Newly on Paleo and getting frustrated

imustbeamermaid

Hi All -

I've read tons of literature on Paleo and I've also thumbed my way through some posts on here.. but I am also having some annoying issues.

I suffer from Hashimoto's Thyroid Disease and can tell its pretty obvious I have a gluten problem. I have also suffered IBS etc. Recently, my boyfriend and I completed a few rounds of the "3 day diet" and it was the worst possible thing I have ever done. It consists of tuna out of a can, hot dogs, ice cream every night.. yes I lost 8 lbs (right in time for vacation) and then gained 11-12 back!! I have also been SO bloated, uncomfortable and just gross - that I finally got led to Paleo and Whole30.

We are starting whole30 July 1, but for the last 4 days I have been experimenting with semi-strict paleo. I haven't had a drop of gluten in 4 days and i was initially feeling GREAT! days 1-3 I was bouncing out of bed, stomach seemed flatter, lots of energy! Day 4 and I feel a little lousey. I initially lost 2 lbs but i gained them back, i still seem bloated and just THICK. Like I am carrying this weird extra 10 lbs of stuffing or jelly on my belly I also feel like I am just now experiencing that Paleo Flu.. i feel foggy, tired and just blahhhh.

I have read this is normal and I seem to think that perhaps I really screwed with my hormones/metabolism and my body is taking a minute to repair.. but this is getting depressing. It is also hard for me to stay off the scale... the "diets" I have completed in the past have consisted of limited proteins, egg whites and NO FATS. everything cooked in Pam. they always worked but once i quit, I gained the weight back. I also lost between 1-2 lbs a day! (I know, unrealistic)

Does anyone have any tips? I JUST started logging my food today - the other days are not on here, but pretty much have consisted of ground beer/eggs/kale/peppers/sweet pots/apples and i've been using kerrygold grassfed butter and olive oil.

Thoughts??

willnorton

bump..

it has worked wonders for me in 3 weeks.... im amazed..... look at my food diary for the past 3 weeks.....

we can talk more if you want....

OR NOT

WINEYINVA

I would start whole 30 asap. cut out all gluten dairy soy sugar corn products. eat all natural whole foods it'll help big time!! Ive had bowel issues for almost three years and am being watched closely for hashimotos ive been gluten free for almost three years along with no soy or corn products and no sugar. I recently read whole 30 and cut out dairy too and right now my colitis is in remission and I feel great!!

imustbeamermaid

I would start whole 30 asap. cut out all gluten dairy soy sugar corn products. eat all natural whole foods it'll help big time!! Ive had bowel issues for almost three years and am being watched closely for hashimotos ive been gluten free for almost three years along with no soy or corn products and no sugar. I recently read whole 30 and cut out dairy too and right now my colitis is in remission and I feel great!!

Thanks! We plan on starting July 1... to make it an even month.. I have so far cut out dairy, gluten corn soy etc etc etc.. I am just looking for some feedback on the first weeks of starting this way of life!

I am excited for Whole30.. I don't think it will differ MUCH from what I am doing however..

and congrats on your success!!!!

Jelaan

It will get better and you will feel SO much better, it just takes a little time for stuff to clear out of your system and adjust. I am off all IBS drugs for the first time in 20 years, have lost my puffy tummy, lost weight and feel so much better. You will too.

Malgorzata79

I tried the Paleo - I lost 60 lbs on it within 2 years. However, I gained 20 lbs back once I slowly brought normal food back in. Its not realistic in my opinion. A lesson learned from my side.

Gingersnap13

I've completed three rounds of the Whole30 and absolutely love how it makes me feel. Did you read It Starts With Food? That was helpful for understanding the complete purpose of the program. It also gave me a lot of ammo for when people started so say "really? You are giving up cheese, bread and booze? You are crazy and I could never do that." It helps explain that it is not a long-term solution for everyone, but a way to reset the body and move toward a healthier relationship with food.

Have you seen this timeline from the Whole9 website? http://whole30.com/2013/08/revised-timeline/ It may help explain the roller coaster of the first two weeks. My first round, my pants actually got tighter before they got looser...all I can say is follow the program and trust the process.

Try not to pay too much attention to calorie counting. It Starts With Food does a great job explaining about hunger signals and how eating nourishing, whole, healing foods will eliminate the need to count calories. I understand wanting parameters, I don't feel like I have a hunger signal, so I like to track.

My last tip is that you can not be too prepared. I meal prepped on Sundays for the entire week, so there was no second-guessing when I was tired or got home late. All the work was done and there was no excuse for me to veer off course. Also, use this opportunity to try new things, eat what is in season.

There are so many helpful websites and tons of recipes out there. Here are two of my favorite.

http://hollywouldifshecould.net/2012/08/a-month-of-whole-30-dinner-ideas/
http://www.rubiesandradishes.com/2014/01/21/30-whole-30-friendly-slow-cooker-recipes/

I am excited for you! Good luck!

levitateme

So you don't feel well while following a restrictive fad diet? Shocking.

jec285

Try not to pay too much attention to calorie counting

*sigh*

You know where you are right?