Paleo/Low Carb people, thoughts on Intermittent Fasting?
thecapaccino
Posts: 138
I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals. This should be done with intermittent fasting.
I have done intermittent fasting if I know I will eat a bit more carbs by going out. But honestly, am afraid to ONLY count CARBS?
I know overdoing anything is bad....and I do believe I won't overeat on Paleo as it doesnt make me have cravings.
ANYONE else out there doing something similar?
What are YOUR results?
I have done intermittent fasting if I know I will eat a bit more carbs by going out. But honestly, am afraid to ONLY count CARBS?
I know overdoing anything is bad....and I do believe I won't overeat on Paleo as it doesnt make me have cravings.
ANYONE else out there doing something similar?
What are YOUR results?
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Replies
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I'm paleo and I count calories. I tried only counting carbs and totally overdid it with butter, bacon, super-thick cream, dark chocolate, nuts , cheese, cold cuts etc. I gave up the dairy and started watching what i eat more carefully and strated to lose the pounds.0
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I almost accidentally IF every day. After my coffee in the morning, I usually don't eat until supper. By then it's hard to eat all of my calories for the day. This worked for a bit, but now that school started up again, I'm too busy to eat until really late so I've started eating more frequently throughout the day.
There was a poll on reddit a few months ago that showed that those doing keto who did count calories lost more than those that just counted carbs. I like to keep track using MFP because I'm still learning how my body reacts to certain foods.
What worked for me was to just use MFP with the HFLC macro goals instead of their default goals.
I dunno, give it a try? See how it works for you, but if I were in your shoes I would take baby steps and not try to jump into it all at once.0 -
That was an interesting article! I'm trying to break my obsession with food, so I know the feeling of constantly thinking about it. I'm glad she found what worked for her!
For now, I'll stick with eating throughout the day. I'm less cranky that way
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I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals.
Terrible advice.
Fat and protein still have calories and if you eat too many total calories you will not lose weight. Regardless of how many carbs you eat.0 -
I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals. This should be done with intermittent fasting.
What was their reasoning for such arbitrary rules?0 -
I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals. This should be done with intermittent fasting.
What was their reasoning for such arbitrary rules?
Probably that LCHF diets are very filling and keep you satisfied for longer amounts of time. However, I still don't trust myself to just "listen to my body" and give it what it needs without logging.
MFP has been a very useful tool! Now if I could just trust my brain to not lie to me!0 -
Is there a reason you're set on doing the paleo thing?
If you're already tracking your macros there probably isn't a need to follow the latest trend.0 -
I am not a Paleo/IF follower, but I lost 12 lbs. here on MFP by simply counting calories (I am on a 1200 daily total). I started on 7/16 and two months later I am just about 2-3 lbs. from goal! So, counting calories definitely works for me!!! I never counted carbs when trying to lose weight...0
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I dont label myself as paleo or even primal or even low carb but I do some of it by default through the way I choose to eat.
I also do IF.
The idea of not counting calories is up to you and I would not listen to someone tell me that I dont need to do it. Its up to you.
Dont let anyone tell you anything unless its also your choice.
Counting calories is what got me here and basically what keeps me here. But its more than counting calories now. Its counting fat and protein more so than calories.0 -
I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals. This should be done with intermittent fasting.
What was their reasoning for such arbitrary rules?
Probably that LCHF diets are very filling and keep you satisfied for longer amounts of time.
Aye but high satiety levels are not exclusive to LCHF and spontaneously eating at a calorie deficit is not exclusive to IF - no need for arbitrary rules as a result....0 -
Probably that LCHF diets are very filling and keep you satisfied for longer amounts of time.I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals. This should be done with intermittent fasting.
What was their reasoning for such arbitrary rules?
Aye but high satiety levels are not exclusive to LCHF and spontaneously eating at a calorie deficit is not exclusive to IF - no need for arbitrary rules as a result....
I totally agree!0 -
Is there a reason you're set on doing the paleo thing?
If you're already tracking your macros there probably isn't a need to follow the latest trend.
I tried everything and was gaining weight...even exercising like mad. Then I got wind of Paleo and Low carb....
I thought well I would give it a try, and after 2 days of hell eating maximum 50g carbs a day...I was fine, not hungry, no cravings, more energy etc.
It just works for me....and I have lost in 2months about 25 lbs!0 -
I dont label myself as paleo or even primal or even low carb but I do some of it by default through the way I choose to eat.
I also do IF.
The idea of not counting calories is up to you and I would not listen to someone tell me that I dont need to do it. Its up to you.
Dont let anyone tell you anything unless its also your choice.
Counting calories is what got me here and basically what keeps me here. But its more than counting calories now. Its counting fat and protein more so than calories.
I do love MFP! It makes me feel "safe" with myself if you know what I mean. Even logging in bad days still makes me feel accountable.
