"Paleo diet" - 70% fat???

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Replies

  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    Human beings ate this way for 2 million years, so I always laugh when people call Paleo a "fad diet"

    So our bodies are equipped to eat something that was around 2 million years ago? Ever heard of human evolution and all the different skeletons that were dug up? You're saying their digestive systems were the same as us???
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    Thank you!! What nutrition percentages do you use for yourself? Do you have to actually cut out any food group (or severely limit) it?

    Depends on what I'm eating that day. I try to limit my carbs to 20g or less per day. The majority is filled with natural fats, and the rest is protein. My diary is public if you're ever curious. I don't eat grains, and try to avoid soy. I do enjoy dairy, but I've cut it out for the moment to try and help my fat loss along.

    BTW, bacon is delicious. We get the uncured stuff. Don't mind paying a couple extra bucks for chemical free, happy piggy. Although I do wish that natural, organic foods & grass fed critter was the national standard instead of the exception.

    mrphil, I believe our bodies are still equipped to eat the way our ancestors did. Mother Nature doesn't mess with systems that work. Just because we eat more tacos than turtledoves doesn't mean evolution has changed our digestive systems.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    So... what about the appendix?
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    The appendix still has a function. Unfortunately I don't have an answer about why it malfunctions and needs removing.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    The appendix still has a function. Unfortunately I don't have an answer about why it malfunctions and needs removing.

    It is speculated it might have a function but never proven. It fills with waste and rots and that's why it needs to be removed.

    More widely accepted it that it used to contain enzymes that broke down the high fiber diets our ancestors ate.
  • jknops2
    jknops2 Posts: 171 Member

    What's the point? Our body is made up of water, protein, carbohydrates, and yes fats too. Why does this support your point that we should mainly eat fat?
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member

    What's the point? Our body is made up of water, protein, carbohydrates, and yes fats too. Why does this support your point that we should mainly eat fat?

    How 'bout this:
    I'm a T2 diabetic. I was extremely chronic (was on an insulin pump AND pills). When I changed over from a conventional standard American diet to Primal blueprint/Paleo (high fat, low carb, no grains), I practically reversed my diabetes. I am no longer on insulin or any drugs. I feel stronger than I ever have before, and healthier. Additionally I switched my 2yo daughter over to this lifestyle. Before, she was sick every 5 mins. Now she's healthy as a champion horse.

    Does that help at all on why we should eat fat instead of grains?
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member

    What's the point? Our body is made up of water, protein, carbohydrates, and yes fats too. Why does this support your point that we should mainly eat fat?

    How 'bout this:
    I'm a T2 diabetic. I was extremely chronic (was on an insulin pump AND pills). When I changed over from a conventional standard American diet to Primal blueprint/Paleo (high fat, low carb, no grains), I practically reversed my diabetes. I am no longer on insulin or any drugs. I feel stronger than I ever have before, and healthier. Additionally I switched my 2yo daughter over to this lifestyle. Before, she was sick every 5 mins. Now she's healthy as a champion horse.

    Does that help at all on why we should eat fat instead of grains?

    Er, of course that would help you because your body does not produce insulin anymore. My mother is also a T2 diabetic as well as many in my family and they do just fine on a normal diet. She just controls her carbs like a diabetic should.

    I eat PLENTY carbs and I do fine. I am not about to risk my muscle mass because the assumption "carbs are bad."
  • Calidaho
    Calidaho Posts: 110 Member
    I have heard people argue that we are meant to eat bugs because our teeth are not equipped to eat meat. Also, the act of cooking meat means you have to change it from it's natural state in order to digest it. Guess if I really cared I would do some research.

