I’ve tried a lot of healthy diets over the years—keto, Whole30, you name it—and while each has its own benefits, the Paleo diet is the one that really stuck with me.
Unlike other diets that can feel restrictive or complicated, Paleo focuses on whole, nutrient-dense ingredients that fuel your body in a natural, balanced way.
I found it much more sustainable in the long run because you’re eating foods that make you feel good and provide lasting energy without needing to count carbs or obsess over macros like with keto.
One of the things that sets Paleo apart is how it works with your body rather than against it. Whether you’re aiming for weight loss, improved digestion, or just more energy throughout the day, the Paleo diet can support those goals without leaving you feeling deprived.
That said, finding the right snacks can make all the difference, especially if you’re someone like me who tends to get hungry between meals. Having a list of delicious Paleo snacks that are also low-carb helps you stay on track without reaching for unhealthy options.
What is the Paleo Diet?
The Paleo diet, also known as the “caveman diet,” is based on eating the foods our hunter-gatherer ancestors would have consumed during the Paleolithic era.
This means focusing on whole foods like meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, while avoiding processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy products.
The goal is to eat foods that are natural and minimally processed, which are believed to be more aligned with human evolutionary biology.
Foods Allowed on the Paleo Diet:
- Meats and fish: Grass-fed, pasture-raised, and wild-caught varieties are best.
- Healthy fats: Including olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.
- Vegetables and fruits: Focus on fresh vegetables and fresh fruits like berries, apples, and sweet potatoes.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and sunflower seeds are great options.
- Natural sweeteners: Small amounts of maple syrup and honey, but avoid added sugar.
- Paleo-friendly flours: Such as almond flour, coconut flour, and cassava flour.
Foods Not Allowed:
- Grains: This includes wheat, rice, oats, and anything containing gluten.
- Legumes: Beans, lentils, peanuts (including peanut butter) are excluded.
- Dairy products: Avoid milk, cheese, sour cream, and yogurt.
- Processed foods and sugars: Refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, and any highly processed foods.
- Vegetable oils: Such as canola oil, soybean oil, and corn oil, which are thought to be inflammatory.
The Origins and Popularity of the Paleo Lifestyle
The Paleo lifestyle is rooted in the idea that our ancestors ate simpler, whole foods that are healthier and easier for our bodies to digest. The modern Paleo movement gained momentum in the early 2000s, thanks in part to books like “The Paleo Diet” by Dr. Loren Cordain, which made the idea of returning to these nutrient-dense foods popular.
Today, the Paleo diet has become widely accepted for its focus on whole foods and healthy fats, and it has been incorporated into various lifestyles aimed at improving health, athletic performance, and even weight loss. Many Paleo eaters experience improved digestion, more energy, and fewer cravings for unhealthy foods.
Paleo vs. Whole30
The Whole30 diet shares many principles with Paleo, as both emphasize whole foods and eliminate processed foods, grains, legumes, and dairy.
However, Whole30 is meant to be a short-term elimination diet, typically lasting 30 days, while Paleo is designed as a long-term lifestyle.
- Dairy: Similar to Paleo, Whole30 excludes dairy, meaning snacks like cheese or yogurt are off the table. However, Whole30 allows coconut-based products like unsweetened coconut yogurt and coconut milk.
- Sweeteners: One of the main differences is the approach to sweeteners. While Paleo eaters can enjoy natural sweeteners like maple syrup in moderation, Whole30 strictly prohibits any form of added sugar or sweeteners, including honey and maple syrup.
- Duration: Since Whole30 is a temporary reset, its snack options tend to focus on compliance with the 30-day program. Once completed, you can slowly reintroduce foods to see how they affect your body. Paleo allows for a wider range of snacks and sweeteners as part of its long-term lifestyle.
Both Paleo and Whole30 encourage snacking on whole, unprocessed foods, and their snack choices often overlap. However, Paleo provides more flexibility in the long run.
Benefits of Low-Carb Paleo Snacks
Low-carb Paleo snacks offer numerous benefits for those looking to maintain steady energy levels, promote fat loss, and prevent sugar crashes.
Because these snacks focus on whole foods, healthy fats, and protein, they help regulate blood sugar and provide long-lasting energy, unlike sugary or processed snacks that cause spikes and crashes.
One of the key advantages of low-carb Paleo snacks is their high content of healthy fats and protein. Foods like avocados, almond butter, and nuts are rich in healthy fats, which are digested more slowly than carbohydrates.
This slow digestion not only keeps you feeling full for longer but also helps stabilize your blood sugar levels, preventing the dips in energy that often come after consuming high-sugar snacks.
This makes low-carb Paleo snacks perfect for sustained energy throughout the day, whether you’re working, exercising, or just on the go.
Additionally, the healthy fats found in these snacks play a crucial role in fat loss. By providing a nutrient-dense source of energy without the added carbs, these snacks encourage your body to use fat as fuel, which is ideal for those aiming to lose weight.
In combination with protein-rich options like hard-boiled eggs or beef jerky, low-carb Paleo snacks can help reduce cravings and keep you satiated, making it easier to stick to your health goals.
