Paleo vs. Dukan vs. Low Carb

Good Afternoon,

Anyone that's come a long way, I'm curious what your thoughts are. I need a total overhaul for 2013. I lost 40 pounds in 2012, the healthy way, then gained 65 back. I deserve better than this, my sweet husband deserves a hot wife, and I basically am tired of feeling like crap. I know how to gain and lose weight pretty well, but want to try something different so I can break this cycle.

Have any of you tried the Paleo, Dukan, or an overall basic Low Carb Diet? I'm doing some research between the three, but wanted some feedback if anyone has actually done them and had success with them.

Let me know! Interested in your feedback.

I wish you all the HAPPIEST New Year! :)

Kymberly

Replies

  • pkw58
    pkw58 Posts: 2,038 Member
    A year ago today, i started the Dukan diet...indid the on line coaching. It was extremely easy for me to follow. I lost 45 pounds (which was 10 pounds more than dukan calculated) and have maintained for 2 months now. The dukan diet also includes uping your activity .. We have a group here on mfp. The dukan diet says you dont have to count calories but i did and still do. Highky recommend the book and on line coaching
  • KateRepine
    KateRepine Posts: 60 Member
    Doing the Paleo diet right now, it's working great, lost 4 pounds this week. Also, not as hungry! This is a first for me :)
  • Thank you SO very much! I saw a couple things online and read a little about the online coaching option. I was considering getting the book, as I didn't see the FULL plan laid out online, just bits and pieces here and there. It sounds REALLY smart, which is what I want. I'm looking for more of a lifestyle change, and a new way of eating, rather than just a short term fad. Thanks for your input! Definitely going to look into it. :wink:
  • PaleoPath4Lyfe
    PaleoPath4Lyfe Posts: 3,161 Member
    Good Afternoon,

    Anyone that's come a long way, I'm curious what your thoughts are. I need a total overhaul for 2013. I lost 40 pounds in 2012, the healthy way, then gained 65 back. I deserve better than this, my sweet husband deserves a hot wife, and I basically am tired of feeling like crap. I know how to gain and lose weight pretty well, but want to try something different so I can break this cycle.

    Have any of you tried the Paleo, Dukan, or an overall basic Low Carb Diet? I'm doing some research between the three, but wanted some feedback if anyone has actually done them and had success with them.

    Let me know! Interested in your feedback.

    I wish you all the HAPPIEST New Year! :)

    Kymberly

    I live the Paleo / Primal lifestyle. I was on the Atkins lifestyle for years, lost 100 pounds..........got in a really bad car accident and gained about 45 pounds back. I switched to the paleo lifestyle to clean up my way of eating because eating whole foods makes me feel better and makes me a healthier person.

    I suffer from depression, so there is no way I could adhere to the Dukan plan due to the low fat. Higher fat intake alleviates most of the depression symptoms.
  • Eat2Live2Run
    Eat2Live2Run Posts: 137 Member
    I would encourage you to read the book It Starts with Food.
  • I started experimenting with the paleo way of life nearly a year ago. It has made a big difference in my life, not just the obvious weight loss and looking leaner, but it helped me with digestions issues, moods, and also not feeling like i had inflamation. I always felt "puffy" until eating paleo. It does require a lot of prep work. But it SO worth it!! The meals will surprise you with how fresh and tasty they are. I love the using the cookbooks i downloaded on my ipad, i have a very handy tool with me in the kitchen now and it also travels with me easily. Just my prespective......but i do believe it has made a huge difference in overall feeling well.
  • Amcolecchi
    Amcolecchi Posts: 260 Member
    I am interested in the Paleo diet too but I am not sure what it all entails. Is there a group on here or a website that says what it's all about?
  • zaph0d
    zaph0d Posts: 1,172 Member
    Skip the dorky diets and just learn how to eat right.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    The method is FAR less important than the commitment you make to it. Find something you can stick with long term and do it. A program, regardless of how "good" it is only works if you can stick to it.
  • Tilran
    Tilran Posts: 627 Member
    Good Afternoon,

    Anyone that's come a long way, I'm curious what your thoughts are. I need a total overhaul for 2013. I lost 40 pounds in 2012, the healthy way, then gained 65 back. I deserve better than this, my sweet husband deserves a hot wife, and I basically am tired of feeling like crap. I know how to gain and lose weight pretty well, but want to try something different so I can break this cycle.

    Have any of you tried the Paleo, Dukan, or an overall basic Low Carb Diet? I'm doing some research between the three, but wanted some feedback if anyone has actually done them and had success with them.

