Paleo or South Beach?

brittrobert3605

Hello all!
I am currently in my first week of my weight loss journey and am trying to figure out what diet plan will work best for me. I have 100 lbs. to lose and am looking to make a lifestyle change in the way I eat. Originally, my doctor recommended the South Beach diet. However, I have been hearing great things regarding Paleo and am not quite sure what direction I want to go in.
Right now I am trying to get together a good menu for the next couple of weeks- so I am a clean slate! I can pretty much go in either direction. Here are some of the things I need in whatever diet I choose:

-No bread, rice, pasta, and as few gluten products as possible.
-High in fiber (I have severe colon issues following childbirth)
-I love seafood- and I live in Louisiana, so I have access to a variety of fresh seafood.
-Low sugar- still a little fuzzy on what fruits constitute as "low in sugar" and would be the best for me digestively

I am also hoping that, along with losing weight, this new lifestyle change will result in better digestive health for me. I am looking for a COMPLETE overhaul of my colon.

So, which plan would you recommend? Paleo or South Beach? Thanks!

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MB2MN

^^^ This. It sounds like with your dietary restrictions you will be following pretty closely to either one of these diets anyways. Stick to a deficit, eat sensibly and weigh your portions.

HardcoreP0rk

What kind of digestive problems are you having? In general, a complete diet overhaul (rapid, dramatic change) is stressful for your GI system. For example, a lot of people that start "eating clean" for the first time experience issues with the dramatic and rapid increase in fiber.

Also, depending on your health issues, you might want to re-prioritize. You should really consider a wholistic approach instead of debating which fad to follow.

4realrose8

Hello. I'm insulin resistant and pre-diabetic so following similar guidelines.

You can add me if you want. I don't understand the hate around here for low carb. Everyone is different-- do what helps you the most and ignore the nay-sayers.

HardcoreP0rk

Neither. They are stupid diets that don't last and the incredibly restrictive nature of them sets you up to fail before you even start. Use MFP how it is intended and eat at a calorie deficit.

That's it. Losing weight is easy. Just eat at a deficit. There is no reason to deprive yourself of anything.

Is South Beach really all that restrictive?

ascrit

-No bread, rice, pasta, and as few gluten products as possible.
-High in fiber (I have severe colon issues following childbirth)
-I love seafood- and I live in Louisiana, so I have access to a variety of fresh seafood.
-Low sugar- still a little fuzzy on what fruits constitute as "low in sugar" and would be the best for me digestively

Given these factors I would give paleo a try. Keep in mind that while a transition to a healthy lifestyle won't be easy it should not feel like a horrible chore. Don't be afraid to experiment and adjust as you go along. I saw that you consulted with your doctor which is a good first step. You may also want to consult with a registered dietician.

Good luck! :flowerforyou:

brittrobert3605

Jerry- thanks for the advice- YES I am using MFP and doing a calorie deficit diet, but I do need to deprive myself of things because of my digestive issues. I can't even begin to explain what I have gone through the last six months without getting graphic, but I will tell you that what I eat makes a HUGE difference in the way I function. I have lasting issues following labor that intensify if I don't get enough fiber, or eat bread, or eat too much red meat, or have too much sugar. It is a painful, miserable cycle that I need to break in order to continue living a normal life. That's why I am looking to make a lifestyle change, not just start a diet.

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KLTorres13

Hello!
I too struggle with gluten intolerance and the horrible side effects that come after ingesting it. I did South Beach a while ago to just get rid of my sugar addiction but after the initial 2 week period you are supposed to add certain things back to your diet (slowly) to see what you react to. Bread/pasta/etc. being something you "add" back. Paleo is a great way of eating and it seems like you are doing that anyway If I may suggest something that really changed the way I look at food… check out whole9life.com. It is based on clean eating and healing your gut. The "whole 30" discussed on the website helped me kick my sugar addiction and really started the healing process with my stomach. Good luck to you! Feel free to add me if you want!

starsandowls

South Beach. It's a lot less extreme, and you'd have to be a professional eating contest winner to shove down enough fiber on the Paleo diet without drinking gallons of Metamucil. Honestly, though, there is no magic diet plan that's going to be better than good old fashioned nutrition control and exercise. South Beach will help teach you some nutritional basics in a way that a lot of the trendy diets won't. At least, when I worked for the company that administered the online version in 2004, that was true. I don't know how it's changed in the past 10 years.

You mentioned your colon. Make sure you get at least 15g of fiber a day and drink all the water you're supposed to, and that should make your colon happy. My gastroenterologist (colon dude) had zero patience with my, "But carbs!" complaint and said that an apple, a bowl of Raisin Bran, and two slices of whole wheat bread would get me to there. There might have been some muttering about new-fangled diet fads. He's about nine hundred years old and really healthy, so clearly his apple a day hasn't done him any harm.

Best of luck to you - it's a long road, but just keep walking it.

HardcoreP0rk

Neither. They are stupid diets that don't last and the incredibly restrictive nature of them sets you up to fail before you even start. Use MFP how it is intended and eat at a calorie deficit.

