The paleo diet is very popular among healthy living enthusiasts. It involves eating foods that are similar to what was likely eaten during the Paleolithic era between 10,000 and 2.5 million years ago. This means eating lean meats and fish, veggies and fruits, and seeds and nuts while cutting out processed foods, refined sugar, dairy, and farmed foods like grains, legumes, and potatoes.

 

If you’re on the paleo diet or are considering trying it out, here are some meal prep ideas to make your week easier:

 

Simple meat and veggie combos.

One of the easiest meal prep ideas is to cook up some lean meat or a slice of fish and combine it with cooked vegetables of your choice. Steak and green beans, salmon and broccoli, chicken with carrots and celery… the possibilities are endless. Pack up a few containers of these combinations and you have a tasty, simple lunch for every day of the week!

Ultra-healthy smoothies.

If you’re the type to enjoy a nutrient-packed smoothie for lunch or as a snack in between meals, there are plenty of paleo-friendly ways to do that. All you have to do is blend your favorite veggies — kale, spinach, etc. — with a few delicious fruits like banana, kiwi, or strawberry. Just leave out the dairy additive and you’re sticking to the paleo diet. You can even add nuts or seeds if you’d like.

Chicken or steak fajitas.

Think you can’t have your favorite indulgences if you’re following the paleo diet? Think again. Try whipping up some chicken or steak fajitas — just cook up the meat and your favorite veggies, like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms and mix with fajita seasoning and a bit of olive oil. Now, swap out the tortilla with a paleo-friendly option, or omit it altogether and just eat the fajita mix as-is. Delicious and easy! Here’s a chicken fajita recipe to get you started.

Easy and healthy salads.

Toss some lean meat (chicken is always a hit) over lettuce, spinach, kale, cucumbers, and your other favorite vegetables, and you have a simple and delicious salad that’s perfect for your on-the-go lifestyle. Skip the fatty salad dressing and croutons and you’ve got a great paleo meal ready to go in minutes.

Meal Prep Has Never Been Easier

Even if you’re not on the paleo diet, these ideas make for easy weekday or evening meals that you can prepare well in advance. And if you are a paleo eater, you don’t have to worry about running astray from your diet! Give them a try and see how you like them.