    But, I guess if you are losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight and you don't have cholesterol or other problems, eat what you want. Actually, eat what you want regardless :)
  • To the OP -
    I don't completely adhere to a Paleo diet, but I follow the more relaxed Primal Blueprint version, which allows for an 80/20 split (80% adherence, 20% off-diet stuff such as dairy, processed meats and other modern, low-carb goodies). My ratios are about 10% carbs, 40% protein, and 50% fat (which usually vary by about 5% up or down). At 1600 calories a day, that's around 40g of carbs, but I do increase it proportionally when I've worked out so I can replenish the glycogen in my muscles. I don't have any brain fog problems (I actually can't - I teach and that would be disastrous) nor do I have problems losing muscle mass. I may be overweight, but I actually carry a significant amount of muscle for a female (my body fat % is around 30%, which puts me at about 150 pounds of lean mass on my 5'7" frame). So far I've lost 17 pounds, maintained that through multiple health problems, and have now started to lose fat again.
    I've learned through my own research that you can't really trust anyone else's opinions when it comes down to your own health. I sat in the exact same spot as you for at least a year, debating whether I should do this or not.... Eventually I just made the time to read the information and decide for myself. If I had to choose one book that I really think you should start with, it's Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes. It's an easy read, information dense but not incomprehensible. It is heavily referenced and provides a perfect starting point for whatever eating plan you decide to go for, even if it its moderate carbs instead of paleo/primal. I've read a bunch of others, and it's not where I started, but it's what I recommend now.
    If you have any more questions, feel free to message me. I don't mind talking it out in a non-judgemental kind of way, but I don't like my lifestyle being attacked by people who don't understand it so I rarely participate in this kind of topic any more other than one post. :)
  • Calidaho
    Calidaho Posts: 110 Member
    http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/natural.html

    An interesting bit on the opposing side to the Paleo diet.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member

    I eat PLENTY carbs and I do fine. I am not about to risk my muscle mass because the assumption "carbs are bad."

    Really? That's what you're afraid of? Losing muscle mass? You've got the wrong idea, buddy. Paleo & Primal puts muscle ON. The rapid fat loss on the lifestyle helps one look even more ripped. How could you not gain muscle eating steak and other yummy things? Tell it to my 140 lb tricep dip or the fact that I easily jumped up 20 lbs in the weight room just a short time ago. :)
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member

    I eat PLENTY carbs and I do fine. I am not about to risk my muscle mass because the assumption "carbs are bad."

    Really? That's what you're afraid of? Losing muscle mass? You've got the wrong idea, buddy. Paleo & Primal puts muscle ON. The rapid fat loss on the lifestyle helps one look even more ripped. How could you not gain muscle eating steak and other yummy things? Tell it to my 140 lb tricep dip or the fact that I easily jumped up 20 lbs in the weight room just a short time ago. :)

    So you're telling me when my body runs out of carbs it uses.... fat to power my workouts??? Oh no, you have that all wrong. Just because you eat protein does not mean it builds muscle, there is an order to everything.

    http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/nutrition/ammonia-sweat-smell.htm

    And how many pounds you jumped up really has no meaning unless you say what you jumped up in and what weight you started at. If you jumped up 20 lbs in like a squat, sure why not. If you did it under an Olympic Bar, I'd say you are lieing or something else was a factor.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    To the OP -
    I don't completely adhere to a Paleo diet, but I follow the more relaxed Primal Blueprint version, which allows for an 80/20 split (80% adherence, 20% off-diet stuff such as dairy, processed meats and other modern, low-carb goodies). My ratios are about 10% carbs, 40% protein, and 50% fat (which usually vary by about 5% up or down). At 1600 calories a day, that's around 40g of carbs, but I do increase it proportionally when I've worked out so I can replenish the glycogen in my muscles. I don't have any brain fog problems (I actually can't - I teach and that would be disastrous) nor do I have problems losing muscle mass. I may be overweight, but I actually carry a significant amount of muscle for a female (my body fat % is around 30%, which puts me at about 150 pounds of lean mass on my 5'7" frame). So far I've lost 17 pounds, maintained that through multiple health problems, and have now started to lose fat again.
    I've learned through my own research that you can't really trust anyone else's opinions when it comes down to your own health. I sat in the exact same spot as you for at least a year, debating whether I should do this or not.... Eventually I just made the time to read the information and decide for myself. If I had to choose one book that I really think you should start with, it's Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes. It's an easy read, information dense but not incomprehensible. It is heavily referenced and provides a perfect starting point for whatever eating plan you decide to go for, even if it its moderate carbs instead of paleo/primal. I've read a bunch of others, and it's not where I started, but it's what I recommend now.
    If you have any more questions, feel free to message me. I don't mind talking it out in a non-judgemental kind of way, but I don't like my lifestyle being attacked by people who don't understand it so I rarely participate in this kind of topic any more other than one post. :)

    We have already established that Gary Taubes is a fake. No credibility.