That's it. Losing weight is easy. Just eat at a deficit. There is no reason to deprive yourself of anything.

Is South Beach really all that restrictive?

Any diet with a name is unnecessarily restrictive, IMO.

That's not a very thoughtful approach, but ok

_Zardoz_

Just eat normal foods in moderation at a calorie deficit. There is no need to make it so complicated

tennisdude2004

First off welcome to MFP, sounds like you're in the right frame of mind to get the job done.

I would suggest that which ever route you chose in the end, please do the research and make sure it fits what you're after and your life style (you will probably get a lot of suggestion, most of which will get you to your end goal. - It's just that based on you, your back ground and what you enjoy eating and the amount of exercise you are happy doing, some of the diets will be easier to follow and will be more sustainable than other).

I personally eat based on a diet called the Primal Blue Print - which is a variation of the paleo diet (whilst this is not everyone's cup of tea - it works for me). I've never done the Southbeach diet so I cannot compare the two.

It is a low carb (not no carb - It isn't Atkins), medium protein high fat diet. The main goal of the diet is to maintain/increase lean mass and reduce body fat - in short to be as healthy as you can be.

With this particular diet I have found it cuts out all of the carb cravings I was getting on a medium to high carb eating style and therefore it is much more sustainable than simply eating the percentage of high carb, whilst having to restrict you calorie through deficit. This diet will also work based on a calorie deficit but is a lot easier to achieve (this is my own experience of the diet, others may have different experiences).

The guy that heads the primal blue print is a chap called Mark Sisson's and he has a daily blog called Marks Daily Apple. He does also own a supplement company - however at no point have these ever been forced upon anyone either through his blog or through their forums, Also I have been following this now for 8 weeks and it has not cost me a single dime.

I would suggest having a look and making your own mind up.

Also just to point out I have been on the MFP site for a couple of weeks now and they are really helpful, and to date no-one has provided any documented studies or evidence that the primal blue print does not reduce body fat or maintain lean mass - so that would suggest it works.

Good luck on your journey based on whatever avenue you go down.

osorio0203

I have to agree with the calorie deficit plan. I have been using this for about 6 months and have lost almost 35 Lbs. Most of that was in the first 8 weeks. I have been maintaining lately. If you would increase your protein intake you would not feel as hungry and it will help boost your metabolism. I have had great results by sticking with this. I feel better when I exercise....I sleep better. You will notice a big difference in your life. I also feels pretty good when people notice. I wish you the best of luck. If you want to add me as a friend you can.

tennisdude2004

Neither. They are stupid diets that don't last and the incredibly restrictive nature of them sets you up to fail before you even start. Use MFP how it is intended and eat at a calorie deficit.

That's it. Losing weight is easy. Just eat at a deficit. There is no reason to deprive yourself of anything.

SO Jerry - honest answer please.

How many days did you last on the south beach diet and paleo before you realised it wasn't for you?

Also what were your reasons for switching away from them?

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murphy612

I switched to a plant-based whole foods diet and it has had an amazing impact on my health, especially my digestive issues. I didn't switch to lose weight though. If you are focused on weight loss like most people will say you can do that with just a calorie deficit.

bcattoes

South beach. If you want high fiber, then beans are a great way to get it, especially with your grain restrictions. Beans are fat free, low calorie, high fiber and contain a crapload of valuable nutritients.

The Paleo Diet thinks beans are poison. :huh:

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geebusuk

I'd suggest you eat at a calorie deficit, make sure you get plenty of protein (sea food an ideal source):

After that, I'd follow a diet along the following...

No bread, rice, pasta, and as few gluten products as possible.
-High in fiber (I have severe colon issues following childbirth)
-I love seafood- and I live in Louisiana, so I have access to a variety of fresh seafood.
-Low sugar- still a little fuzzy on what fruits constitute as "low in sugar" and would be the best for me digestively

There is no need to copy some fad.

I would agree with the above about trying to find a specific problem.

HardcoreP0rk

and to date no-one has provided any documented studies or evidence that the primal blue print does not reduce body fat or maintain lean mass - so that would suggest it works.

I appreciate your contribution to this thread, but the above...that isn't typically how science works. People don't pour money into proving a negative. The burden of proof in any debate is on the affirmative. What would be compelling is empirical evidence to the affirmative. The absence of evidence in the negative proves nothing...

The_GingerBeard_Man

I am a big believer in moderation, and just eating at TDEE with a deficit. But, if having a plan works better for you, then check out the work USNEWS did on the subject. They studied and ranked 32 different popular diets on a wide range of categories. Both Paleo and Southbeach ranked lower than other diet models.

http://health.usnews.com/best-diet

bcattoes

Neither. They are stupid diets that don't last and the incredibly restrictive nature of them sets you up to fail before you even start. Use MFP how it is intended and eat at a calorie deficit.

That's it. Losing weight is easy. Just eat at a deficit. There is no reason to deprive yourself of anything.

