Paleo is a diet approach that aims to mimic how our Paleolithic ancestors ate, eliminating processed foods and additives and sticking to food items that could be hunted or gathered. That means most of the modern foods we have today are off the table. Instead, paleo dieters opt for unprocessed whole foods. Trevor Connor, CEO of The Paleo Diet, categorizes these as meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds.
While it’s pretty straightforward and could be sustainable, one catch is that paleo is easier to track and maintain when dieters cook their own meals at home. This allows them to control their ingredients and ensure that everything they add is paleo-approved.
That can be a hassle for someone who’s always on the go. If you don’t have a lot of time to prepare your paleo snacks, you’ve come to the right place. Here, give you the lowdown on the best on-the-go snacks that are easy and fast to whip up to sustain your paleo diet.
When life gets hectic and your schedule fills up, it’s easy to grab whatever’s the most convenient when hunger strikes. Often, those common on-the-go snacks are unhealthy, filled with processed ingredients and refined sugars that directly go against the principles of the paleo diet.
For days that you just don’t have the luxury of time to whip up a full-on paleo meal, paleo snacks save the day. You can prepare them at your convenience, store them for later, and easily grab and go anytime you need an energy boost between meals.
Dieticians consider paleo snacks to be healthier alternatives to common snack foods. Natural and nutrient-dense, they can provide your body with sustained energy and keep you focused and alert during long, busy days.
One of the reasons the paleo diet is popular is because it’s easy to follow. All you really have to remember is the short list of ingredients that are paleo-approved. When it comes to snacks, the following are key ingredients that have received the green light from paleo experts:
It’s easy to fall into the trap of eating processed and unhealthy snack foods—we get it, they’re the most convenient options when juggling a busy schedule. A bag of chips, a serving of a fatty burger, or a chocolate bar will take you minutes to buy from a convenience store or fast food restaurant. But if you’re ready to commit to a healthier lifestyle, paleo snacking is a good place to start.
You’ll be surprised to learn that there are plenty of grab-and-go high protein paleo snack options that aren’t only convenient but also bring forth a ton of health benefits. Paleo ingredients, being all-natural, are abundant in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy fats, supplying your body with energy and fuel to keep you going.
The paleo snacks we listed here are favorites among busy paleo dieters—snacks that are easy and quick to make in batches, and ready to grab when you’re rushing out to a meeting, headed to the gym for a workout, or just need a quick bite while running errands.
All of these use the key paleo diet ingredients: nuts, lean meat, seeds, fruits, and veggies. We put some variety in here too. Crunchy like porkrinds, chewy, savory, or sweet—you’re bound to find a paleo snack that suits your taste and cravings.
Packaged paleo bars are the easiest snacks you can have. We say that because they’re usually available in your local grocery or convenience stores. With paleo-specific brands now pushing their products into the market, you’ll likely have some options coming in different flavors and ingredients.
Common whole foods you’ll find in packaged paleo bars are nuts, seeds, dates, and coconuts. They’re free from grains, refined sugars, and dairy, making them clean and natural options for your paleo diet. Most paleo dieters stock up on paleo bars and always have some in their kitchen pantry.
Another convenient option is to whip up your own paleo trail mix. Just grab your favorite paleo-approved nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, mix them all together in a zip-lock bag, and you’re good to go.
Not only is this snack option simple and versatile, but it also brings an abundance of nutrients to the table. Nuts like cashews, almonds, and walnuts are rich in healthy fats and protein, which help you feel satiated and energized. Seeds like chia, sunflower, and pumpkin, bring healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals. Dried fruits, including apricots, raisins, and unsweetened cranberries are energy-dense, providing you with a quick source of fuel.
If you’re looking for something heartier, you can’t go wrong with hard-boiled eggs and avocado. This snack is a powerhouse, offering a powerful combination of protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. Speak to any paleo dieter and they’ll tell you that these two ingredients are staples in their snack routine.
You can enjoy hard-boiled eggs and avocado as is. Or better yet, mash the avocado and add herbs and spices to use as a dip.
For something more savory, jerky and meat sticks are paleo favorites. Made from lean cuts of high-quality meat, like beef turkey, or chicken, jerky is a shelf-stable snack that’s perfect for paleo dieters on the go.
But not all jerky and meat sticks are created equal. When buying prepackaged options, opt for those that are free from artificial preservatives, unnecessary fillers, and added sugar. Paleo-friendly jerky should be seasoned with natural herbs and spices to deliver flavor while sticking to the confines of the paleo diet regime.
Another tasty meat treat you could try are flavored pork rinds. They’re popular for the Keto diet because they have no carbohydrates, and still taste great.
Preparing your paleo snacks in advance ensures that you stay on track with your diet, even when your schedule is packed. Start by finding a day in the week when you’re less busy and dedicating an hour or two for snack preparation.
Plan what paleo snacks you want to have throughout the week. Then on your chosen meal prep day, prepare your snacks in batches. Seasoned paleo dieters recommend having a snack rotation so you never get bored. You can have eggs and avocado on one day and a trail mix on another.
Meal prepping is a must for busy individuals observing the paleo diet. And with it comes knowing how to properly store your paleo snacks to ensure they stay fresh and tasty throughout the week.
Divide your batch-prepared snacks into separate airtight containers or zip-lock bags and label them with the preparation date. Store them in a cool, dry place until ready for consumption. For snacks like eggs and avocados that aren’t as shelf-stable as jerky or nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, store them in the fridge to prevent spoilage.
Many novice paleo dieters hit the pause button on their paleo diets when traveling. Since they’re not home and can’t prepare their snacks, they often just opt to eat whatever’s available.
Seasoned paleo dieters, however, have come up with a system for staying on track with their paleo diets even while out of town. Here are some of their tips:
Because it’s preferable to prepare your paleo snacks yourself, the paleo diet can be demanding of your time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t stick to it as a busy individual. All it takes is knowing which ingredients are paleo-approved and which aren’t, allowing you to be more mindful of your food choices.
And, if you can, dedicate a few minutes of your time to whip up your own snacks—trust us, most paleo snacks are quick and easy to make, often no cooking required!
