Finding it hard to meet my Calories on Paleo. Not losing.

JDRBT

Hi all-
I'm having a hard time meeting my calories, especially when a work out is worked in. I noticed last week I was eating too much fruit, so I cut back to try help myself our. But I'm finding I'm netting like 500-700 calories/day.
I haven't made any nut butter's yet, but I'm not sure how much that will help, since Paleo means no bread.
With foods with preservatives, I was able to boost my calorie count, but with no yogurt, cheese, or things like that to boost the calorie count, I'm feeling a little stuck. Any one else face this?
My body is quick to go into starvation mode and hang on to every calorie.

wodforbacon

I like to double portions on my proteins usually. Also my vegetable portions are pretty obscene (which doesn't account for a lot of extra calories, but every little bit helps)

As far as the nut butters, you can use them to dip vegetables in, or spread it on a celery stalk for your snacks between meals. Nuts like almonds are a good source for extra calories. Are you just trying to maintain or gain weight?

look for recipes for bread made from almond flour or coconut flour...they are out there. Banana Pancakes (almond flour) are delicious too.

You might just need to eat more. One trick is to cook more than what you need sometimes...leave it in the refrigerator instead of freezing it or whatever. This makes me eat more because I don't want to waste it, and end up eating it so that it doesn't go bad. good luck!

zellagrrl

I eat gigantic slabs of salmon And I use guacamole for my carrots and other dippable veggies. I send the fiancé with apples and nut butters, and pumpkin almond flour pancakes. You can also increase the fats that you're using.

beckkotsch

Don't forget about oils.....olive oil, coconut oil. Oh, and avocados. Those will bump up your calories but won't do much to your carb count!

JDRBT

I like to double portions on my proteins usually. Also my vegetable portions are pretty obscene (which doesn't account for a lot of extra calories, but every little bit helps)

As far as the nut butters, you can use them to dip vegetables in, or spread it on a celery stalk for your snacks between meals. Nuts like almonds are a good source for extra calories. Are you just trying to maintain or gain weight?

look for recipes for bread made from almond flour or coconut flour...they are out there. Banana Pancakes (almond flour) are delicious too.

You might just need to eat more. One trick is to cook more than what you need sometimes...leave it in the refrigerator instead of freezing it or whatever. This makes me eat more because I don't want to waste it, and end up eating it so that it doesn't go bad. good luck!

I'm actually looking to LOSE weight, but if I can't net at least 1400 calories/day, I'll gain or maintain. I heard many folks lost like 10lbs in their first week of Paleo, so I was really excited to get on the wagon and give it a go (not to mention LOVE the low-carbon footprint, locally grown concepts behind it). My first week wasn't that productive (as noted by my weight loss badge - down 1lb). Then again, I was already a low sodium/processed foods eater.

I do cook with grape seed oil and olive oil, but I don't have time of cook for every meal. I guess a prep day is needed. I eat an obscene amount of salad and steamed veggies. And a couple of avocados/week.

wodforbacon

I like to double portions on my proteins usually. Also my vegetable portions are pretty obscene (which doesn't account for a lot of extra calories, but every little bit helps)

As far as the nut butters, you can use them to dip vegetables in, or spread it on a celery stalk for your snacks between meals. Nuts like almonds are a good source for extra calories. Are you just trying to maintain or gain weight?

look for recipes for bread made from almond flour or coconut flour...they are out there. Banana Pancakes (almond flour) are delicious too.

You might just need to eat more. One trick is to cook more than what you need sometimes...leave it in the refrigerator instead of freezing it or whatever. This makes me eat more because I don't want to waste it, and end up eating it so that it doesn't go bad. good luck!

I'm actually looking to LOSE weight, but if I can't net at least 1400 calories/day, I'll gain or maintain. I heard many folks lost like 10lbs in their first week of Paleo, so I was really excited to get on the wagon and give it a go (not to mention LOVE the low-carbon footprint, locally grown concepts behind it). My first week wasn't that productive (as noted by my weight loss badge - down 1lb). Then again, I was already a low sodium/processed foods eater.

I do cook with grape seed oil and olive oil, but I don't have time of cook for every meal. I guess a prep day is needed. I eat an obscene amount of salad and steamed veggies. And a couple of avocados/week.

I find it hard to cook every day to so I just cook more and eat it for at least 2 days (including lunches most times too). So if you have a recipe for something like Paleo beef stew, double or triple it, whatever you need to do and use it for a couple days. I usually only cook dinner on Mon, Wed, and Thursday, and then either one or both days of the weekend, but I do make it a point to cook breakfast everyday.

