Paleo diet, crazy or worth it?

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Replies

  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    I am not sure if the above study is the same one, but it basically makes the same point. What I was remembering was cited in NROLFW, so I will look at the book again to get the citation. It might be the same one, but I didn't file away the citation in my brain.

    Most of the studies or meta-analysis of studies show that exercise is the biggest factor in maintain muscle while losing weight. Protein will likely help, but I don't beleive it is the key. Eating high protein without exercise probably won't make a whole lot of difference in muscle loss during weight loss.

    Edited after reading further

    That makes sense as well. For myself, I am making sure I do both to have my bases covered. :smile:
  • castlerobber
    castlerobber Posts: 528 Member
    Atkins doesn't really care what you eat, and Atkins company is happy to sell you processed frankenfood. I did Atkins 10 years ago. When I started, I bought all the stupid Atkins products.. bars, that awful pancake syrup, ate Slim Jims... Blech.

    Unfortunately true. The original (1972) Atkins diet didn't allow all the processed junk, IIRC. That came along later. It changed even more after Dr. Atkins died. The "Atkins" diet now, as according to the latest book, looks more like the South Beach diet to me.
  • castlerobber
    castlerobber Posts: 528 Member
    That's not actually true. My mom did Adkins and she was not allowed to eat carbs. It is a keto diet, just like paleo and South Beach. She would eat a slab of ribs, but then said she couldn't have even one slice of bread to go with it. She even had to limit her fruit intake on that one.

    Atkins does start as a ketogenic diet, but isn't intended to stay at <= 20g carbs forever. There's a very detailed "carb ladder" of what order to add carbs back in, how much, and when. Higher-carb fruits, starchy vegetables and whole grains are the last to be added, and only once the person has reached their goal weight. Some Atkins-type dieters choose to stay in the initial phase longer.
  • bostonwolf
    bostonwolf Posts: 3,038 Member
    I do Primal/Slow Carb and will agree with the posters above in that you need to be very careful to insure you eat enough calories. Ferriss actually specifically says you need to be eating beans for the caloric load.

    Do that and add some healthy fats and it's a great way to eat that is easy to stick to.
  • sweetalker
    sweetalker Posts: 43 Member
    Any diet that tells you to completely avoid certain foods is ridiculous. That's according to my doctor, and IMHO. Your body is an amazing machine, it will tell you what it needs and what is best for it.
  • zeebruhgirl
    zeebruhgirl Posts: 493 Member
    Worth it, 62 days and 15.5 pounds and I've NEVER felt better. After 30 days I started expanding on foods to allow primal, but it's so great.
  • jasharp021
    jasharp021 Posts: 54 Member
    Ive briefly read a few comments... to start.. watching/changing what you eat to be healthier isn't a diet.. it's a lifestyle change. making the choice to eat less processed foods.. is a change and a change for the better. the golden rule is 80/20.. If you can eat paleo-like for 80% of the time.. you will feel great, see changes in energy, etc. The 20% is for days/times when you want to have a few drinks, special occasions, can't be paleo.

    I've always been a healthy eater.. when I switched to paleo I didn't lose weight but LOST INCHES. In 30 days, I lost a total of 4 inches (I also was active - running, crossfit). I've felt better and notice how bad I feel when I eat processed foods. There are some days where I want an ice cream or xyz and I will have some (some being the key word).

    You are eating veggies, protein, fruit and nuts (watch intake for fruit/nuts if you want to loose weight). Seems a heck of a lot better than frozen meals & preservatives. It is time consuming.. so be prepared. You have to rely on making meals and having left overs. Grocery shopping will change since the items aren't going to last you weeks (aka bread, pasta, rice, etc).
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    Ive briefly read a few comments... to start.. watching/changing what you eat to be healthier isn't a diet.. it's a lifestyle change. making the choice to eat less processed foods.. is a change and a change for the better. the golden rule is 80/20.. If you can eat paleo-like for 80% of the time.. you will feel great, see changes in energy, etc. The 20% is for days/times when you want to have a few drinks, special occasions, can't be paleo.

    I've always been a healthy eater.. when I switched to paleo I didn't lose weight but LOST INCHES. In 30 days, I lost a total of 4 inches (I also was active - running, crossfit). I've felt better and notice how bad I feel when I eat processed foods. There are some days where I want an ice cream or xyz and I will have some (some being the key word).

    You are eating veggies, protein, fruit and nuts (watch intake for fruit/nuts if you want to loose weight). Seems a heck of a lot better than frozen meals & preservatives. It is time consuming.. so be prepared. You have to rely on making meals and having left overs. Grocery shopping will change since the items aren't going to last you weeks (aka bread, pasta, rice, etc).

    I think you are on the right track with your diet. And that's what it is, whether you choose to call it that or not. Watching/changing what you eat to be healthier absolutely is a diet, whether it changes or lifestyle or not.

    You don't have to follow a Paleo diet ever to give up frozen meals, preservatives or other processed foods. And you don't have to follow a Paleo diet to prepare healthy meals at home. Lots of people do that while still eating pasta, legumes and whole grains.

