving the Paleo diet a try, the first thing that might come to your mind is that it sounds expensive!  …and you would be right, well sort of.

The following are a few ways that you can take advantage of being on the Paleo diet but avoid the high cost of food often associated with eating like a caveman.

Do it Slow – You can still satisfy your primal desire for meat, and save a bunch of money by buying cheaper cuts.  The key to preparing cheaper cuts of meat is to use a slow cooker.  A slow cooker will make those otherwise tough and chewy cuts of meat, fall-off-the-bone tender!

Stay in the Ice Age – While fresh vegetables are always preferred, no matter how you are eating, they can get pricy… especially in winter months when out of season.  You can save by taking a stroll to the freezer section and picking up some frozen vegetables.  There is minimal loss of vitamins through freezing, they last considerably longer and are easier on the caveman’s wallet!

Being Chicken is Okay – If money is tight, consider eating more chicken than beef.  A great source of protein and cheaper than beef, chicken can be your go-to protein.  Don’t forget that eggs are a great source of protein also, and relatively inexpensive.  I’m sure our Paleo role models scrounged an egg or two, so you’re good!

Stay in Your Cave – Reduce or eliminate your trips to your local restaurant for dinner.  While it is possible to eat Paleo at a restaurant, you will save a load of cash by preparing your meals at home.  Not to mention you will be able to control the ingredients that go into each meal, assuring you are sticking to your caveman roots.

Eating Paleo can be expensive… but it doesn’t have to be!  You can eat delicious, inexpensive Paleo meals without breaking the bank.

If you find yourself struggling with debt or would like to find out about becoming debt free, call Debthelper at 800-920-2262, or visit @ www.debthelper.com.