When I do get lazy or just don't get the opportunity to cook a proper dinner, my go to is 4-5 eggs over easy and plenty of bacon, with a few vegetables on the side. Pretty easy and quick to make, and you can also cook lots of bacon, reheat it whenever you need it. For me it cuts down on my breakfast prep time to just reheat bacon from the night before (when I was cooking something totally different for dinner) for breakfast.

I've heard some people say they have lost 10lbs the first week of doing (X) Diet when they are trying to lose weight. There could be many reasons for this (exaggeration, or mostly water weight as an example) so i wouldn't get too discouraged after only a week into it. healthy weight loss at about 1-2 lbs a week is not always an easy task

It is not always easy, but my suggestion would be to focus on how you feel (or want to feel) and not how you look (or want to look) as your motivation. trust me, if you focus on getting healthy (remember, just because one is thin does not mean they are healthy) everything will fall into place, especially if you are exercising (same philosohy BTW, If I work out to look a certain way it can get discouraging when it doesn't happen as fast as we think it should, but if i focus on my performance...how fast can i run, how much can i overhead squat and work my butt of to improve my performance, my body looking good is just a good side effect)!

wodforbacon

I just took a look at your diary and...do you not eat meat? Not judging you, just wondering since I didn't see any on there. A big part of Paleo is kind of balancing your diet (roughly), with the carb intake slightly lower than your fats and protein or lower than that on the carbs, but it seems like yours is kind of the opposite.

I think mine kind of hovers around 40-45% Protein, 30-40% fat 30-35% carbs. to give you an example (not that I'm a paleo expert or anything lol)

overfences

Homemade mayo is awesomeness, has lots of calories, & good for you (if you use good ingredients).

wodforbacon

Homemade mayo is awesomeness, has lots of calories, & good for you (if you use good ingredients).

^^True story

pittjenn

I eat an avocado pretty much daily, and usually have a handful of almonds too. Both are pretty big calorie boosts, although I tend to rely too much on almonds at work and don't eat enough "real" food.

kimimila86

I'm actually looking to LOSE weight, but if I can't net at least 1400 calories/day, I'll gain or maintain. I heard many folks lost like 10lbs in their first week of Paleo, so I was really excited to get on the wagon and give it a go (not to mention LOVE the low-carbon footprint, locally grown concepts behind it). My first week wasn't that productive (as noted by my weight loss badge - down 1lb). Then again, I was already a low sodium/processed foods eater.

I do cook with grape seed oil and olive oil, but I don't have time of cook for every meal. I guess a prep day is needed. I eat an obscene amount of salad and steamed veggies. And a couple of avocados/week.

That 10 lbs that some people lose by being on paleo is water weight due to a lower carb diet. Carbohydrates naturally retain lots of water, so when you stop eating grains and legumes, you also lose a lot of the water your body was retaining. How long have you been on Paleo?

I also find it hard to eat up to my BMR at least (1650 calories), that is, until today. It's like putting a puzzle together and figuring out the right combinations to complete each day. Don't give up just yet! :drinker:

MikeFlyMike

Your protein levels are horribly low. Carbs are a bit high if you are trying to loose weight. Add a ton of protein and don't sweat your calories.

sapalee

I've had this trouble as well, everything is so filling and satiating.

Coconut oil (strawberries dipped in, yum) and nuts have been my big go to get in extra calories.

And EGGS, if you can find someone that has yard chickens and get eggs from they are the perfect little protein and calorie package. I dump salsa on top and it's great.

I've also added cheese back in to help get my calories, it's not ideal but it's working for now... plus I just really love cheese

sapalee

I noticed you also don't eat much for breakfast. If I don't get close to 500 calories at breakfast I never seem to make my goals for the day. Could you try a second breakfast? Or just some more calories dense easy breakfast foods? I should buy stock in Larabars, they are my other calorie/snack go to.

PALEOMOM3

I'm finding the opposite to be true...I'm eating enough calories, and it's sometimes difficult to manage how many calories I consume. I'm still not loosing any weight and my diet consists of mostly protein and fat with carbs coming from veggies and an occasional bar or Paleo baked good such as Paleo plan muffin. I feel better, but my pants aren't any looser! Quite frusterating, especially when my husband has dropped 10 lbs and cheats all the time!

jackalope37

For what it's worth - I've never, ever, ever been able to get the miraculous first week drops that other people have. But, as other posters have noted, I also have never eaten eat much processed food including soda, salty foods, etc.