    While it may well be healthy, I wouldn't consider someone that follows a Paleo diet 80% of the time to be "following" it all. Though I do wonder if there is anyone that is able to follow it 100% of the time. in nearly every paleo thread I've seen even the most die hard Paleo pushers will sooner or later admit to eating grains on occasion. Most will say this is because grains are evil and make our body crave them. But I must wonder if it's because our bodies function better with them. I eat whole grains in some form nearly every day and never crave them. Perhaps that's because my body is already getting what it needs.
  • caribougal
    caribougal Posts: 865 Member
    Any diet that tells you to completely avoid certain foods is ridiculous. That's according to my doctor, and IMHO. Your body is an amazing machine, it will tell you what it needs and what is best for it.

    My body told me it really wanted bagels every morning. And candy after lunch. And ice cream after dinner. It told me I wanted to snack all day long. If there is sugar in my diet, I don't trust a damned thing my body tells me.

    Now that I have eliminated foods with added sugars most of the time, I trust my body more. Except for coffee. It tells me I really need coffee.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    That's not actually true. My mom did Adkins and she was not allowed to eat carbs. It is a keto diet, just like paleo and South Beach. She would eat a slab of ribs, but then said she couldn't have even one slice of bread to go with it. She even had to limit her fruit intake on that one.

    Atkins does start as a ketogenic diet, but isn't intended to stay at <= 20g carbs forever. There's a very detailed "carb ladder" of what order to add carbs back in, how much, and when. Higher-carb fruits, starchy vegetables and whole grains are the last to be added, and only once the person has reached their goal weight. Some Atkins-type dieters choose to stay in the initial phase longer.

    I don't remember how long she did it, but long enough to annoy the hell out of me. She was still over-eating by any standard and thought it was ok because "the book says" just don't eat carbs and you'll lose. (My mom has tried just about every diet there is, other than moderation.)
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Any diet that tells you to completely avoid certain foods is ridiculous. That's according to my doctor, and IMHO. Your body is an amazing machine, it will tell you what it needs and what is best for it.

    My body told me it really wanted bagels every morning. And candy after lunch. And ice cream after dinner. It told me I wanted to snack all day long. If there is sugar in my diet, I don't trust a damned thing my body tells me.

    Now that I have eliminated foods with added sugars most of the time, I trust my body more. Except for coffee. It tells me I really need coffee.

    I agree that sometimes our bodies are pretty retarded! :laugh:
  • Septlondon
    Septlondon Posts: 45 Member
    I have lost 35lb (started before joining MFP), feel fantastic, lots of energy, off asthma medication, no more pain in joints, no more gastric reflux, much more positive outlook on life. The lifestyle seems to suit my body, I am very greatful. The freedom from constant hunger is a gift.
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    I think anything is "crazy" that you can't maintain.
  • vabchloser
    vabchloser Posts: 223 Member
    I always thought the "eat what the caveman eats" diet was dumb since their life expectancy was like 25-30 years. That's just my personal opinion. I'm not judging anyone's diet.
  • Zeromilediet
    Zeromilediet Posts: 787 Member
    I always thought the "eat what the caveman eats" diet was dumb since their life expectancy was like 25-30 years. That's just my personal opinion. I'm not judging anyone's diet.

    You think cavemen died young because of what they ate? Seriously?

    I'd think other factors like no healthcare plan, primitive neonatal care, central heating, grocery store on every corner, no predators when you go out to get something to eat ... maybe things like that might have an impact?
  • picklestew
    picklestew Posts: 1
    agree with Zeromile. What is interesting are the studies looking at modern day hunter/gatherer groups of people who basically eat paleo. You don't see much heart disease, diabetes or autoimmune diseases. Check out writings/blogs by Gary Taubes or Robb Wolf for some interesting insight into the science behind it all.
  • emtjmac
    emtjmac Posts: 1,320 Member
    Grains are awesome. I love grains. I will never stop eating grains and they are good for me and everyone should eat them unless they have some sort of allergy to them. Eliminating them is a bad choice.
  • amy1612
    amy1612 Posts: 1,356 Member
    Grains are awesome. I love grains. I will never stop eating grains and they are good for me and everyone should eat them unless they have some sort of allergy to them. Eliminating them is a bad choice.

    *insert Bane from Batman voice here*

    For you
  • sweetalker
    sweetalker Posts: 43 Member
    Any diet that tells you to completely avoid certain foods is ridiculous. That's according to my doctor, and IMHO. Your body is an amazing machine, it will tell you what it needs and what is best for it.

    My body told me it really wanted bagels every morning. And candy after lunch. And ice cream after dinner. It told me I wanted to snack all day long. If there is sugar in my diet, I don't trust a damned thing my body tells me.