    Let me know! Interested in your feedback.

    I wish you all the HAPPIEST New Year! :)

    Kymberly

    You mention you know how to lose/gain weight, yet you droped 40 pounds then gained 65...sounds more like a yo-yo diet to me. Maybe you should tell us how you lost the 40 in the first place...what you did, how long it took you and why you gained the 65 pounds back.

    Doing it "correctly" is staying in a slight defecit and aiming for an average of 1 pound a week loss. If you want 65 pounds gone, you should make your goal 65 weeks from now. You may see some faster movement at first, but it should average out in the end to about 65 weeks as the weight loss slows.

    Anyway, I had to say something because it sounds like you THINK you know what you are doing, but then coming here asking for help because it isn't working.

    Wish you the best.
  • DrBorkBork
    DrBorkBork Posts: 4,099 Member
    Paleo is NOT low carb. It can be, by all means, but you can still have carbs in the form of fruit & veggies. I think the confusion comes in because it tends to be lower carb than other ways of eating, because you eliminate processed foods (bread, pasta, etc)
  • _VoV
    _VoV Posts: 1,494 Member
    I've tried a lot of diets, but by far, I've enjoyed the freedom MFP gives me. I try to eat at at a deficit, try to eat lots of things I know are good for me--fruits and veggies, for instance, and save myself $30 by not buying the latest diet book.

    Edit: corrected for syntax error.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    All methods require a prolonged caloric deficit. Every diet that has you losing weight, does it by this mechanism regardless of macronutrient ratios.

    This isn't to say that method isn't important, but instead of looking for "a new diet" I would suggest you look at reasons why you gained the weight back.
  • chobbler
    chobbler Posts: 14 Member
    I'm now living a Paleo lifestyle. I went from 210lbs to 190lbs without even thinking about it. I feel Mentally and physically the best I've ever felt.

    It's more than a 'diet' in my opinion and it just seems to benefit your whole body overall.
  • nancycaregiver
    nancycaregiver Posts: 812 Member
    I do low carb and it is working for me. I have yoyo dieted for years. I finally came to the truth that you can not just diet till you get to goal then stop. Especially with the low carb! So I know that I will have to do this the rest of my life. But I feel so good, that I know I can do this for the rest of my life!
    But as jacksonpt said, you have to be in the right frame of mind and find something doable for you!
    Good luck!

    Edited to add:
    I've lost 65 pounds so far since February.
  • iorahkwano
    iorahkwano Posts: 709 Member
    Everyone's body, tastes or physical activity level is different so different ways of eating are good for different people.I prefer low-carb and by low-carb, I just mean that I cut out bread, cereal, pasta, rice, etc. I still eat fruit, veggies & one slice of whole wheat toast a day.

    I find I'm easily addicted to carbs and when I do eat them, I end up craving more and more until I've eaten 4 slices of brown bread & 3 bowls of all-bran cereal (In addition to other things). It ups my calories like nuts! And it slso causes me to crave sugar (Jam, nutella, maple syrup, chocolate, sugary frozen yogurt, etc). When I don't eat grains, I feel better. Less bloated, less tired and no grains forces me to fill up on fruit or veggies. Once I do eat those grains again, I pack on belly fat!

    That's just me, though! Some people can eat grains like perfectly normal beings amd not carb-addicts lol
  • AllTehBeers
    AllTehBeers Posts: 5,030 Member
    You mention you know how to lose/gain weight, yet you droped 40 pounds then gained 65...sounds more like a yo-yo diet to me. Maybe you should tell us how you lost the 40 in the first place...what you did, how long it took you and why you gained the 65 pounds back.

    Doing it "correctly" is staying in a slight defecit and aiming for an average of 1 pound a week loss. If you want 65 pounds gone, you should make your goal 65 weeks from now. You may see some faster movement at first, but it should average out in the end to about 65 weeks as the weight loss slows.

    Anyway, I had to say something because it sounds like you THINK you know what you are doing, but then coming here asking for help because it isn't working.

    Wish you the best.

    This. It seems that you haven't found something that you can do long term. If you just follow Atkins or go paleo, what happens when you just want a cheeseburger and fries? Or some pizza? Or there's a dinner party? Or your kids want McDonalds?

