Is Paleo the Answer?

InfinitePoss

Okay, I am not trying to cause controversy here but I am looking for some honest opinions and feeback.

Originally I was thinking about posting a question on reducing carbs and cutting refined sugar but when I really thought about it I concluded that all my weight loss challenges are related to the fact that I eact mostly processed food, even when I am supposedly "eating healthy".

Most of what I put in my mouth everyday has stuff in it that has not existed for most of our time on this planet as a species.

So my thought on this is that maybe Paleo is the answer even it it might be a bit challenging. Any thoughts?

Sidesteal

If the question is "What causes every thread to turn into a pissing match?" then yes, Paleo is the answer.

GnochhiGnomes

No paelo isn't the answer to losing weight. You already know this since you must of seen many stories of people who have lost weight by eating normal western food.

doriyoung

If the question is "What causes every thread to turn into a pissing match?" then yes, Paleo is the answer.

That is funny,

Sidesteal

Additionally, your weight loss challenges are from overconsumption of calories. If processed foods are what's making it EASY for you to overconsume calories, then reducing your processed food intake and replacing it with nutrient dense and more satiating options would be a great start in creating an energy deficit. This can be accomplished with or without paleo.

jenilla1

If the question is "What causes every thread to turn into a pissing match?" then yes, Paleo is the answer.

OMG! :laugh:

PittShkr

Do cats like to swim?

ellie319

i have numerous friends who do the Paleo and OMG they have some amazing results! I use some Paleo recipes and i find them to be quite fulfilling

Anon4678

I think for some people it is. All I know is that, personally, I felt like absolute crap and lost no weight. I went back to eating a balanced diet (just less of it) and dropped 9 pounds. And I don't feel like death, as an added bonus.

Take that for what it's worth.

I think no matter what you do, you need to cut out processed foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables, less stuff that comes in packages.

Disclaimer: IANAN (I am not a nutritionist)

xarge

No.

Edit: I have to do this, sorry. It's 42.

AggieCass09

If you happen to have alleriges, acid reflux, acne, anemia, arthritis, asthma, depression, cholesterol issues, food addictions (you want me to give up pasta---HELL no!), diabetes, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, lyme disease, sleep apena, vitiligo or any other issues listed here: http://whole9life.com/2011/06/the-whole30-a-z-real-life-testimonials/

then paleo MAY be a solution for you!

Its a lifestyle thing, you have to commit to making a change but I can tell you from personal experience that I got off my acid reflux and depression meds with in two days of making the switch from a vegetarian diet to a paleo one. Literally, two days. I feel amazing and wll never go back.

its worth trying for 30 days...who knows, it could change your life! http://whole9life.com/2012/08/the-whole30-program/ <--- this is how i transitioned to paleo...I eat some diary and beans normally but not during the initial 30 day starting stage

ChrisRS87

It doesn't matter what or how clean you eat. As long as you hit your target calorie and macro goals, you can even enjoy fast food and lose weight (you're cholesterol might go up though).

Protein powder is far from clean, and I love that ****

cersela

If processed foods are your problem, why not limit processed foods? Do what works for you and is sustainable, no need to give it a name.

MonicaT1972

My motto, find what works for you and stick with it!!! There really is no right or wrong system and what works for someone else may not work for you.

krisiepoo

Okay, I am not trying to cause controversy here but I am looking for some honest opinions and feeback.

Originally I was thinking about posting a question on reducing carbs and cutting refined sugar but when I really thought about it I concluded that all my weight loss challenges are related to the fact that I eact mostly processed food, even when I am supposedly "eating healthy".

Most of what I put in my mouth everyday has stuff in it that has not existed for most of our time on this planet as a species.

So my thought on this is that maybe Paleo is the answer even it it might be a bit challenging. Any thoughts?

I don't think one needs to go to one extreme or the other to have a positive experience with weight loss.

If eating processed foods is a problem for you, then start removing them. Doesn't have to be all at once, but if you regularly eat one thing, replace it with a natural food.

I think we all have to do what is best for us, there is no right or wrong answer to how to eat, except to have a calorie deficit.

efaitch

I think that whole point is to be healthy. Yes, people can lose weight eating the western diet, but it doesn't mean that they're healthy. I think that a traditional, whole foods diet is a better approach. I've done LC, paleo etc. and read all the info there is about it too. I've now introduced fermented foods into our diet to heal our guts.