Hang in there, stay focused, and it can be super frustrating going sloly - but keep going!

JDRBT

I just took a look at your diary and...do you not eat meat? Not judging you, just wondering since I didn't see any on there. A big part of Paleo is kind of balancing your diet (roughly), with the carb intake slightly lower than your fats and protein or lower than that on the carbs, but it seems like yours is kind of the opposite.

I think mine kind of hovers around 40-45% Protein, 30-40% fat 30-35% carbs. to give you an example (not that I'm a paleo expert or anything lol)

Yup, I eat meat, but a good chunk of my protien, before going Paleo, was in dairy - greek yogurts, cheeses, whey protien shakes, etc.

Fruit is my easy "go to" when I'm hungry, but that probably needs to change!

JDRBT

I've had this trouble as well, everything is so filling and satiating.

Coconut oil (strawberries dipped in, yum) and nuts have been my big go to get in extra calories.

And EGGS, if you can find someone that has yard chickens and get eggs from they are the perfect little protein and calorie package. I dump salsa on top and it's great.

I've also added cheese back in to help get my calories, it's not ideal but it's working for now... plus I just really love cheese

I was thinking about adding cheese back in too, but I was am going to stick it out this month.

I have some concerns about coconut oil. I had high (not dangerously, but still..) cholestrol. I used to fight it by eating a big breakfast (some form of fruit, a bowl of oatmeal, and scrambled egg beaters), but lately I've just been waking up too late to make much, so I've been grabbing some almonds (we're out now) and fruit and going at work. I feel full with that, and water or tea/juice.

I guess I'm a little nervous about using eggs and oils because they can increase the bad cholestrol, but I probably just need to try it and then see if it works.

wodforbacon

I've had this trouble as well, everything is so filling and satiating.

Coconut oil (strawberries dipped in, yum) and nuts have been my big go to get in extra calories.

And EGGS, if you can find someone that has yard chickens and get eggs from they are the perfect little protein and calorie package. I dump salsa on top and it's great.

I've also added cheese back in to help get my calories, it's not ideal but it's working for now... plus I just really love cheese

I was thinking about adding cheese back in too, but I was am going to stick it out this month.

I have some concerns about coconut oil. I had high (not dangerously, but still..) cholestrol. I used to fight it by eating a big breakfast (some form of fruit, a bowl of oatmeal, and scrambled egg beaters), but lately I've just been waking up too late to make much, so I've been grabbing some almonds (we're out now) and fruit and going at work. I feel full with that, and water or tea/juice.

I guess I'm a little nervous about using eggs and oils because they can increase the bad cholestrol, but I probably just need to try it and then see if it works.

Consult your Dr. since you have history of high cholesterol, but being that coconut oil is a "naturally occuring saturated fat" just like the good fat that is in avocados, it has a lot of health benefits, and from the research I've done in the past about it, I wouldn't think it raise your cholesterol levels, especially if you are active. It has actually been proven in studies to help promote weight loss, not to mention boost your immune system, but ultimately I would ask your Dr. (who maybe knows nothing about it).

For the fruits, if trying to lose weight I would limit as much as possible. I probably overdo it with the fruits sometimes, but I also do strength training (crossfit) 5 days a week and run 6 days a week (usually anywhere between 30 and 40 miles depending on different stuff) so I probably actually need the added fructose since sugars are the most readily available energy source in your body...but my goal is not to lose weight.

wodforbacon

Oh, I forgot...make sure if you do decide on using coconut oil you use virgin.

Do not use anything that says processed or partially hydrogenated. Once hydrogen atoms are introduced to coconut oil, it just becomes another Trans Fat just like vegetable oil and is not the kind of fat you want to add to any diet. Hope I helped and good luck.

wodforbacon

I'm finding the opposite to be true...I'm eating enough calories, and it's sometimes difficult to manage how many calories I consume. I'm still not loosing any weight and my diet consists of mostly protein and fat with carbs coming from veggies and an occasional bar or Paleo baked good such as Paleo plan muffin. I feel better, but my pants aren't any looser! Quite frusterating, especially when my husband has dropped 10 lbs and cheats all the time!