    A "diet" isn't going to help anything if you don't find a way to incorporate everyday life into losing weight and getting healthier.
  • WhoTheHellIsBen
    WhoTheHellIsBen Posts: 1,238 Member
    the difference is, one is dumb, one is stupid, and one is useless, in no particular order. None of these are long term sustainable plans, they are goofy fly by night gimmicks designed for people looking for the fast way out. If you truly want to lose weight and keep it off you need to re educate yourself on eating. Portion control, what's good, what's bad, calories in vs calories out will all help you here as well as a sensible exercise program. There's a reason why Diet and exercise hasn't been dis proven in the last 80 odd years, because it actually works. Also remember, you didn't put it on over night so you wont take it off overnight either
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    You mention you know how to lose/gain weight, yet you droped 40 pounds then gained 65...sounds more like a yo-yo diet to me. Maybe you should tell us how you lost the 40 in the first place...what you did, how long it took you and why you gained the 65 pounds back.

    Doing it "correctly" is staying in a slight defecit and aiming for an average of 1 pound a week loss. If you want 65 pounds gone, you should make your goal 65 weeks from now. You may see some faster movement at first, but it should average out in the end to about 65 weeks as the weight loss slows.

    Anyway, I had to say something because it sounds like you THINK you know what you are doing, but then coming here asking for help because it isn't working.

    Wish you the best.

    This. It seems that you haven't found something that you can do long term. If you just follow Atkins or go paleo, what happens when you just want a cheeseburger and fries? Or some pizza? Or there's a dinner party? Or your kids want McDonalds?

    A "diet" isn't going to help anything if you don't find a way to incorporate everyday life into losing weight and getting healthier.

    Agree 100%...if you don't make it a lifestyle, you will always yo-yo, so you have to pick something that you can stick with long term for sustained success. For me, all of those things are way too restrictive. I've simply chosen to make healthier eating choices most of the time, but I don't restrict myself from certain foods entirely. I eat at a deficit and I'm losing weight. This will be sustainable for me going forward because I've learned how to make healthier choices and portion control...when I go to maintenance, I will simply take these same eating habit and eat to maintenance.

    Everyone I know who's had success long term has made whatever they are doing a lifestyle...not something to be started and then stopped at some point.
  • Acg67
    Acg67 Posts: 12,142 Member
    Paleo is NOT low carb. It can be, by all means, but you can still have carbs in the form of fruit & veggies. I think the confusion comes in because it tends to be lower carb than other ways of eating, because you eliminate processed foods (bread, pasta, etc)

    Except if the processed food happens to be something they want to consume like oils, butter, protein powder and numerous other things that are processed but paleo approved
  • Thesoundofwolf
    Thesoundofwolf Posts: 378 Member
    Unless you got special dietary needs, these planned out diets are all the same- intense thought processes on food. And generally expensive. But they do one thing I agree, and is good for you- they make you think about your food.

    My two cents is to eat smart, and be conscious of whats in your food, less about a set diet. It works for people, yes, but if you really don't know out of choices- then maybe it's not over all a good idea.

    A lot of them have really hard rules. And make it awkward being with family/friends/social gathers. Like the vegans preaching about blood mouths at a BBQ.

    Just by watching what you eat, and knowing/learning your food better, is weight loss if you stick to it. It's all about -sticking to it- however in the long run.
  • Thank you all so very much!! I truly appreciate everyones responses and help. I know that I have to find a way to live and maintain, that's why I'm asking about this. Low Carb, Paleo, and Dukan are all ways of life, from what I've read anyway. I don't want another DIET. I by no means think I have mastered this, otherwise I wouldn't be wanting to lose 100 pounds. I wouldn't be on this site! I'm QUEEN of Yo-Yo Dieting. Period. I have done it my whole life. I work out, eat right, lose it, then slowly start introducing the crap back into my life, slowly cut back my gym time, and before I know it, I'm the chubby girl again. I know me, I know I have NO self control when it comes to carbs. I lost the 40 pounds in two months from eating things I like, staying under a specific calorie goal, and exercising daily for 45 minutes to an hour 5-6 days a week. It was simple and easy, but I got bored with the elliptical and treadmill, dealt with a major death in the family, and never got back to it. All are excuses, I'm aware of it. I'm just the girl that needs a controlled environment and packaged or pre-portioned food, or else I'll overeat because my willpower is lacking. HUGE!

