What is the paleo diet?

The paleo diet, or Paleolithic diet, is a popular diet that encourages you to eat like your Paleolithic ancestors, who lived more than 10,000 years ago. During the Paleolithic period, humans were hunters and gatherers, they didn’t farm or grow food. Instead, they moved around in search of food, eating a varied diet based on location and climate. According to proponents of the paleo diet, your genetic coding isn’t wired to eat farmed and processed foods. This is why so many people struggle with health problems and weight. Eating like your ancestors improves health, lowers risk of disease, and helps you lose weight.

How do I know if the paleo diet is right for me?

Talk to your primary care provider before making any major changes to your diet, whether for weight loss or health. Though the paleo diet includes many healthy foods, it eliminates nutritious foods and food groups, including whole grains, legumes, and dairy products. The diet is also restrictive and requires more meal planning and home cooking, which can make it a difficult plan to stick with a long-period of time. When searching for the right “diet” for you, look for a plan you can follow for life.

What can you eat on the paleo diet?

You can eat meat, fish, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds when following the paleo diet. You can also use small amounts of olive oil, coconut oil, and honey. However, you must cut out all grains — including whole grains, legumes, and dairy products from your diet. You also need to avoid processed foods and other types of added sugar, as well as salt, coffee, and alcohol.

What is the difference between paleo and keto?

The paleo and keto diet are both popular weight-loss diets that have food restrictions and rules. However, their approach is a bit different. Both diets exclude grains, legumes, and sugar, and encourage more whole foods. But the paleo diet focuses more on the types of food you eat, while the keto diet places more emphasis on the macronutrient content of your diet. There’s no calorie counting or portion limits on the paleo diet. However, for the keto diet you need to measure, count, and track the carbohydrate content in all the food you eat.

What are the benefits of the paleo diet?

Current research indicates that the paleo diet may help you lose weight, reduce waist circumference, lower blood pressure, and improve blood triglyceride levels. The diet may also provide some protection against chronic disease. However, more research is needed to better understand the potential health benefits of the paleo diet.

The 7 Best Paleo Cookbooks, According to a Dietitian

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Nom Nom Paleo at Amazon

"Perfect for newbies and experienced paleo followers alike."

Best with Shopping Lists: Danielle Walker's Against All Grain Meals Made Simple at Amazon

"A must-have for every paleo kitchen thanks to its delicious recipes and helpful shopping guides."

Best for Slow Cooker: The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking at Amazon

"Features 200 recipes that you can make in a slow cooker, helping you stick to the diet without using the stove and oven every day."

Best for Families: The Paleo Kids Cookbook at Amazon

"Jennifer Robins's 100 paleo recipes specifically designed for kids’ tastes and nutritional needs."

Best for Beginners: Practical Paleo, 2nd Edition at Amazon

"Diane Sanfilippo's 2nd edition, more than 150 paleo recipes, and getting started with the paleo lifestyle."

Most Recipes: The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook at Amazon

"Extensive cookbook contains nearly a thousand paleo-friendly recipes."

Best for Easy Weeknight Meals: Well Fed Weeknights at Amazon

"125 delicious meals to fuel busy weeknights."

Whether you're new to the paleo lifestyle or you're a seasoned paleo devotee, a great cookbook can be incredibly helpful to keep your tastebuds happy and your motivation on track. Cookbooks can also be educational, providing an introduction to basic paleo philosophy and lifestyle or offering helpful tips and troubleshooting.

A 2021 study involving adherence to a paleo diet for 12 weeks showed health benefits such as improved triglycerides, weight loss, blood pressure, and waist circumference. While evidence shows that the paleo diet may have health benefits, it's important to find a cookbook that is written by a reputable source that offers dependable information.

Here, the best paleo cookbooks:

Best Overall: Nom Nom Paleo

If you're looking for a fun, informative paleo cookbook that's chock full of delicious and easy-to-understand recipes, Nom Nom Paleo is an excellent choice. Written by Michelle Tam of the popular blog Nom Nom Paleo, the inventive cookbook offers up over 100 recipes with tons of step-by-step photos and cartoon instructions. The mouth-watering images will inspire you to try new paleo foods, and the entertaining cartoons make the cookbook fun and approachable.

