Paleo Meal Prep Ideas

Hey there, meal prep mavens! Molly Winter here, and I’m stoked to dive into the world of paleo meal prep ideas with you. Picture this: It’s been a long day at work, you’re tired and hangry, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen cooking up a paleo-friendly feast.

That’s where meal prepping comes in! By setting aside a little time each week to prep your meals in advance, you’ll be setting yourself up for success on your paleo diet journey. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you’re chowing down on a delicious, nutrient-packed meal instead of reaching for those processed snacks. So let’s get our meal prep game faces on and dive in!

Why Meal Prep?

Before we jump into choosing recipes for the tasty stuff, let’s talk about why meal prepping is so awesome. When you’re trying to eat healthy, it’s easy to get derailed by busy schedules and last-minute cravings. But when you have a fridge full of ready-to-eat paleo meals, you’re way more likely to stay on track.

Plus, meal prep can save you some serious cash. Instead of shelling out for expensive paleo-friendly takeout or letting fresh veggies go to waste, you’ll be using up all your ingredients and avoiding those last-minute grocery runs. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love saving a little dough?

But perhaps the biggest benefit of meal prepping is the time and energy it saves you throughout the week.

Instead of stressing over what to cook every night, you’ll have a plan in place and ready-to-eat meals at your fingertips. That means more time for the things you love, like hitting the gym, hanging with friends, or binge-watching your favorite show (hey, no judgment here!).

Paleo Meal Prep Ideas

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Here are some of my favorite paleo recipes and meal prep ideas to keep you feeling satisfied all week long.

1. Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

Cauliflower rice is like the holy grail of paleo meal prep. It’s super versatile, packed with nutrients, and way lower in carbs than regular rice.

For an easy and flavorful stir-fry, just sauté some protein (like chicken or shrimp) with your favorite veggies, then toss in the cauliflower rice and season with coconut aminos, ginger, and garlic. Boom! You’ve got a delicious recipe that’ll taste great for days.

Pro tip: If you’re not a fan of cauliflower, you can totally swap it out for some other paleo-friendly rice alternatives like broccoli rice, sweet potato rice, or even zucchini noodles. The possibilities are endless!

2. Mason Jar Salads

Salads are a go-to for easy lunches, but they can get soggy and sad if you pre-mix them too far in advance.

The solution? Mason jar salads! Layer your favorite paleo-friendly ingredients in a jar, starting with the dressing on the bottom and ending with the greens on top. When you’re ready to eat, just shake it up and dump it onto a plate. Easy-peasy!

Some of my favorite combos include:

• Avocado ranch dressing + grilled chicken + bacon + tomatoes + red onion + romaine lettuce
• Lemon vinaigrette + smoked salmon + cucumber + red bell pepper + mixed greens
• Balsamic vinaigrette + hard-boiled egg + avocado + cherry tomatoes + spinach

Feel free to get creative and mix and make delicious recipes that match your favorite ingredients. The beauty of mason jar salads is that they’re totally customizable to your tastes and preferences.

3. Instant Pot Shredded Chicken

If you haven’t hopped on the Instant Pot train yet, now’s the time. This magical appliance can cook up a big batch of juicy, flavorful shredded chicken in a fraction of the time it would take on the stove.

Just throw in some chicken breasts, broth, and seasonings, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. You can use the shredded, juicy chicken in salads, lettuce wraps, or paleo-friendly tacos all week long.

Some of my go-to Instant Pot shredded chicken recipes include:

• Salsa verde chicken: chicken breasts + salsa verde + cumin + garlic powder + onion powder
• BBQ chicken: chicken breasts + paleo-friendly BBQ sauce + apple cider vinegar + garlic powder + onion powder
• Buffalo chicken: chicken breasts + hot sauce + ghee + garlic powder + onion powder

The best part? You can totally customize the flavors to your liking by switching up the seasonings and sauces. Experiment and have fun with it!

4. Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

Who says meal prep is just for lunch and dinner? This hearty breakfast casserole is loaded with fiber-rich veggies, healthy fats, and protein to keep you fueled all morning. Just mix together some eggs, sausage, sweet potatoes, and your favorite spices, then bake it up in a casserole dish. In the morning, just reheat a slice and enjoy!

Pro tip: You can totally make this casserole in advance and reheat individual slices throughout the week. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to eat.

5. Paleo Chili

Chili is the ultimate meal prep dish – it’s hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying. And with a few simple swaps, it’s easy to make it paleo-friendly too! Just sub out the beans for some extra veggies (like bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots) and use paleo-approved ingredients like grass-fed ground beef, bone broth, and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.

Some of my favorite paleo chili recipes include:

• Classic beef chili: grass-fed ground beef + diced tomatoes + onion + bell pepper + chili powder + cumin + garlic powder
• Sweet potato chili: grass-fed ground beef + sweet potatoes + diced tomatoes + onion + bell pepper + chili powder + cumin + cinnamon
• Green chili chicken: chicken breasts + salsa verde + onion + jalapeño + cumin + garlic powder + cilantro

The best part about chili is that it freezes super well, so you can make a big batch and store individual portions in the freezer for those really cold nights or extra-busy weeks.