    The reason I'm wanting to consider this lifestyle change with the Dukan or Paleo, is because it makes sense to me and seems like it would be an easy transition, having this group of foods to eat from, and overall being able to get healthy, and MAINTAIN a healthy lifestyle going forward. I am done with the yo-yoing or extreme exercising, just to lose it quick and gain it right back. Please don't think I'm looking for a quick fix! I just know there are a lot of people on here with a lot of experience, history, and I value the input. :)
  • jenniferadouglas
    jenniferadouglas Posts: 8 Member
    I eat low carb (around 40 a day) and it is extremely easy for me. I like doing low carb because I never have to think about what I eat and I can essentially go to any restaurant and find something I want! I also feel way better when I eat more protein and fat. The one treat I love are the Udo's brand chocolate squares. I will eat one or two of those little squares a day and I love them. They are a healthy fat mixed with chocolate. Yummy :) I highly recommend a good powder or liquid multi vitamin. My favorite liquid multi is Multi Muscle. I know they say it is for athletes but it has a lot of great vitamins and gives me extra energy. I also like the Barlean's Greens Supplements (chocolate and berry flavors). I also recommend a healthy fat supplement like Udo's oil if you're doing low carb. If you want help with low carb, private message me and I can send you some more information!
  • Thank you! I'll definitely keep that in mind and keep my eyes peeled.
  • Firefox7275
    Firefox7275 Posts: 2,040 Member
    Good Afternoon,

    Anyone that's come a long way, I'm curious what your thoughts are. I need a total overhaul for 2013. I lost 40 pounds in 2012, the healthy way, then gained 65 back. I deserve better than this, my sweet husband deserves a hot wife, and I basically am tired of feeling like crap. I know how to gain and lose weight pretty well, but want to try something different so I can break this cycle.

    In one year that is a fast loss and fast gain, are you really doing this the healthy way or setting up unsustainable habits? That equates to two pounds a week loss for twenty weeks then two pounds a week gain for the other thirty two weeks. Maybe aim to lose just one pound a week and don't deprive yourself?

    ETA you lost 40 pounds in just eight weeks? That is too fast to only be fat loss, it's over four pounds a week! Your exercise routine sounded boring, try high intensity interval training and weights, gym classes like BodyPump, Spinning and Boxercise. Mix it up, make it hard, set yourself a challenge like running a 5K for charity. Get your husband on your team. Less quantity more quality of exercise.
  • iampanda
    iampanda Posts: 176 Member
    The method is FAR less important than the commitment you make to it. Find something you can stick with long term and do it. A program, regardless of how "good" it is only works if you can stick to it.

    I agree with this ^^^ It doesn't matter what program you chose- its not going to work and stay off if you aren't willing to stick with it long-term. People tend to forget that what you do to take the weight off, you need to continue to keep it off. Good luck!
  • Modern_athena
    Modern_athena Posts: 81 Member
    I'm following the paleo diet (except I eat diary products because I love them :P). Paleo is the best you can do. You'd have to give up legumes,grains, wheat and sugar for good though. It requires you eat moderate amount of fats and proteins. It's also one of the easiest diets; you don't have to follow weekly phases. But your body might go into a detoxification period where it learns to use fat instead of carbohydrates as a source of energy. After that, you'll lose weight, feel less hungry and have fewer cravings for sugar.
    Keep in mind that when going paleo, it's all about being natural. No synthesized products, sweeteners and so on and you only eat when you're hungry; onetime I went a whole day without food because I just wasn't hungry.

    But I agree with the others, if you can't follow this diet; then try another one. Any low carb diet should be fine.
  • mmapags
    mmapags Posts: 8,934 Member
    The real issue is not which diet plan will work or not work. the question that you have to answer for yourself is why, after losing weight and getting more healthy, do you go back to bad eating habits and why do you not catch it along the way. I mean it is gaining back that amount of weight doesn't just sneak up on you.

    You likely could benefit from some counseling about the issues around your relationship with food and a program designed by a registered dietician with your docTor's supervision. I just don't see going to a new diet plan as being a long term answer. Any of these diets will work or not work. A nutrient dense whole food diet with a reasonable calorie deficit will work or not work. The variable in the equation is YOU! I know what I'm recommending is expensive and time consuming but why would it be any different this time? And what is your health worth to you?
  • Hello, I did "Tony Ferguson" here in Australia which follows the same principle's of Atkins no carb, I lost 45kgs and kept it off without effort for 3yrs, I gained alot back when I went on a medication so am now back doing the low carb thing,. I personally find I feel great having less carbs, I feel less bloated/sluggish and lighter and it definetly works so I recommend it. Good luck! xxx
  • Oh and I mean't to say also, I slowly started reintroducing carbs and still managed to keeo the weight off, I just never went back to having carbs everyday for lunch and dinner which is what I had previously done., I also found after the first month of no carbs, no sugar etc, if I did try to eat something with carbs or sweet, I know longer enjoyed it. The sweet things tasted far too sickly and I didnt like the way carbs left my stomach feeling bloated so realised I was better off without them.