Is South Beach really all that restrictive?

No, it's not. It a low glycemic index diet.

ascrit

and to date no-one has provided any documented studies or evidence that the primal blue print does not reduce body fat or maintain lean mass - so that would suggest it works.

I appreciate your contribution to this thread, but the above...that isn't typically how science works. People don't pour money into proving a negative. The burden of proof in any debate is on the affirmative. What would be compelling is empirical evidence to the affirmative. The absence of evidence in the negative proves nothing...

:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Well said.

murphy612

Jerry- thanks for the advice- YES I am using MFP and doing a calorie deficit diet, but I do need to deprive myself of things because of my digestive issues. I can't even begin to explain what I have gone through the last six months without getting graphic, but I will tell you that what I eat makes a HUGE difference in the way I function. I have lasting issues following labor that intensify if I don't get enough fiber, or eat bread, or eat too much red meat, or have too much sugar. It is a painful, miserable cycle that I need to break in order to continue living a normal life. That's why I am looking to make a lifestyle change, not just start a diet.

Ok. Well good luck. I hope you find what works. I guess then, for me, it would be easy to stop eating all that stuff.

Have you been tested? I tend to distrust the medical community when it comes to this. They tend to say stop eating 90% of all food groups and see if that works. I'm exaggerating to make a point about how I detest their process.

When you're all done, you don't really know what was the cause, you think it's bread, and pasta, and rice, and red meat , and, ..., and..., and, when really, it's a small part of some of those foods that you need to eliminate, not the entire macronutrient class of foods. But, I understand that trial and error is painful and listen to the professionals is a good move right now.

I'd suggest that overtime, you get more specific testing and force them to exactly tell you what is causing your problem. Not a general description of carbs and red meat, but get down to the specific process that occurs when you consume a type of food and why that happens. You may not really have to restrict your diet as much as you think. In the end, it's your life. I wouldn't settle on such wide-sweeping advice, unless I was convinced it's true.

One large issue we have going on right now is a doctor tells a patient to cut carbs, stop eating gluten, and don't eat sugar. The patient does that and feels better. But, no one really knows what the problem was. Yes, all that solved it, but which specific element was causing an issue? What is the issue? The answer is no one knows. It is like your car breaks down. So, the mechanic says he will replace the engine. So, the car is fixed with the new engine, but no one knows what was wrong with the old engine and did it even need to be replaced? It's a ridiculous way to practice medicine.

Some times there are no tests that can give you the exact answer. Eliminating everything from your diet to find the cause can be very effective. I eliminated everything but fruits and vegetables from my diet until all the health concerns I had were gone. Then I slowly added things back into my diet to see what happened. When my symptoms starting coming back after eating certain things I knew what to eliminate. It's worked well for me.

HardcoreP0rk

Neither. They are stupid diets that don't last and the incredibly restrictive nature of them sets you up to fail before you even start. Use MFP how it is intended and eat at a calorie deficit.

That's it. Losing weight is easy. Just eat at a deficit. There is no reason to deprive yourself of anything.

Is South Beach really all that restrictive?

No, it's not. It a low glycemic index diet.

I thought so. If she can't eat breads and gluten, it might be a helpful start. I typically avoid fad diets, but it doesn't seem like South Beach is anything all that crazy. I have no idea if it's more or less effective than just keeping a deficit, but with the OPs dietary restrictions it's a bit of a moot point.

geebusuk

Also just to point out I have been on the MFP site for a couple of weeks now and they are really helpful, and to date no-one has provided any documented studies or evidence that the primal blue print does not reduce body fat or maintain lean mass - so that would suggest it works.

Does it involve eating at a Calorie deficit?

If it does, there's plenty of evidence from research that shows you will lose weight.
Similarly, high protein for helping maintain lean mass.

Of_Monsters_and_Meat

Might I suggest the wonderful world of IIFIYM?

You would be able to custom tailor the foods you want to eat without having digestive issues. Sounds like you just need to pre-log food for the day.

Hornsby

suscribed.

brittrobert3605

Thanks for the advice, everyone! Looks like I have some homework to do!

To be clear, neither of these fad diets has "exactly" the plan I am looking to follow- I need the high fiber that Paleo can't offer, and I can't eat the breads, pastas, etc. that South Beach starts introducing after a couple of weeks. I was on Weight Watchers before I got pregnant- and I LOVED it. I lost 25 lbs. and felt great- and I was still eating foods that I loved. I was lucky back then- had no digestive issues and could eat whatever I wanted and have a bowel movement 20 minutes later. Now, if I so much as LOOK at a piece of bread my body shuts down. Nothing is the same as it was before and I am MISERABLE. It isn't just the weight anymore.

Anyway, I will look into some of the websites and "clean eating" resources you guys suggested. I think this might be my best bet. Also- to the person who suggested a licensed dietician- thanks! I go to a colon hydrotherapist and she is also a licensed dietician. I actually texted her as soon as I saw your post;) (don't know why it didn't occur to me to just call her in the first place).
Thanks for the help yall!