6. Veggie-Packed Frittatas

Frittatas are like the love child of an omelet and a quiche – they’re packed with protein and veggies, but they’re way easier to make than either of their parents. Plus, they’re a great way to use up any leftover veggies you have kicking around in the fridge.

To make a paleo-friendly frittata, just whisk together some eggs, your favorite veggies (I love using spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers), and some seasonings like salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish and bake until set. Slice and serve!

Pro tip: Frittatas are an awesome meal prep option because they’re just as delicious cold as they are hot. Make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy slices for easy lunches or breakfasts throughout the busy week too.

7. Paleo Running Momma’s Spaghetti Squash Boats

If you’re a fan of Paleo Running Momma, you know that this woman knows her way around a delicious recipe. And her spaghetti squash boats are no exception! They’re packed with flavorful ingredients like ground beef, marinara sauce, and plenty of veggies, all nestled inside a tender spaghetti squash “boat.”

To make ’em, just roast some spaghetti squash halves until tender, then scrape out the flesh with a fork to create “noodles.” Meanwhile, cook up some ground beef with your favorite seasonings and veggies, then mix in some paleo-friendly marinara sauce. Stuff the mixture back into the spaghetti squash shells, top with some extra sauce and maybe a sprinkle of nutritional yeast (if that’s your jam), and bake until bubbly.

These boats are a great option for meal prep because they reheat beautifully and taste just as good (if not better) the next day.

Paleo Snack Ideas

While we’re on the topic of meal prep, let’s not forget about snacks! Having some paleo-friendly snacks on hand can be a total lifesaver when you’re trying to stick to your paleo diet. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Hard-boiled eggs
• Sliced veggies with guacamole or paleo-friendly ranch dip
• Apple slices with almond butter
• Paleo-friendly jerky (just make sure to read the labels and avoid any brands with added sugar or soy)
• Homemade trail mix with nuts, seeds, and unsweetened dried fruit
• Paleo-friendly energy balls (I love making mine with dates, nuts, and shredded coconut)

By having these easy meals and snacks prepped and ready to go, you’ll be less likely to reach for those processed, non-paleo options when hunger strikes.

FAQs

What’s the difference between paleo and keto?

While the paleo vs keto diets have some similarities (like cutting out processed foods and grains), there are some key differences. The keto diet is all about getting your body into a state of ketosis by eating a high-fat, low carb diet. The paleo diet, on the other hand, focuses more on eating whole, unprocessed foods that our ancestors would have eaten.

What are the rules of the paleo diet?

The basic paleo diet rules are to eat whole, unprocessed foods like meat, fish, eggs, veggies, fruits, nuts, and seeds. You’ll want to avoid things like grains, legumes, dairy, added sugars, and processed oils. But don’t worry – with a little creativity, you and your whole family can still enjoy plenty of delicious and satisfying meals!

What are some paleo meal plan ideas?

If you’re new to the paleo lifestyle, it can be helpful to follow a structured paleo diet 7 day meal plan. This will give you a good sense of what a balanced paleo diet looks like and help you get into the habit of meal prepping. Some tasty meal plan ideas include:

• Breakfast: Veggie-packed frittata
• Lunch: Mason jar taco salad
• Dinner: Sheet pan chicken and roasted veggies
• Snacks: Hard-boiled eggs, mixed nuts, sliced veggies with guac

What foods are allowed on the paleo diet?

The paleo diet food list includes a wide variety of whole, unprocessed foods. Some staples to keep on hand include:

• High-quality proteins: Grass-fed meat, wild-caught fish, eggs
• Veggies: Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, root veggies like sweet potatoes and butternut squash
• Fruits: Berries, apples, citrus fruits
• Healthy fats: Avocado, coconut oil, olive oil, nuts and seeds
• Herbs and spices: Garlic, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, thyme

With these ingredients as your base, the paleo meal prep possibilities are endless!

The Bottom Line

Phew, that was a lot of info! I hope these easy paleo meal prep ideas have got your wheels turning and your taste buds excited. Remember, the key to success with any new way of eating is to find recipes and strategies that work for your lifestyle and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with it!

And hey, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this meal prep talk, just take it one step at a time. Start with one or two recipes a week and work your way up from there. Before you know it, you’ll be a meal prepping pro and crushing your paleo diet goals left and right.

As always, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor before starting any new diet or workout plan, especially if you have health conditions. But with a little planning and preparation, the paleo lifestyle can be a totally delicious and sustainable way of eating.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron, fire up that Instant Pot, and let’s get meal prepping! Your future self (and your taste buds) will thank you.

Happy cooking, my friends!