Low-Carb and Paleo: A Perfect Match
The Paleo diet is naturally lower in carbohydrates because it eliminates grains and focuses on vegetables, meats, and fats. If you’re also following a low-carb diet or even a keto diet, you’ll find that many Paleo-friendly snacks are also keto-approved snacks.
That said, Paleo doesn’t restrict carbs completely, and some higher-carb foods like sweet potatoes are allowed in moderation.
Best Low-Carb Paleo Snacks
Here’s a list of delicious Paleo snacks that are also low in carbs. These are easy to make, nutrient-dense, and perfect for satisfying your hunger while staying true to your dietary goals.
1. Beef Jerky
- Why it works: High in protein and low in carbs, beef jerky is a great option for snacking. Just be sure to check the label for added sugar or make your own homemade snacks.
- Pro Tip: Season with garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt for added flavor.
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Why it works: Eggs are an excellent source of protein, packed with vitamins and minerals. They’re easy to prepare in advance and are perfect for snack time.
- Add-ons: Pair with half of an avocado or sprinkle with fresh herbs and sea salt.
3. Kale Chips
- Why it works: Kale chips are a nutrient-dense snack that satisfies cravings for something crunchy. They’re low-carb, loaded with vitamin C, and easy to make at home.
- Recipe: Toss kale in olive oil, season with garlic powder and sea salt, and bake until crispy.
4. Sweet Potato Fries
- Why it works: While slightly higher in carbs, sweet potato fries are a delicious way to satisfy a sweet tooth while sticking to Paleo guidelines.
- Cooking Tip: Slice sweet potatoes, toss in coconut oil, and bake with a pinch of sea salt.
5. Almond Butter and Apple Slices
- Why it works: Almond butter is full of healthy fats and pairs well with fresh apple slices. Just make sure the almond butter doesn’t contain added sugar.
- Alternative: For a low-carb option, try cashew butter with celery sticks.
6. Turkey Sticks or Pork Rinds
- Why it works: Turkey sticks and pork rinds are both low-carb Paleo snacks that offer crunch and protein. They’re also great for on-the-go snacking.
- Pro Tip: Look for Paleo-friendly versions without artificial additives.
7. Homemade Sweet Potato Chips
- Why it works: If you’re looking for a Paleo alternative to store-bought chips, sweet potato chips are easy to make and Paleo-approved.
- Recipe: Thinly slice a sweet potato, toss in olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and bake on parchment paper until crisp.
8. Trail Mix with Nuts and Seeds
- Why it works: Combine sunflower seeds, chia seeds, unsweetened coconut flakes, and sesame seeds for a quick, Paleo-friendly snack. Avoid store-bought mixes with added sugar.
- Pro Tip: For a sweet tooth fix, toss in a few cacao nibs or unsweetened chocolate chips.
Tips & Tricks for Paleo Snacking
- Meal Prep: Prepare homemade Paleo snacks like kale chips, sweet potato fries, and low-carb beef jerky in advance to have them on hand for busy days.
- Check Labels: When buying snacks from the grocery store, always check the ingredient list for added sugars, vegetable oils, or other non-Paleo ingredients.
- Healthy Fats: Incorporate snacks rich in healthy fats, like avocados, almond butter, and coconut milk, to keep you full and energized.
- Protein-Packed Options: Focus on high-protein snacks like hard-boiled eggs, jerky, and Paleo-friendly protein bars such as Bulletproof Collagen Protein Bars.
- Thrive Market: For easy access to Paleo products, consider shopping at Thrive Market, where you can find a wide range of Paleo-friendly items.
FAQs
Q: Can Paleo snacks help with weight loss?
A: Yes! Since Paleo snacks are focused on whole foods and healthy fats, they can help regulate hunger and prevent overeating, which supports weight loss goals.
Q: What are some keto-approved snacks that are also Paleo?
A: Many Paleo snacks are naturally low-carb, like pork rinds, hard-boiled eggs, beef jerky, and avocados. These snacks fit well into both Paleo and keto diets.
Q: Can I have dairy on Paleo?
A: No, traditional Paleo diets avoid dairy, but there are plenty of substitutes, such as coconut milk or unsweetened coconut yogurt.
Q: Is peanut butter Paleo?
A: No, peanut butter is a legume and is not allowed on the Paleo diet. Opt for almond butter or cashew butter instead.
Best Paleo Snack Books
If you want to take your Paleo snacking to the next level, here are some excellent resources:
- “Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans” by Michelle Tam
- “Paleo Snacks: 40+ Easy Paleo Snack Recipes” by Derek Doepker
- “Paleo Leap: Quick and Easy Paleo Recipes” by Paleo Leap
The Paleo diet encourages us to return to simpler, nutrient-dense foods, and that includes snacking!
Whether you’re enjoying sweet potato chips, making your own kale chips, or reaching for Paleo-friendly protein bars, there are endless ways to keep your taste buds happy without compromising your goals.
With these easy Paleo snack recipes, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out.
So, next time you’re at the grocery store, stock up on some whole foods, healthy fats like olive oil and coconut oil, and get ready to enjoy the best Paleo snacks!