    The primal blueprint has no scientific backing.

    I would like to see at least a real clinical trial on the effects of a paleo diet. Not just what a guy with no medical or biology background says.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/natural.html

    An interesting bit on the opposing side to the Paleo diet.

    Good read and he references REAL doctors. Crazy.
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    I think we all have to do what is right and working for us. As long as you are getting the nutrition your body needs and your Dr. tells you your numbers are good. Go for it. But if your going on a diet and cutting out any food group, you should have a follow up with a Physician. Just my opinion.
  • pvega91
    pvega91 Posts: 2

    I eat PLENTY carbs and I do fine. I am not about to risk my muscle mass because the assumption "carbs are bad."

    Really? That's what you're afraid of? Losing muscle mass? You've got the wrong idea, buddy. Paleo & Primal puts muscle ON. The rapid fat loss on the lifestyle helps one look even more ripped. How could you not gain muscle eating steak and other yummy things? Tell it to my 140 lb tricep dip or the fact that I easily jumped up 20 lbs in the weight room just a short time ago. :)

    So you're telling me when my body runs out of carbs it uses.... fat to power my workouts??? Oh no, you have that all wrong. Just because you eat protein does not mean it builds muscle, there is an order to everything.

    http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/nutrition/ammonia-sweat-smell.htm

    but isn't that what keto does?
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/keto.htm
  • Calidaho
    Calidaho Posts: 110 Member
    http://michaelbluejay.com/veg/natural.html

    An interesting bit on the opposing side to the Paleo diet.

    Good read and he references REAL doctors. Crazy.

    Even if you don't subscribe to vegetarianism (I did for 4 years so I don't get mad when they talk about how our bodies don't NEED a bunch of meat) it is still interesting to think about why our digestive system is the way it is. And, that humans have always been humans and ate foods by choice, not just instinct.

    I lost 85 lbs before as a vegetarian (weight gain is a complicated story) and I am losing weight now as an omnivore. One portion of carb (slice of ww bread or cup of ww pasta), one portion of protein (3-5 oz of fish or chicken) and lots of veggies per meal with protein snacks (string cheese, nuts, greek yogurt, protein bar). At my last body scan, I had lost 25 lbs of pure fat and maintained all the muscle.

    It works for me so I am sticking to it :)
  • shayshay01
    shayshay01 Posts: 40 Member
    The Primitive humans weren't "healthy" at all..... they were practically starved to death by the time they got to eat something!!! lol.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member

    I eat PLENTY carbs and I do fine. I am not about to risk my muscle mass because the assumption "carbs are bad."

    Really? That's what you're afraid of? Losing muscle mass? You've got the wrong idea, buddy. Paleo & Primal puts muscle ON. The rapid fat loss on the lifestyle helps one look even more ripped. How could you not gain muscle eating steak and other yummy things? Tell it to my 140 lb tricep dip or the fact that I easily jumped up 20 lbs in the weight room just a short time ago. :)

    So you're telling me when my body runs out of carbs it uses.... fat to power my workouts??? Oh no, you have that all wrong. Just because you eat protein does not mean it builds muscle, there is an order to everything.

    http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/nutrition/ammonia-sweat-smell.htm

    but isn't that what keto does?
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/keto.htm

    I'll believe a doctor with research on that subject. Not some power lifter who thinks he knows whats right.

    http://women.webmd.com/guide/high-protein-low-carbohydrate-diets
    Unhealthy metabolic state (ketosis). Low-carb diets can cause your body to go into a dangerous metabolic state called ketosis since your body burns fat instead of glucose for energy. During ketosis, the body forms substances known as ketones, which can cause organs to fail and result in gout, kidney stones, or kidney failure. Ketones can also dull a person's appetite, cause nausea and bad breath. Ketosis can be prevented by eating at least 100 grams of carbohydrates a day.
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    The appendix still has a function. Unfortunately I don't have an answer about why it malfunctions and needs removing.