    Nooo, your body said it was *hungry*, and needed nutrients and fiber, and you *chose* to feed it bagels and candy and ice cream and processed sugar. It told you to "snack all day long" because it was STILL hungry, because it still hadn't gotten those nice nutrients and fiber it asked for before. And after all this crappy eating I'll bet it told you "I don't like this kind of food you're feeding me" by giving you stomachaches, and headaches, and making you feel tired all day. Am I right?
  • vabchloser
    vabchloser Posts: 223 Member
    I always thought the "eat what the caveman eats" diet was dumb since their life expectancy was like 25-30 years. That's just my personal opinion. I'm not judging anyone's diet.

    You think cavemen died young because of what they ate? Seriously?

    I'd think other factors like no healthcare plan, primitive neonatal care, central heating, grocery store on every corner, no predators when you go out to get something to eat ... maybe things like that might have an impact?
    Perhaps, but that is why I stated it was just my personal opinion. Nothing to get upset about.
  • caribougal
    caribougal Posts: 865 Member
    Any diet that tells you to completely avoid certain foods is ridiculous. That's according to my doctor, and IMHO. Your body is an amazing machine, it will tell you what it needs and what is best for it.

    My body told me it really wanted bagels every morning. And candy after lunch. And ice cream after dinner. It told me I wanted to snack all day long. If there is sugar in my diet, I don't trust a damned thing my body tells me.

    Nooo, your body said it was *hungry*, and needed nutrients and fiber, and you *chose* to feed it bagels and candy and ice cream and processed sugar. It told you to "snack all day long" because it was STILL hungry, because it still hadn't gotten those nice nutrients and fiber it asked for before. And after all this crappy eating I'll bet it told you "I don't like this kind of food you're feeding me" by giving you stomachaches, and headaches, and making you feel tired all day. Am I right?

    Actually, I disagree. I very rarely was truly hungry as in growling stomach hungry. I often felt like I wanted to eat though. And I would get shaky if more than a couple of hours went by in between meals. I associated Low blood sugar with hunger. But it wasn't hunger -it was my pancreas going crazy in all its pre-diabetic glory asking for more carbs. I did eat veggies, fruit, and protein too, but way more carbs than anything else. Once I went Paleo, I replaced those low-nutrient carbs with high-nutrient veggies, and my sugar cravings disappeared and so did my sugar shakes and obsessing over meals. Now I can go for hours fueled by good food. I can get hungry without getting hypoglycemic. It's an awesome change.
  • mensasu
    mensasu Posts: 355 Member
    Now I can go for hours fueled by good food. I can get hungry without getting hypoglycemic. It's an awesome change.

    That has also been one of the best changes for me and my husband. He would have terrible hypoglycemic attacks and always carried an energy bar just in case. Now he can also go hours and has not had any attacks. In addition we have found that our arthritis and other body pains have pretty much disappeared. For us, we had had earlier allergy tests that showed we were sensitive to a variety of grains but had never had the determination to go grain free until 6 months ago. We had long given up artificial sweeteners and once you give up the commercially prepared foods which have hidden grains you pretty much are also giving up sugar. We have both lost a lot of weight easily with just walking as our exercise. This "paleo/primal" tag is misleading. Going grain/sugar free has been around for many years under many tags. Just google William Banting Letter on Corpulence from 1864. Although I often see "you are not a snowflake" posted on these topics I do believe that different things work for different people. So for us, Paleo (actually primal cause we do dairy) is worth it for us.

    I should mention that we have tried many other diets in the past including "high protein", "the zone" and "the just cut out the junk food" but we have never been able to stick with them for long. The cravings were so bad. This time round - no cravings - and we have made the mental decision that this is now our way of life not just a diet so that may also have a lot to do with our success.
  • Akimajuktuq
    Akimajuktuq Posts: 3,037 Member
    I always thought the "eat what the caveman eats" diet was dumb since their life expectancy was like 25-30 years. That's just my personal opinion. I'm not judging anyone's diet.

    So, you've leapt to the conclusion that early demise equals poor nutrition??? Yeah, that's a common fallacy. Doing some research on anthropological archaeology would help you clear up a few things. They didn't all die young, but those that did, died in accidents (hunting is dangerous!) and from starvation (food scarcity NOT poor nutrition). Lots of research out there to check out. Paleolithic people were also, on average, many inches taller than Neolithic people, and without the diseases of the Neolithics as well.

    I also think it's dumb that people are taking the "eat like a caveman" thing literally. It's just a quick and fun way to refer to eating minimally processed, natural foods. Just like how I tell my child that we "eat like a dinosaur". Well, no we don't!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I always thought the "eat what the caveman eats" diet was dumb since their life expectancy was like 25-30 years. That's just my personal opinion. I'm not judging anyone's diet.

    You think cavemen died young because of what they ate? Seriously?

    I'd think other factors like no healthcare plan, primitive neonatal care, central heating, grocery store on every corner, no predators when you go out to get something to eat ... maybe things like that might have an impact?

    Certainly some deaths were diet related. Cavemen would certainly not have a consistent or always healthy diet. Unlike us, they did not have easy access to food 24/7 365 days a year. They ate what they could get, when they could get it. None of us would really want to eat like they did.

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