The book is perfect for newbies and experienced paleo followers alike. It dives into various categories including eggs, plants, seafood, poultry, and meat. Plus, there's a section for tempting treats that are 100 percent paleo-approved. There are tons of helpful tips, including how to perfectly boil an egg and how to check that a mussel is fresh. Nom Nom Paleo will be a cookbook that you go back to again and again for inspiration, laughs, and tasty meals.

"Author Michelle Tam was one of the original famous paleo food bloggers, and her breadth of experience is part of what's so special about this book. Though it's great for beginners, with plenty of basics and favorites, it's also a book that will carry you on through your paleo journey, with really unique and luscious recipes that you'll be proud to serve even to non-paleo guests. Along with beautiful photos, there are also fun cartoons and the overall design will put a smile on your face."—Beth Lipton, paleo recipe developer and chef

Best with Shopping Lists: Danielle Walker's Against All Grain Meals Made Simple

Cookbooks can help inspire weeknight meals, but it can be time-consuming to create grocery lists for multiple recipes. Danielle Walker's Against All Grain: Meals Made Simple makes it easy to stick to a paleo diet with an impressive eight weeks worth of shopping lists, tons of tips, and many delicious recipe ideas. Walker started as a blogger, sharing her story of going paleo as a result of her autoimmune disease. She’s now a best-selling author of several paleo cookbooks, including this collection of gluten-free, dairy-free recipes.

Every recipe is paleo-friendly and includes nutrition facts, which is helpful for those who are watching their macronutrient intake. True to its name, this cookbook does make meals simpler with a variety of helpful recipe categories, like make-ahead, slow cooker, one-pan, and 30-minute meals. Meals Made Simple is a must-have for every paleo kitchen thanks to its delicious recipes and helpful shopping guides.

Best for Slow Cooker: The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking

Is your slow cooker one of your most-used kitchen appliances? If so, you should invest in The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking by Natalie Perry. This paleo cookbook features 200 recipes that you can make in a slow cooker, helping you stick to the diet without using the stove and oven every day. This comprehensive cookbook has your meals covered. From breakfasts and snacks to lunch and dinner, The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking features recipes with mouthwatering photographs and simple step-by-step instructions that will please the whole family.

The Big Book of Paleo Slow Cooking: 200 Nourishing Recipes That Cook Carefree, for Everyday Dinners and Weekend Feasts contains a variety of recipes—everything from quick, easy weeknight meals to more complicated dishes to prepare on weekends or holidays. The creative meals incorporate international flavors, all while using common ingredients. There’s also a pantry stocking section that will help you stock up on paleo-approved ingredients.

Best for Families: The Paleo Kids Cookbook

It can be a challenge to find fun, delicious recipes that the whole family will enjoy, especially if your children have sensitivities and intolerances that warrant a grain-free, dairy-free, or gluten-free diet. Luckily, The Paleo Kids Cookbook is here to save the day, thanks to its kid-friendly grain- and gluten-free meals.

The Paleo Kids Cookbook: Transition Your Family to Delicious Grain- and Gluten-free Food for a Lifetime of Healthy Eating by Jennifer Robins contains 100 paleo recipes specifically designed for kids’ tastes and nutritional needs. You’ll find recipes such as chicken nuggets, pizza pockets, animal crackers, sweet potato bacon tots, soft pretzels, and more.

Plus, there are helpful strategies for getting kids involved in the cooking process. Evidence shows that kids' cooking classes and food education may help to increase fruit and vegetable intake and improve food choices. Most recipes include a tip "for little hands," which recommends ways for kids to get involved in the process. Note that many recipes include potatoes, which is not typically considered a "paleo" ingredient.

Best for Beginners: Practical Paleo, 2nd Edition

If you’re looking for a cookbook that contains lots of evidence-based information and starting tips for the paleo diet, your best bet may be Practical Paleo by Diane Sanfilippo. The first edition of this popular paleo cookbook sold more than half a million copies, and the new second edition contains even more helpful information. With more than 150 recipes that are free of gluten, grains, dairy, legumes, and refined sugar, you'll be off to a great start with your paleo diet. The guide also covers how to get started with the paleo lifestyle as well as tips on how to navigate social outings and holidays with a restricted diet.

