PALEO CUPBOARD ESSENTIALS
Before you can stock your paleo cupboard, the first thing you need to do is remove anything "non-paleo" that might be in the house, car, office, etc. You are human and the urge to eat those things that are familiar to you will be too strong. When I first started, I knew that if those items were nearby I would probably reach for them out of habit or hunger. I grabbed a big box and gathered up all of the refined, packaged foods in my cupboards and cleared out my fridge of any non-paleo items. You can donate any unopened, non-perishable items to a local food shelter....or just give them to a neighbor you don't like. After I removed all of the bad stuff, I went out and restocked my cupboards with all of the items I needed to start living a paleo lifestyle. I started shopping at Farmers Markets and Natural Food stores. I had to learn new ways to cook and new ingredients to cook with, but when everything you eat tastes delicious and makes you feel good, you really don't feel like you are missing out on anything.
Below are my recommended items you should keep on hand (other than your meats, fruits and vegetables). Some of these items are not included in the very strict paleo diets, and I noted those where applicable. These are all of the items I gathered when I started my paleo journey, and you will run across most of these items in paleo recipes. You should try different brands until you find what works best for you, but these are a good set of basics and just some ideas to get you started.
Below are my recommended items you should keep on hand (other than your meats, fruits and vegetables). Some of these items are not included in the very strict paleo diets, and I noted those where applicable. These are all of the items I gathered when I started my paleo journey, and you will run across most of these items in paleo recipes. You should try different brands until you find what works best for you, but these are a good set of basics and just some ideas to get you started.
OILS AND FATS
In addition to the paleo friendly oils and fats below, you may also want to pick up some lard or tallow for savory cooking.
Olive Oil |
Coconut OilOrganic, extra-virgin coconut oil is great for high-temperature cooking and baking. There are lots of studies on the benefits of coconut oil, and it also works great as a lotion or hair conditioner.
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Ghee |
SPICES AND FLAVORINGS
FLOURS AND BAKING
Almond Flour
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Coconut Flour |
Arrowroot and Tapioca Flour
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SAUCES AND BROTHS
SNACKS
There are quite a few paleo "snacks" on the market. I have not tried many of them because I will usually reach for vegetables, fruit or proteins if I am hungry. Below are the few things I do keep in my paleo cupboard. Other great snack ideas are deviled eggs, guacamole or hummus with fresh vegetables, or paleo granola.
Larabars
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Canned Tuna
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Pork Rinds |
EQUIPMENT
You wind up using a lot more equipment (and doing a lot more dishes) than you may be used to. In addition to the items below, you should have basic cooking equipment (measuring cups and spoons, casserole dishes, baking sheets, can opener, grater, rolling pin, garlic press, saute pans, sauce pan, strainer, steamer basket, spatula, stirring spoons ,and a ladle). I try to list out any required equipment in my recipes so you can gather everything up ahead of time. I hate getting halfway through a recipe and realizing I need some weird item and not having any idea where it is in my kitchen.
Nut Milk Bag
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Muffin Pans
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Vaccum Sealing SystemA food sealer is a great way to save money by buying meat and produce in bulk and sealing it to properly freeze for future use.
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