If you want to start the Paleo diet, you would need to set aside around $50 to $100 per week, depending on your location, food preferences, and whether you already have some ingredients on hand. Here’s a breakdown of how much you would have to budget for:
Proteins
Proteins are a key component of the Paleo diet, so you’ll need to allocate a good portion of your budget here. Aim to spend around $20 to $30 per week on quality sources of protein, such as grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, wild-caught fish, and eggs.
- Grass-fed beef: $8 to $10 per pound
- Free-range chicken: $5 to $7 per pound
- Wild-caught fish: $10 to $15 per pound
- Eggs: $3 to $5 per dozen
Fruits and Vegetables
Another important part of the Paleo diet is consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables. Allocate around $15 to $20 per week for a variety of colorful produce that is in season.
- Organic berries: $3 to $5 per pint
- Leafy greens: $2 to $4 per bunch
- Avocados: $1 to $2 each
- Sweet potatoes: $1 to $2 per pound
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats like avocados, coconut oil, olive oil, and nuts are an essential part of the Paleo diet. Budget around $5 to $10 per week for these items.
- Avocado: $1 to $2 each
- Coconut oil: $7 to $10 per jar
- Olive oil: $7 to $10 per bottle
- Almonds: $8 to $10 per pound
Herbs and Spices
To add flavor to your Paleo meals, you’ll need a variety of herbs and spices. Allocate around $5 to $10 per week for these ingredients.
- Sea salt: $2 to $4 per container
- Black pepper: $2 to $3 per container
- Garlic powder: $2 to $3 per container
- Cumin: $3 to $5 per container
Extras
Depending on your specific dietary needs and preferences, you may need to budget for additional items like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and specialty items. Allocate around $5 to $10 per week for these extras.
- Chia seeds: $6 to $8 per bag
- Raw honey: $5 to $8 per jar
- Dried fruit: $3 to $5 per bag
- Coconut flour: $5 to $7 per bag