Paleo beginner - can anyone help?

[MsFeFe]

I am thinking about starting the paleo diet. I've previously low carbed but I need to cut out dairy as I've realised it doesn't agree with me. DP would also like to try it as he's trying to lose weight. He's a cyclist and does a lot of miles per week so has a big appetite. I have about 4 stones to lose I'm a massive sugar addict and I really need to cut it out.

I've been looking it up and found a few lists of what to/not to eat so I've got the general gist of what we can have. Im a bit confused as some recipes I've found include quinoa which I thought wasn't allowed as it's a grain? Unless I'm getting the wrong end of the stick.

I'm understanding it as all non-processed meats/fish, selected veg (butternut squash and sweet potato in moderation) and selected fruit (in moderation due to sugar content). Oils and nuts are allowed also. Is that right?

What sort of things do you eat for breakfasts? I don't like eggs so I'm struggling to find anything quick and easy as I have a baby so I don't have much time to prepare. The same with lunches. What things can my DP eat for lunch at work? (He works in an office so has access to a microwave).

I'm doing our weekly shop today so im going to do a meal plan. I can just see myself eating meat and roasted veg every night which I will find boring! Are there any good recipes (which won't cost a fortune) that I can try this week? I have a freezer full of meat so just need to buy the veg etc.

Any help would be appreciated

[LittleBlueHermit]

Quinoa is usually not recommended.

As far as oils go, olive oil and coconut oil are fine, but canola oil and 'vegetable' oil are a no-go.

WRT breakfast, you can eat anything you would for lunch or dinner.

I used to take leftovers for lunch, or make up a big batch of stirfrys on the weekend.

There are lots of paleo recipes for curries, stews, meatballs, various sauces, etc. to make meat and vegies more interesting. What do you normally have for dinner? There are paleo recipes for nearly everything.

[MsFeFe]

We generally don't eat pasta/bread anyway and eat quite low carb as a habit from low carbing before. We have started sneaking in the rice and potatoes recently though which I need to cut out.

We generally have things like stir fry (either meat or fish), fish tacos, curries, meat with various combinations of veg.

Can we have coconut milk & flax seed?

So far for dinners I've got fish tacos (but with lettuce leaf 'wraps' instead of the taco shell) with avocado, chicken Thai curry with cauliflower rice, salmon with roasted garlic & lemon cabbage, flax seed crusted chicken with roasted veg. Does all of this sound ok? I'm struggling with the no dairy thing but I'm sure I'll get used to it eventually

I have a nutribullet so can I make green smoothies for breakfast?

[JimmySilentHill]

This thread is great Mark's Daily Apple I bought this book too which has been useful.

[JimmySilentHill]

I meant blog not thread Time to stop mumsnetting for the day!!

[LittleBlueHermit]

That sounds delicious! We've gotten lazy lately and have mostly been eating steak and salad. I need to work on my meal planning.

It should be fairly easy for you to adapt meals if you don't eat much bread and pasta.

Paleo types tend to be slightly obsessed with all forms of coconut products

Green smoothies for breakfast sound good.

[MsFeFe]

Thanks for the links

Oh that's good then! I LOVE coconut I've got a jar of coconut oil in the cupboard which I've not used yet so I think I should crack it open now.

I might make up some soups for the freezer for lunch. My friend made one recently with cashews instead of cream and she said it came out really nice.

Right I think I've got the hang of it then thank you for the help. is there a thread on here for paleo followers? I had a look but can't see one.

[JimmySilentHill]

I forgot to say that this blog is really good at explaining the paleo diet.

[JimmySilentHill]

Doh.
Here!