In the last decade or so, niche dieting has practically become a competitive sport. Every other month, another celebrity-backed diet will come out of the wings promising to finally have the answer for sustained health and weight loss. You’ve probably heard of a few of them: the Grapefruit Juice Diet, the Baby Food Diet, the Blood Type Diet, the Cabbage Soup Diet. Sadly—though not altogether surprisingly—many of these diets faded into obscurity after enjoying only a few glorious months in the sun, and were relegated to the ever-growing pile of discarded ‘fad’ diets. However, one diet that has stood the test of time and proven to be enduring in its popularity is the Paleo Diet.
The Paleo Diet—also known as the Caveman Diet—encourages the consumption of natural foods and prohibits those sugary and processed foods you wouldn’t have found in the diet of a caveman. More specifically, the Paleo Diet states you should eat only fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts and healthy fats, while avoiding dairy, grains, legumes, starches and anything that comes in a packet.
Paleo Spicy Tilapia Baja Tacos with Lime Slaw and Avocado Cilantro Sauce
If you are interested in the Paleo diet, one of the biggest challenges can be meal planning. With just a little forethought, however, eating clean doesn’t have to be a chore, and a protein-packed fish like Tilapia makes the perfect centrepiece for your Paleo-friendly lunches.
Everybody loves tacos. These spicy Tilapia tacos feature a homemade sauce and a range of complementary flavours. Plus, not only are they high in protein, but the inclusion of avocado means you’re getting a serving of good fats. On top of that, the lime juice offers the benefit of improved digestion.
Try the recipe: Paleo Spicy Tilapia Baja Tacos from Paleo Newbie.
One Skillet Tilapia Veracruz
This recipe is easy to cook in one skillet in just 30 minutes. Packed with protein and offering a healthy level of spice thanks to the jalapenos, this minimalist recipe is guaranteed to fill you up without leaving you feeling lethargic, like carb-heavy dishes tend to do. Cook it up for dinner and then take along the leftovers for lunch the next day.
Try the recipe: One Skillet Tilapia Veracruz from Delicious Meets Healthy.
Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Salsa, Chipotle Aioli and Coconut-Lime Cauliflower Rice
This Tilapia based fish bowl is gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free! Not to mention very healthy and delicious. Pack all the items separately and have some fun putting it together at lunch with all of the flavors as layers.
Try the recipe: Fish Taco Bowls from 40 Aprons.
Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia
This Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia takes a gourmet approach to the average work lunch. The coating adds a nice crunchy and crispy crust to the Tilapia, and the whole dish is ready in just 15 minutes. Pair it with a side salad and you’ve got yourself a tasty, protein rich meal.
Try the recipe: Dijon Almond Crusted Tilapia from The Paleo Panda.
Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia
This Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia is super easy to make and great to incorporate into your weekly meal plans. The mixture of ingredients adds a nice subtle flavor to the fish. This recipe substitutes ghee for butter (as butter is a Paleo no-no), though you can just as easily use coconut oil.
Try the recipe: Baked Lemon Herb Tilapia from The Paleo Babe.
The Paleo Diet is perfect for those people looking to cut out processed and sugary foods from their diet and instead up the amount of protein and nutrients they consume. And if you’re already a big fan of fish, then Paleo could be your match made in foodie heaven.
If you’re looking for some more inspiration, check out 5 Paleo Fish Recipes.
Photo Credits: Running to the Kitchen, Paleo Newbie, 40 Aprons, The Seasoned Mom