Structuring a diet and organizing meals can be very tough, but Practical Paleo makes it super easy with multiple 30-day meal plans to support you. Sanfilippo includes lots of quick and easy guides to help you stock your pantry, choose the highest quality foods, and navigate food labels. Plus, if you're interested in the science behind the Paleo diet, there are various in-depth explanations of how food can impact your health.

"True to its name, this is a must-have for people new to the paleo diet. Along with a collection of delicious, versatile recipes, it has a chapter on how to get started on a paleo diet, tons of tips for how to deal with holidays and other social events, and so much more. Meals for any time of day, snacks, treats--all very approachable and tasty. "—Beth Lipton, paleo recipe developer

Best for Easy Weeknight Meals: Well Fed Weeknights

While weekends may provide more time for lengthy and complicated recipes, weekdays require quick and easy meals, ideally resulting in dinner on the table in less than 45 minutes. In Well Fed Weeknights, Paleo chef Melissa Joulwan offers 125 delicious meals to fuel busy weeknights. The collection includes recipes inspired by takeout favorites such as pizza and burgers, but they're all free of grains, dairy, legumes, and soy.

Each meal uses affordable ingredients that are available at your local store. These include simple ideas such as Burger Night and Stir-Frys that use basic Paleo staples such as cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, and homemade mayo to create exciting, delicious, and nutritious meals. Joulwan offers tips on how to streamline meal preparation time, to eat out without abandoning good habits, and to stock your pantry to support quick weeknight prep. She emphasizes the idea of cooking quickly and eating slowly, all while aiming to be creative in the kitchen to satisfy your cravings.

"Need quick meals you can have on the table in 45 minutes or less? This book is for you. It's full of flavor-packed, family-pleasing recipes that are so easy and fuss-free, with ingredients you'll find in most grocery stores. Plus, I love Melissa's variations, which give you even more bang for your buck, and tips for streamlining the recipes for those nights when even 45 minutes is too long."—Beth Lipton, paleo recipe developer

Most Recipes: The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook

Whether you're a paleo newbie or experienced paleo diet devotee, recipes can provide inspiration to keep you feeling great and interested. For the ultimate collection of paleo recipes, check out The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook: 900 Grain- and Gluten-Free Recipes to Meet Your Every Need. As promised in the title, this extensive cookbook contains almost a thousand paleo-friendly recipes that are sure to please just about everyone.

The Ultimate Paleo Cookbook has several authors, all of whom run well-regarded blogs about the paleo lifestyle. For this book, each blogger offered 50 to 80 of their all-time favorite recipes and created 10 to 20 original recipes to create an enormous collection of paleo-friendly meals. You’ll find everything from quick weeknight dinners to slow cooker dishes and budget-friendly options, as well as snacks, desserts, and more.

Final Verdict

For an excellent paleo cookbook that's perfect for novices and seasoned paleo fans alike, check out Nom Nom Paleo (view at Amazon).

What to Look for in a Paleo Cookbook

Experience level:

If you’re just starting out with the paleo diet, you’ll probably need more guidance and explanation about the diet, which some cookbooks offer. On the other hand, more experienced paleo devotees might prefer a cookbook that's light on guidance and heavy on recipes.

Meal plans:

Another helpful feature of paleo cookbooks is pre-made meal plans. It can be challenging to plan out a whole week of meals on a paleo diet, so some cookbooks include weekly meal plans and shopping lists to make your life a whole lot easier.

Equipment:

Finally, many paleo cookbooks are focused on recipes that can be made in certain appliances, such as slow cookers and Instant Pots. These types of recipes can be incredibly convenient—but only if you have the equipment needed. Take a look at the kitchen equipment needed prior to investing in a cookbook.

Ingredients and Recipe Lists:

Before you purchase a paleo cookbook, take a look at the recipe list, which is usually located in the table of contents. Even if you are buying the book online, many online retailers give you the option to take a peek before buying. Review the recipe lists to ensure that the dishes appeal to your tastebuds and that you enjoy the ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the paleo diet?

The paleo diet, or Paleolithic diet, is a popular diet that encourages you to eat like your Paleolithic ancestors, who lived more than 10,000 years ago. During the Paleolithic period, humans were hunters and gatherers, they didn’t farm or grow food. Instead, they moved around in search of food, eating a varied diet based on location and climate.

