Curious About Vegan Paleo? Check Out These Recipe Ideas and Tips
The paleo diet is based on the idea of eating foods early humans likely ate while avoiding those introduced with farming, such as grains, legumes, and dairy.
We at PETA don’t advocate for any particular diet, but if you’re going to practice the paleo diet, we recommend that you do it the compassionate way: by choosing vegan paleo recipes.
What Is Vegan Paleo Eating?
Vegan foods are linked to lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. And vegans often have more energy, better digestion, and clearer skin.
Combining paleo and vegan eating focuses on what both ways of eating can share:
- Whole foods
- Fresh vegetables and fruits
- Healthy fats and plant proteins
- Avoiding refined foods
Eat these:
- Vegetables: leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, sweet potatoes, squash
- Fruits: berries, apples, pears, citrus, bananas (in moderation)
- Seeds: chia, hemp, flax
- Healthy fats: avocado, almonds, walnuts
- Natural sweeteners: dates, maple syrup (sparingly)
- Fermented foods: sauerkraut, kimchi, coconut yogurt
Avoid these:
- Meat: the flesh of chickens, cows, fish, pigs, turkeys, and any other animal.
- Dairy: the mammary secretions of cows, sheep, and any other animal who can’t consent to their milk being stolen
- Eggs: part of a chicken, duck, or other animal’s reproduction cycle
- Refined oils: canola, soybean, sunflower
- Processed foods: along with meat, milk, cheese, etc. mentioned above, chips, soda, candy
A paleo diet also suggests avoiding grains and legumes.
A Sample Day of Vegan Paleo Eating
Breakfast:
Blueberry Chia Pudding
Lunch:
Zoodles
Snack:
A handful of walnuts and a fresh apple
Dinner:
Roasted Cauliflower Steaks
Dessert:
Dairy-Free Sugar-Free Chocolate Ice Cream
Tips for Success
- Plan ahead: Batch cook roasted vegetables, sauces, and dressings.
- Choose variety: Mix fruits, greens, and spices to keep meals exciting.
- Supplement: Eating a balanced mix of vibrant vegan foods, including beans, nuts, fruits, and vegetables—along with reliable sources of vitamins B12 and D— is the way to go.
- Remember your “why”: Each meal becomes an act of kindness towards animals.
Vegan/Paleo Shopping List
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
- Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage
- Zucchini, squash, carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Bell peppers
- Tomatoes
- Mushrooms
- Fruits
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Apples
- Pears
- Citrus (oranges, lemons)
- Bananas (in moderation)
- Avocados
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
- Hemp seeds
- Flax seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Tahini
- Avocado oil
- Dates
- Maple syrup (small amount)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Spices: cinnamon, turmeric, garlic powder, cumin, paprika
You can easily follow a paleo diet while staying kind to animals. Looking for more ways to help animals?
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