Some people think that Paleo is difficult, intimidating, or expensive. Sherry and I thought much the same before we started, as all we’d heard were criticisms and negativity surrounding Paleo. It wasn’t until my cousin Sarah took the time to explain things to me and I followed up with lots of reading before I found out that it really wasn’t that hard. Further, it turns out, it isn’t as expensive as some people make it out to be.

Let’s tackle the cost first. Initially, it may appear that Paleo is more expensive because grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and cageless chicken eggs cost more. However, it turns out that in the long run, you eat smaller portions and eat fewer times (typically, three times) a day, so while you’re eating food that may cost more per ounce, it costs less overall to feed you to satiety.

Next up: Paleo is difficult. While it may appear to be so before you start, once you realize that a lot of Paleo food is food you’ve been eating and enjoying all your life, things get much easier. Sure, there are some weird recipes for analogues (foods that mimic other foods that are made with non-Paleo ingredients like pancakes and breads), but if you stick with whole foods, all you have to do is avoid the following:

• alcohol
• anything with added sugar
• grains
• legumes
• soy
• dairy

Steak, ribs, sausage, chorizo, chicken wings, grilled fish, crab, lobster shrimp, scallops, BBQ chicken and many more, as long as there is no added sugar, are all Paleo. Even bacon that is prepared without sugar is Paleo! I eat a lot of amazing, delicious, and filling foods that I’ve been eating all my life!

Finally, some people think Paleo is intimidating. Perhaps due to a combination of the two misconceptions I’ve listed already, or perhaps because it is a pretty big step to take when changing your lifestyle in regards to health and nutrition. This one makes the most sense to me: it is a big change. Before you try Paleo, it’s an unknown, and all you have to go by is what you’ve seen, read, or heard. Ultimately, nobody wants to be hungry, craving foods, or suffering. With the exception of the three days of flu-like symptoms I encountered when I did my first Whole30, I can honestly say that I no longer suffer eating Paleo foods. I feel great, I have lots of energy, and I am healthier than I’ve been since I was in my early 20’s.

Do your research, read as much as you can, and give it a try. I think you’ll find that the fear of starting is much worse than actually going Paleo. Heck, to me, it just feels like eating regular food now that Paleo has become my new regular diet.