PALEO ON THE GO
The paleo community has some strong opinions about whether it is ever acceptable to eat fast-food/restaurant food or not. There are some that believe it is acceptable to eat out as long as it is the food is "somewhat" paleo-friendly. The choice is really up to you and what is right for your lifestyle. Remember, the goal is to improve your overall health and well-being.
I prefer to cook at home whenever I can, but I do eat out on occasion. Most restaurants are not going to have grass-fed proteins, and will generally use the cheapest types of oils (hydrogenated) for cooking. While there are not many paleo fast-food or restaurant options, you can usually find something close to paleo if you choose wisely and make special requests. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus, which are a good starting point. Some restaurants are starting to offer paleo menus, so check around in your city to see what is available.
Below are some options for paleo-friendly meals on the go.
I prefer to cook at home whenever I can, but I do eat out on occasion. Most restaurants are not going to have grass-fed proteins, and will generally use the cheapest types of oils (hydrogenated) for cooking. While there are not many paleo fast-food or restaurant options, you can usually find something close to paleo if you choose wisely and make special requests. Many restaurants offer gluten-free menus, which are a good starting point. Some restaurants are starting to offer paleo menus, so check around in your city to see what is available.
Below are some options for paleo-friendly meals on the go.
Fast-Food Options
CHIPOTLE
Burrito Bowl with Carnitas, salsa and guacamole
EL POLLO LOCO
Grilled Chicken, salsa and a side salad
IN-N-OUT
Double Double Protein Style wtih grilled onions and mustard
*Skip the sauce and cheese
CHIC-FIL-A
Grilled chicken strips and a fruit cup
JAMBA JUICE
Veggie and Fruit Smoothie or 5 fruit frenzy smoothie
BOSTON MARKET
1/2 chicken with two sides of steamed veggies.
NATURAL FOODS STORE
Rotisserie chicken, apple, raw almonds
BBQ
Plain BBQ Brisket or Pork, vegetables or coleslaw if available
*Ask for no sauce
Burrito Bowl with Carnitas, salsa and guacamole
EL POLLO LOCO
Grilled Chicken, salsa and a side salad
IN-N-OUT
Double Double Protein Style wtih grilled onions and mustard
*Skip the sauce and cheese
CHIC-FIL-A
Grilled chicken strips and a fruit cup
JAMBA JUICE
Veggie and Fruit Smoothie or 5 fruit frenzy smoothie
BOSTON MARKET
1/2 chicken with two sides of steamed veggies.
NATURAL FOODS STORE
Rotisserie chicken, apple, raw almonds
BBQ
Plain BBQ Brisket or Pork, vegetables or coleslaw if available
*Ask for no sauce
Restaurant Options
When eating out, you can pretty much always find a salad with some healthy vegetables and possibly healthy proteins as an option. Carrying your own dressing in a container like this one will make sure you can use your own paleo dressing, as most restaurants tend to not have the best options. Some other ideas are listed below.
AMERICAN
Salad with grilled chicken, request olive oil and vinegar for dressing (or bring your own)
Burger wrapped in lettuce, with a side of avocado
Grilled protein with a side of vegetable, no butter
BREAKFAST
Eggs or omelettes, bacon, side of fruit*Many restaurants do not use real eggs in their omelettes so make sure to ask before ordering
CHINESE
Steamed protein and vegetables, egg drop soup
JAPANESE
Sashimi (no rice), protein skewers
ITALIAN
Side of meatballs or sausage, salad with oil and vinegar for dressing (or bring your own)
MEDITERRANEAN
Kabobs with a side of vegetables
MEXICAN
Steak, shrimp or chicken fajitas with a side of guacamole and pico de gallo
*Skip the rice, cheese, beans and tortillas and ask for some extra pepper and onions
SEAFOOD
Grilled, roasted, poached or steamed seafood with a side of vegetables, no butter
STEAKHOUSE
Grilled steak with a side of vegetables, no butter
THAI
Curry with veggies and protein, Tom Kha soup
*Skip the rice
AMERICAN
Salad with grilled chicken, request olive oil and vinegar for dressing (or bring your own)
Burger wrapped in lettuce, with a side of avocado
Grilled protein with a side of vegetable, no butter
BREAKFAST
Eggs or omelettes, bacon, side of fruit*Many restaurants do not use real eggs in their omelettes so make sure to ask before ordering
CHINESE
Steamed protein and vegetables, egg drop soup
JAPANESE
Sashimi (no rice), protein skewers
ITALIAN
Side of meatballs or sausage, salad with oil and vinegar for dressing (or bring your own)
MEDITERRANEAN
Kabobs with a side of vegetables
MEXICAN
Steak, shrimp or chicken fajitas with a side of guacamole and pico de gallo
*Skip the rice, cheese, beans and tortillas and ask for some extra pepper and onions
SEAFOOD
Grilled, roasted, poached or steamed seafood with a side of vegetables, no butter
STEAKHOUSE
Grilled steak with a side of vegetables, no butter
THAI
Curry with veggies and protein, Tom Kha soup
*Skip the rice
Have some ideas of what to eat paleo when you are on the go? Share the wealth and tell the rest of us about it!
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