    It is speculated it might have a function but never proven. It fills with waste and rots and that's why it needs to be removed.

    More widely accepted it that it used to contain enzymes that broke down the high fiber diets our ancestors ate.

    I was taught that the appendix has become useless and atrophied over time because it's function was to aid in the digestion of raw meat. Since humans started cooking their food the body has evolved over time. It sometimes gets inflammed and needs to be removed because of the reason above. It fills with fecal matter and because it does not have the same peristalsis function as the rest of the colon it can not move the fecal matter the way the rest of the colon.
  • mrphil86
    mrphil86 Posts: 2,382 Member
    The appendix still has a function. Unfortunately I don't have an answer about why it malfunctions and needs removing.

    It is speculated it might have a function but never proven. It fills with waste and rots and that's why it needs to be removed.

    More widely accepted it that it used to contain enzymes that broke down the high fiber diets our ancestors ate.

    I was taught that the appendix has become useless and atrophied over time because it's function was to aid in the digestion of raw meat. Since humans started cooking their food the body has evolved over time. It sometimes gets inflammed and needs to be removed because of the reason above. It fills with fecal matter and because it does not have the same peristalsis function as the rest of the colon it can not move the fecal matter the way the rest of the colon.

    That's the first time I've heard that one. Can you provide a source?

    EDIT: Nevermind, found one. But just like the fiber digestion, nobody can prove it.
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Another thing I believe is. Because of the genetic changes made to wheat during the industrial revolution and processing of many foods, our body does not know what to do with carbohydrates. According to "the Gluten Connection" Whole grains were genetically changed to make it grow faster in order to feed the world. Even whole wheat available today is not natural, it was altered. Our body does not know what to do with it. The same as it does not know what to do with other processed foods. That is why we have so many digestive disorders.
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    The appendix still has a function. Unfortunately I don't have an answer about why it malfunctions and needs removing.

    It is speculated it might have a function but never proven. It fills with waste and rots and that's why it needs to be removed.

    More widely accepted it that it used to contain enzymes that broke down the high fiber diets our ancestors ate.

    I was taught that the appendix has become useless and atrophied over time because it's function was to aid in the digestion of raw meat. Since humans started cooking their food the body has evolved over time. It sometimes gets inflammed and needs to be removed because of the reason above. It fills with fecal matter and because it does not have the same peristalsis function as the rest of the colon it can not move the fecal matter the way the rest of the colon.

    That's the first time I've heard that one. Can you provide a source?

    EDIT: Nevermind, found one. But just like the fiber digestion, nobody can prove it.

    The source was a radiologist I worked under when I was in clinical training in radiology.
  • brityn
    brityn Posts: 443 Member

    I eat PLENTY carbs and I do fine. I am not about to risk my muscle mass because the assumption "carbs are bad."

    Really? That's what you're afraid of? Losing muscle mass? You've got the wrong idea, buddy. Paleo & Primal puts muscle ON. The rapid fat loss on the lifestyle helps one look even more ripped. How could you not gain muscle eating steak and other yummy things? Tell it to my 140 lb tricep dip or the fact that I easily jumped up 20 lbs in the weight room just a short time ago. :)

    So you're telling me when my body runs out of carbs it uses.... fat to power my workouts??? Oh no, you have that all wrong. Just because you eat protein does not mean it builds muscle, there is an order to everything.

    http://health.howstuffworks.com/skin-care/information/nutrition/ammonia-sweat-smell.htm

    but isn't that what keto does?
    http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/keto.htm

    Before you argue that your body doesn't go into a fat burning mode over a carb burning mode for fuel, you'd better do your research so you don't sound like a totaly idiot. That's the whole idea of low carb eating. It's been such a popular thing in the past 15 years it's kinda sad that you haven't heard of it. I'm not defending the diet itself, because I think it's out of balance, but get your facts straight before you post some nonsense
  • dls06
    dls06 Posts: 6,774 Member
    Home » Ask the Experts »
    Ask the Experts | Health
    What is the function of the human appendix? Did it once have a purpose that has since been lost?

    | October 21, 1999 | 11

    .ShareEmailPrint.
    Loren G. Martin, professor of physiology at Oklahoma State University, replies:

    "For years, the appendix was credited with very little physiological function. We now know, however, that the appendix serves an important role in the fetus and in young adults. Endocrine cells appear in the appendix of the human fetus at around the 11th week of development. These endocrine cells of the fetal appendix have been shown to produce various biogenic amines and peptide hormones, compounds that assist with various biological control (homeostatic) mechanisms. There had been little prior evidence of this or any other role of the appendix in animal research, because the appendix does not exist in domestic mammals.