I think we've lost the traditional way of preparing foods and this is a big issue (Have a google of Western A. Price Foundation).

pinthin87

Never been Paleo, but I will say if you are eating a lot of processed food and sugar this could be impeading your weight loss. Try eating more whole foods. I personally think grains are ok in moderation as long as you are eating them in the whole form, like whole grain bread, oats, popcorn made from whole kernals, etc. I don't think Paleo is for everyone.

ElviraCross

I think "modified" Paleo is ok.

http://www.health-bent.com

bcattoes

If the question is "What causes every thread to turn into a pissing match?" then yes, Paleo is the answer.

:laugh: it's funny 'cause it's true.

bcattoes

I think cutting out as much processed food as possible is a great idea. But that doesn't require following the Paleo Diet.

marinweb

Additionally, your weight loss challenges are from overconsumption of calories. If processed foods are what's making it EASY for you to overconsume calories, then reducing your processed food intake and replacing it with nutrient dense and more satiating options would be a great start in creating an energy deficit. This can be accomplished with or without paleo.

+1

If you really wanted to go paleo you'd have to hunt pretty much every animal (including humans) to get your meat quota......

InfinitePoss

Wow, Cant a guy ask a question;-)

But seriously, I am not sure why this would be a controversial question, it seems pretty legit to me.

And let me point out a couple of things.

First, I obviously know that reducing calories is a huge part of losing weight but I am looking for more than just weight loss. I am looking for a way of eating that will help me lose, and maintain when I get to my goal, and also feel healty as well.

Secondly, I was looking for other ideas as well.

Thanks!

JackShow70

I am new to paleo...3 weeks in. I am not a paleo nut and certainly do not think paleo is the only way to get fit. I can tell you it is working (fat loss, more energy, better sleep) for me, and it is really not difficult to stick with so far.

sjohnny

I think that whole point is to be healthy. Yes, people can lose weight eating the western diet, but it doesn't mean that they're healthy. I think that a traditional, whole foods diet is a better approach. I've done LC, paleo etc. and read all the info there is about it too. I've now introduced fermented foods into our diet to heal our guts.

I think we've lost the traditional way of preparing foods and this is a big issue (Have a google of Western A. Price Foundation).

I'm in for the "fermented foods"

InfinitePoss

Also, what is "modified paleo"?

Fairysoul

Also, what is "modified paleo"?

I am thinking the same thing..

Sidesteal

Wow, Cant a guy ask a question;-)

But seriously, I am not sure why this would be a controversial question, it seems pretty legit to me.

And let me point out a couple of things.

First, I obviously know that reducing calories is a huge part of losing weight but I am looking for more than just weight loss. I am looking for a way of eating that will help me lose, and maintain when I get to my goal, and also feel healty as well.

Secondly, I was looking for other ideas as well.

Thanks!

And you can accomplish all of the above by eating mostly whole and nutrient dense foods, eating a reasonable number of calories and eating within a range of macronutrient totals that align with your body composition goals. You can do this with or without Paleo.

lilawolf

High fat, LC is really filling and I feel better eating it. My problem when I first tried it was that I had an idea of portion size in my head and ate that whether I was that hungry or not. Now you replace carbs with fat and eat the same volume of food, calorie counts go through the roof and you gain weight. If you try it, and I do suggest it, just make sure you eat slowly. Start with a small amount and add more until you're full. You need to recalibrate your portion size. I am limiting to about 100 net carbs a day, and not avoiding, but not overdoing the fat. I eat as much protein and veggies as possible (at least at every meal). Last week, my first back on MFP, I lost 1lb which was double what I would expect from my calorie deficit.

Good luck!!!

dyannajoy

I think you will just have to try it and see. I know that for me, it takes away my crazy cravings and that is worth so much for me. I mean to walk by sugar and baked things and not have (or even want) to have it is truly a miracle. So try it and see if it helps.......if not move on. Good luck!

HorseWithNoName27

The answer to Paleo is...





It's just the latest diet trend, after low-fat, low-carb, now it's "primal" or "paleo," follow "Grok". :laugh:

jofjltncb6

Works for me.

(And yes, I realize that there will be people eager to explain how it actually doesn't work for me or how it has no bearing whatsoever in how I feel or just general comments about how I'm a bad person for even considering the possibility that not eating grains/seeds/etc. and eating more fruits, veggies, and well-raised meat is a good idea.)

Will it work for you and others? Hard to say. Will you get a reasonable answer from the MFP forums? Yeah...right.

Whatever you decide to do, best of luck on your journey.

ETA: And do I *know* that the paleo approach is the only/primary reason it works for me? Nope...I'll leave those kinds of conclusions to the "absolutely-positive-they-know-all-the-answers" crowd...of which there are already several here (and no doubt more on the way).