A Paleolithic diet, or a Paleo diet, is an eating pattern that is rich in foods and animals assumed to be consumed in the Paleolithic era – think nuts, meats, and vegetables. Added sugars, milk, and even peanuts are not consumed on this dietary pattern.
Some studies suggest that the Paleo diet may have beneficial effects in the prevention of certain diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. It has become a popular diet and many people swear that following this pattern helps them meet their health goals.
Guidelines for the Paleo Diet
Unlike other diet patterns, the Paleo diet does not come with set guidelines established by experts.
Rather, there are different versions of this diet.
This makes sense, since humans who lived during the Paleolithic era ate different foods depending on where they lived and which foods were available in that particular region.
In general, the following foods are consumed when following a Paleo diet:
- Meat, fish, eggs
- Vegetables, fruits
- Nuts, seeds
- Herbs, spices
- Healthy fats (avocado, fatty fish, etc.) and oils (olive oil, avocado oil, etc.)
It is important to note that there are foods that are generally limited when following the Paleo diet, including:
- Processed carbs and sugars, including soft drinks
- Grains
- Most dairy products
- Legumes
- Artificial sweeteners (sorry, no diet coke either)
- Vegetable oils
- Trans fats
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth on a Paleo Diet
When eliminating processed foods and sugars, getting your sweet fix can be a challenge.
Fortunately, there are many sweet treats you can enjoy while still complying with the Paleo guidelines.
To keep within the Paleo guidelines while also having the supplies to whip up a sweet treat every once in a while, you should keep some of these Paleo-friendly ingredients in your pantry:
- Egg white protein powder
- Almond Flour
- Raw Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Cacao Powder
- Maple sugar
- Almond butter
- Coconut milk
- Dark chocolate
- Dates
- Monk fruit sweetener
3 Protein Packed Paleo Desserts
Now, let’s get busy in the kitchen. Paleo-friendly sweet treats are often simple to make and taste delicious. These recipes will help you get your sweet fix in a simple way.
1. Paleo Protein Chocolate Chip Bites
These paleo protein bites contain high-quality protein along with an amazingly satisfying chocolate flavor. They are easy to prep for a two-bite treat when you need it most.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1 mashed banana
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 scoops Naked Egg protein powder
- 1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips
- Nonstick ghee spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Add the mashed banana, cinnamon, almond butter, and protein powder. Blend in a blender.
- Add chocolate chips
- Spray a mini muffin pan with nonstick ghee spray. Add batter to 12 cups in a muffin pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove brownies from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before enjoying.
2. Paleo Cookie Dough
Who doesn’t love cookie dough? That ooey-gooey deliciousness is one of the best things since sliced bread. We recommend trying this cookie dough-esque sweet snack that is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 1 scoop Naked Egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp coconut flour
- Pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 1/2 Tbsp. dairy free chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the protein, coconut flour and salt.
- Add in the applesauce, almond milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips. Stir in the chocolate chips.
- Chill, covered, in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before enjoying.
3. Paleo Brownies
Sometimes, all you want is a classic brownie. While this recipe may not be a classic, it will be sure to be your new favorite.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe mashed banana
- 1/2 cup natural almond butter
- 1 scoop Naked Egg protein powder
- 1/8 cup cocoa powder
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325F. Grease 8x8 pan with ghee cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, and almond butter, protein powder, salt, and cocoa powder and stir
- Pour batter into a greased pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until cooked through.
- Cool for 5 minutes before enjoying.
Key Takeaway
You don’t have to feel deprived when you are following a Paleo diet. If your body is telling you that it needs something sweet, give into the craving and whip up a sweet treat like one of the recipes provided in this post.
Following any diet can be more sustainable if you allow yourself to eat foods you love and crave. Creating these recipes will allow you to indulge in a treat without falling off of the Paleo wagon completely.