And like you said...knowing about what OTHER stuff I eat is important to me as well i.e. protein, fats, sodium etc.0 -
I follow a generally low (er) carb diet out of personal preference (I don't like bread or potatoes!) rather than anything else so I'm not paleo, and I'm not in any way qualified to give out any advice - however if anyone is interested about some apparent health vbenefit of IF, I just watched a very interesting and (I would assume) well researched documentary about fasting, IF, and the 5:2 way of fasting. The documentary is by the BBC. You can fid it here on youtube, great to watch if you have a spare 55 mins this evening!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfna7nV7WaM
Best of luck!0 -
I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals. This should be done with intermittent fasting.
What was their reasoning for such arbitrary rules?
Not sure if it was just "arbitrary". The bloke was from another Paleo Lifestyle Forum....and he, I imagine, was a strict Paleo and felt all you should be concerned about is "low carbs"...and then everything else would fit itself in.0 -
If your'e not counting calories, why are you on this website? For the amazing forum posts?0
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I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals. This should be done with intermittent fasting.
What was their reasoning for such arbitrary rules?
Not sure if it was just "arbitrary". The bloke was from another Paleo Lifestyle Forum....and he, I imagine, was a strict Paleo and felt all you should be concerned about is "low carbs"...and then everything else would fit itself in.
Ah, I see. So basically, if you forcibly restrict a particular macro nutrient as well the amount of time you have available to eat during the day you are less likely to end up over eating and therefore don't have to worry about tracking calories.
Makes sense. Give it a go. If it doesn't work there are many other options to choose from which require none of the above and are just as successful.
Good luck!0 -
My thoughts are as follows:
1) If you don't have insulin related medical issues then you don't need to low carb. You still can if you want to but if you're doing any sort of reasonably intense training I would advise against it. I would also advise against it if it conflicts with personal preference. If you find it EASIER to low carb, then you should definitely do it.
2) IF is the new craze. Anyone suggesting it as mandatory or even desirable for fat loss without considering your preferences is basically clueless. Dietary adherence will trump any meal frequency protocol and it should always be your top priority to structure your intake timing on preference, gym performance, and obviously any medical need. If you get to the point that you're eating or not eating because "it's not 4pm yet", I firmly believe you're doing it wrong.
Now that being said, my eating style most closely resembles a 16/8 IF, because it is my preference.
You are required to create an energy deficit whether you track it or not, if you want to lose weight.
You should consume macronutrients according to fitness/body composition goals, training intensity, and possibly any insulin related issues you have.
I have nothing against people who do Paleo, or who IF, of who low carb, but you should understand what you're getting into and I would hesitate to take advice from anyone who may be making blanket statements that don't consider the above sentences.0 -
I'm paleo and I count calories. I tried only counting carbs and totally overdid it with butter, bacon, super-thick cream, dark chocolate, nuts , cheese, cold cuts etc. I gave up the dairy and started watching what i eat more carefully and strated to lose the pounds.
You're allowed dairy and dark chocolate on the paleo diet???0 -
If following a paleo or primal or w/e the f*** ever diet helps you follow a regime with healthier and more nutritious food choices and you like it and can stick with it, by all means knock yourself out. More ice cream for me.
If, however, someone is telling you that you SHOULDN'T count calories as if it would somehow be detrimental to your weight loss goals...well that person is an idiot.0 -
I did Atkiins for nearly two years and lost over 50 lbs. before going on a long weight-loss stall. They say do not count calories, count carbs unless you are not losing weight, and then do a reality check on the amount of calories you eat in a day. For example, butter has zero carbs but no reasonable person would think they could eat a pound of butter a day and still lose weight. If you are following a reasonable low-carb diet then you should lose weight as long as you keep the carb count down, however there comes a point when calories do matter. So if you're losing weight, don't worry about the calories. If you aren't losing, it's time for a reality check to see if that's the problem.
When I did my own reality check I discovered I was consuming more than 2300 calories per day, much of the extra coming from cheese and artificially-sweetened foods. I had let the amounts slowly creep up over time to the point I had put myself on maintenance rather than ongoing weight loss. I did a Whole30, switched to paleo, and the scale is now moving down again.0 -
I pretty much eat Paleo, that is low carb high fat, moderate protein and I been intermittent fasting for about 3 weeks now. I simply have a 24 hour period when I don't eat. Typically this is between 19:00 Friday night to 19:00 Saturday night. This day works for me as I'm not usually doing all that much activity during Saturday.
When I say Paleo it more Paleo with my own take on it. I eat mainly meat,fish, eggs and plenty of veg, I limit fruit but still eat it, I DO eat high fat dairy such as full fat yogurt butter cream, I eat nuts and berries.