Meh, I wouldn't worry about it. Don't forget that men typically lose weight faster than women. It will come...it could also be as simple as adding some intense exercise whenever possible if you do not get to exercise very much. Also maybe look at how much sugar is in your daily diet and adjust if necessary. Hang in there!

JDRBT

Thanks all! I'm committed to doing this for a month (we allow 1 'cheat' meal/week - in the past, I've found that mixing up my calories really helps so one high day works for me).

Tonight - Pork and veggies!

ResilientWoman

I like to double portions on my proteins usually. Also my vegetable portions are pretty obscene (which doesn't account for a lot of extra calories, but every little bit helps)

As far as the nut butters, you can use them to dip vegetables in, or spread it on a celery stalk for your snacks between meals. Nuts like almonds are a good source for extra calories. Are you just trying to maintain or gain weight?

look for recipes for bread made from almond flour or coconut flour...they are out there. Banana Pancakes (almond flour) are delicious too.

You might just need to eat more. One trick is to cook more than what you need sometimes...leave it in the refrigerator instead of freezing it or whatever. This makes me eat more because I don't want to waste it, and end up eating it so that it doesn't go bad. good luck!

I'm actually looking to LOSE weight, but if I can't net at least 1400 calories/day, I'll gain or maintain. I heard many folks lost like 10lbs in their first week of Paleo, so I was really excited to get on the wagon and give it a go (not to mention LOVE the low-carbon footprint, locally grown concepts behind it). My first week wasn't that productive (as noted by my weight loss badge - down 1lb). Then again, I was already a low sodium/processed foods eater.

I do cook with grape seed oil and olive oil, but I don't have time of cook for every meal. I guess a prep day is needed. I eat an obscene amount of salad and steamed veggies. And a couple of avocados/week.

You've probably heard a few of us say that this 'isn't a diet, it's a way of life'. I have had much less adjustment to eating foods that work for my body and feel more challenged in changing the way I think, plan and structure living.

Many of us have been brainwashed not to eat enough fat. If you're avoiding dairy, (I'm not, grass fed heavy whipping cream/butter plus some cheeses work for my body), I would encourage you to experiment with coconut cream. Aroy-D is free of additives. Also coconut oil blended into hot beverages or soups with an immersion blender are my salvation as emulsification changes the flavor. To emphasize compassionate pork/bacon, pastured chicken with the fat and skin, bone broths and rich, Paleo sauces made with animal fats.

Please make certain that you're eating enough protein and that you're clear of any eating disorder type issues. I lost a good friend in college to anorexia, serious stuff.

I eat around 2000-3000 calories per day and have no problem shedding extra fat at a slow and steady rate. My brain as well as my body also functions at a higher level than it ever did before this WOL.

ResilientWoman

Just went back and read some more of the responses to you. Didn't realize you had issues with cholesterol. Mine was SKY HIGH, the good was low, the bad was very high. Took over a year because I already have hypothyroidism and adrenal issues but now my cholesterol is awesome. Good is up, bad is way down. I've been eating Paleo/Primal for 15 months now and got great numbers back in the Fall at around the 7 month mark.

Don't take our word for it, go over to Mark's Daily Apple, Underground Wellness, The Paleo Solution and other websites that you trust and do your own research. Put high cholesterol concern in the search engines and read people's scanned in, lab results. Science is science. If other women of your age and ethnic background have improved cholesterol, it may be worth your time to eat a LOT more fat, especially Avocados, Coconut Oil, etc. If you are free of any auto immune concerns, eat all the eggs you like. I am lucky in that despite my hypothyroid issues, I can tolerate an unlimited supply of eggs.

desertdutchman

I'm finding the opposite to be true...I'm eating enough calories, and it's sometimes difficult to manage how many calories I consume. I'm still not loosing any weight and my diet consists of mostly protein and fat with carbs coming from veggies and an occasional bar or Paleo baked good such as Paleo plan muffin. I feel better, but my pants aren't any looser! Quite frusterating, especially when my husband has dropped 10 lbs and cheats all the time!

This is my story, too. I lost 25 pounds in 5 months, but for the past 8 months I haven't lost anything.

HOWEVER. I do a daily weigh in on my Withings scale and in the past 8 months of Primal (including building up to 4 miles/day walking) my percentage of body fat has dropped from 33% to 21%. I've lost 4 inches off my waist -- and yet not lost the weight. But I feel great. I'm going to keep trying to loose another 15 pounds. It may take two years. It will be worth it.

My advice -- hang in there.