According to proponents of the paleo diet, your genetic coding isn’t wired to eat farmed and processed foods. This is why so many people struggle with health problems and weight. Eating like your ancestors improves health, lowers risk of disease, and helps you lose weight.
How do I know if the paleo diet is right for me?

Talk to your primary care provider before making any major changes to your diet, whether for weight loss or health. Though the paleo diet includes many healthy foods, it eliminates nutritious foods and food groups, including whole grains, legumes, and dairy products.

The diet is also restrictive and requires more meal planning and home cooking, which can make it a difficult plan to stick with a long-period of time. When searching for the right “diet” for you, look for a plan you can follow for life.
What can you eat on the paleo diet?

You can eat meat, fish, poultry, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds when following the paleo diet. You can also use small amounts of olive oil, coconut oil, and honey.

However, you must cut out all grains — including whole grains, legumes, and dairy products from your diet. You also need to avoid processed foods and other types of added sugar, as well as salt, coffee, and alcohol.
What is the difference between paleo and keto?

The paleo and keto diet are both popular weight-loss diets that have food restrictions and rules. However, their approach is a bit different.

Both diets exclude grains, legumes, and sugar, and encourage more whole foods. But the paleo diet focuses more on the types of food you eat, while the keto diet places more emphasis on the macronutrient content of your diet.

There’s no calorie counting or portion limits on the paleo diet. However, for the keto diet you need to measure, count, and track the carbohydrate content in all the food you eat.
What are the benefits of the paleo diet?

Current research indicates that the paleo diet may help you lose weight, reduce waist circumference, lower blood pressure, and improve blood triglyceride levels. The diet may also provide some protection against chronic disease.

However, more research is needed to better understand the potential health benefits of the paleo diet.

What Experts Say

"When shopping for a paleo cookbook, look for one with recipes that sound appealing and use ingredients that are easy to get and fit within your budget. If going paleo is a lifestyle change for you, you definitely want to make it as simple for yourself as you can--that's what will bring you success. There are so many ways to modify favorite recipes to make them paleo; be sure any book you choose offers those favorites as well as new ones. A cookbook that has recipes you like and can put together easily will go a long way toward helping you reach your goals. If it's too difficult, or you're not excited about the food, you're less likely to stick to it." Beth Lipton, paleo recipe developer

Why Trust Verywell Fit?

A personal note on my recommendations written above. As a dietitian, I am careful to provide lifestyle and diet recommendations, even when it comes to cookbooks. It's important to find resources that are based on solid clinical research and offer constructive, health-promoting information rather than anecdotal, trendy fads.

In compiling these recommendations, I spent time reviewing research on the paleo diet and looking at many books. I also consulted with Beth Lipton, who is a chef and expert in developing paleo recipes. These books are, in my opinion, great resources for those who follow a paleo diet. —Eliza Savage, MS, RD, CDN

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7 Sources

Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Mårtensson A, Stomby A, Tellström A, Ryberg M, Waling M, Otten J. Using a paleo ratio to assess adherence to paleolithic dietary recommendations in a randomized controlled trial of individuals with type 2 diabetes. Nutrients. 2021;13(3):969.
Cunningham-Sabo L, Lohse B. Cooking with Kids Positively Affects Fourth Graders' Vegetable Preferences and Attitudes and Self-Efficacy for Food and Cooking. Child Obes. 2013;9(6):549-556. doi:10.1089/chi.2013.0076
de Menezes EVA, Sampaio HAC, Carioca AAF, et al. Influence of Paleolithic diet on anthropometric markers in chronic diseases: systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr J. 2019;18(1):41. Published 2019 Jul 23. doi:10.1186/s12937-019-0457-z
Wolfram T. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Should We Eat Like Our Cavemen Ancestors? Published January 11, 2019.
National Institutes of Health. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. Weight Management: Choosing a Safe and Successful Weight-Loss Program. Published July 2017.
Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source. Diet Review: Paleo Diet for Weight Loss.
Harvard TH Chan. School of Public Health. The Nutrition Source. Diet Review: The Ketogenic Diet for Weight Loss.

The 7 Best Paleo Cookbooks of 2021, According to a Dietitian

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