I have not counted calories in a while now but did when first changing to this way of eating to get a feel for quantities. I find this way of eating the easiest most sustainable way of eating for me and it has produced the best resultsof my life. I'm leaner and stronger than I ever have been and my lifts are increasing each week using a HIT appraoch. I don't get energy peaks and troughs but feel energised all day. It feels the last few months as if I've actually found the holy grail (for me)
For me counting calories was far too tedius and not sustainable but I understand others can maintain this long term. I also feel fuller eating the food I do now and I honestly never feel hungry.
There is much research suggesting that the body produces increased HGH and other repairing hormones during the fast and of course you are decreasing insulin.
I simply cut out every piece of crap out of my diet in addition to grains. It gave me a headache for the first couple of days then I felt great from then on, never looked back really.
I did also come from the belief that you need to eat 6 meals evenly spaced throughout the day, I trained 4 days a week and ate moderate carbs and counted calories. The method I use now is far more fun, takes less time in the gym and no counting of calroies. I will of course have the odd blow out but never get a 'craving' for carbs.
Pretty sure I dip in and out of Ketosis, but as an estimate I eat between 20g and 120g of carbs a day.
Obviously lots of methods work and (again) each to their own but its just finding a mothod that works for you ultimately.0 -
I did Atkiins for nearly two years and lost over 50 lbs. before going on a long weight-loss stall. They say do not count calories, count carbs unless you are not losing weight, and then do a reality check on the amount of calories you eat in a day. For example, butter has zero carbs but no reasonable person would think they could eat a pound of butter a day and still lose weight. If you are following a reasonable low-carb diet then you should lose weight as long as you keep the carb count down, however there comes a point when calories do matter. So if you're losing weight, don't worry about the calories. If you aren't losing, it's time for a reality check to see if that's the problem.
When I did my own reality check I discovered I was consuming more than 2300 calories per day, much of the extra coming from cheese and artificially-sweetened foods. I had let the amounts slowly creep up over time to the point I had put myself on maintenance rather than ongoing weight loss. I did a Whole30, switched to paleo, and the scale is now moving down again.
There's a big difference between 'you shouldn't need to count calories unless you're having an issue' and 'DON'T count calories' was the point I was trying to make.0 -
^^How is your performance in the gym without going over 120 grams of carbs?
I low carb at times, but always carb back up.
I did have to LOL at "I cut out every piece of crap out of my diet including grains" but I see you drinking a pint.0 -
If your'e not counting calories, why are you on this website? For the amazing forum posts?
Amazingly stupid posts maybe.
Some people are on here to keep track of what they eat generally, not just the overly simplistic idea of calorie balance.
IF has some grounding in science and allowing the body to 'recharge and repair' but for women it has some downsides which I have linked to before but am too far into the red wine to find now
Stefani Ruper is worth a search on the subject.0 -
^^How is your performance in the gym without going over 120 grams of carbs?
I low carb at times, but always carb back up.
I did have to LOL at "I cut out every piece of crap out of my diet including grains" but I see you drinking a pint.
LOL- Yeah it is funny. I didn't say I never enjoy myself . That pic was taken a while back but having a binge session with my friends every few months is part of my lifestyle being maintainable, once its done though 'm back on it
As for carbs and workouts- Now my body has adjusted to feeling energised all the time I don't get a lul in energy without carbs. I'm seeing my lifts increase weekly and have honestly not seen a difference regression in strength or energy in the gym since cutting them. I'm now near my strongest I've been and I'm about 80kg and 12% BF. Dealifting 150kg for reps,benching 80kg for reps and squating 130kg for reps. Which I think isn't too bad for a skinny guy.
Its working for me and I don't plan on changing it any time soon, like I said I've done many methods over the years but the combo I have currently is working great.0 -
I have now been told by a fellow Paleo-ist, that I should NOT COUNT CALORIES....only CARBS even with weightloss goals.
Terrible advice.
Fat and protein still have calories and if you eat too many total calories you will not lose weight. Regardless of how many carbs you eat.
Truth!~
My mom tried the Atkins for a while. She went on and on about not eating bread, then I watched her scarf down an entire slab of ribs. True story.
Calories matter.0 -
If your'e not counting calories, why are you on this website? For the amazing forum posts?
NEED I say more? lol!0 -
2) IF is the new craze. Anyone suggesting it as mandatory or even desirable for fat loss without considering your preferences is basically clueless. Dietary adherence will trump any meal frequency protocol and it should always be your top priority to structure your intake timing on preference, gym performance, and obviously any medical need. If you get to the point that you're eating or not eating because "it's not 4pm yet", I firmly believe you're doing it wrong.
Now that being said, my eating style most closely resembles a 16/8 IF, because it is my preference.
I am on Paleo/low carb cause my mother is a diabetic on dialysis and I couldnt lose weight even while on low calorie diets. Cutting out carbs was the ONLY thing that worked. Now I dont feel so lethargic, or have stomach issues with eating etc.
You mentioned 16/8 IF. Could you expound? I used the example of 4pm is almost a whole day....which I would try to do every other day or so.
I admit I could be doing it all wrong...and am here for help and comments:-)0
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