    "Among adult humans, the appendix is now thought to be involved primarily in immune functions. Lymphoid tissue begins to accumulate in the appendix shortly after birth and reaches a peak between the second and third decades of life, decreasing rapidly thereafter and practically disappearing after the age of 60. During the early years of development, however, the appendix has been shown to function as a lymphoid organ, assisting with the maturation of B lymphocytes (one variety of white blood cell) and in the production of the class of antibodies known as immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies. Researchers have also shown that the appendix is involved in the production of molecules that help to direct the movement of lymphocytes to various other locations in the body.

    "In this context, the function of the appendix appears to be to expose white blood cells to the wide variety of antigens, or foreign substances, present in the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the appendix probably helps to suppress potentially destructive humoral (blood- and lymph-borne) antibody responses while promoting local immunity. The appendix--like the tiny structures called Peyer's patches in other areas of the gastrointestinal tract--takes up antigens from the contents of the intestines and reacts to these contents. This local immune system plays a vital role in the physiological immune response and in the control of food, drug, microbial or viral antigens. The connection between these local immune reactions and inflammatory bowel diseases, as well as autoimmune reactions in which the individual's own tissues are attacked by the immune system, is currently under investigation.

    "In the past, the appendix was often routinely removed and discarded during other abdominal surgeries to prevent any possibility of a later attack of appendicitis; the appendix is now spared in case it is needed later for reconstructive surgery if the urinary bladder is removed. In such surgery, a section of the intestine is formed into a replacement bladder, and the appendix is used to re-create a 'sphincter muscle' so that the patient remains continent (able to retain urine). In addition, the appendix has been successfully fashioned into a makeshift replacement for a diseased ureter, allowing urine to flow from the kidneys to the bladder. As a result, the appendix, once regarded as a nonfunctional tissue, is now regarded as an important 'back-up' that can be used in a variety of reconstructive surgical techniques. It is no longer routinely removed and discarded if it is healthy.


    Found this on Scientific American. Interesting!
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member

    So you're telling me when my body runs out of carbs it uses.... fat to power my workouts???

    Bingo. Fat is the body's third choice for fuel. Naturally carbs are first choice, followed by protein, then fat. I went from huffing & puffing & dying at 4 mph on the treadmill to hammering out sprints on 8 like it was no big deal within 2 weeks of going Paleo/Primal. That same week I went from grunting and straining to do a 30 lb pec fly to 50 lbs effortlessly.
    The body is capable of amazing feats depending on the fuel you give it.

    Why don't you stop doubting and say "Aw, what the heck" and give it a try? Do it whole-heartedly for one month. See how you feel. If there's no change, you've done nothing worse than eat incredibly clean (living off of meat, fruits, and veggies).
  • monkeybelle83
    monkeybelle83 Posts: 141 Member
    The appendix still has a function. Unfortunately I don't have an answer about why it malfunctions and needs removing.

    It is speculated it might have a function but never proven. It fills with waste and rots and that's why it needs to be removed.

    More widely accepted it that it used to contain enzymes that broke down the high fiber diets our ancestors ate.

    I was taught that the appendix has become useless and atrophied over time because it's function was to aid in the digestion of raw meat. Since humans started cooking their food the body has evolved over time. It sometimes gets inflammed and needs to be removed because of the reason above. It fills with fecal matter and because it does not have the same peristalsis function as the rest of the colon it can not move the fecal matter the way the rest of the colon.

    That's the first time I've heard that one. Can you provide a source?

    EDIT: Nevermind, found one. But just like the fiber digestion, nobody can prove it.

    If you don't want to do it, that's fine. But is it really necessary to attack those who choose the lifestyle for themselves and are having success with it?
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