Paleo people...

I didn't really have digestive issues, but I had already cut out gluten years earlier, so it wasn't as huge of a leap for me. Although you're right... the high fat thing did make the bathroom a little... different. The nice thing with paleo is that it's generally recommended to do it 80/20--so you can have other things as long as your system can tolerate it.

Last year I did something called Whole30, and I'm doing it again now. It's basically SUPER STRICT paleo for 30 days, and this is what you can expect: http://whole9life.com/2013/01/whole30-timeline/ The first week is rough, more emotionally than digestively. They recommend you do NOT count cals, and give general portion sizes. It's as much about changing your emotional relationship with food as it is about healing your body. I can honestly tell you it's one of the best things I've ever done for myself (even though it was hard). I never felt better, and I was never less bloated! After being bloated and constipated pretty much every single day for my whole life, that was revolutionary. And I had crazy caffeine-like energy without needing caffeine (although I still had daily coffee because I like it). PM me if you have any questions! :bigsmile:

If you're worried about digestion and headaches and such, you could always ease into it. The body gets pissed at major sudden changes, not gradual ones. So you could cut grains a little each day, or something. I believe the headaches and other stuff is because the body has to learn to use protein and fat for energy instead of easy carbs that it's used to, which takes time. Not that you can't eat carbs--you totally can, just not grainy ones.

This thread should be fun in no time at all.

Did you have digestive issues going from “normal” healthy eating to paleo style? I would think it would be a shock to the system going from a low fat to high fat diet.

I personally did not experience any digestive issues. However headaches, fatigue, and general grumpiness for the first week or two are all common in response to lowering carbs/sugars. My best advice is to be sure you're eating enough cals and fat for those initial 10 days. People often haven't figured out how to sufficiently replace the calories from carbs with cals from protein and fat, and end up under eating and feeling awful. I know I did for the first 10 days. Many people bail during this initial "carb flu" period. You'll see people say "I tried it for a few days, and it was awful". Disregard those comments... they didn't "try Paleo" if they only tried it for a few days. Once you get past the carb flu, it's like a switch is flipped and you feel 100% better.

Do you count calories? What about portion size?

I do count calories because I'm still trying to lose a few more pounds/body fat, and I like to see how my macros shake out. What I find though, is that I can eat a whole lot of very filling foods with Paleo. I'm an elfette, and so I have to shoot for 1400-1500 cals/day to eat at TDEE - 20%. I naturally seem to come in right around there anyway. If I'm under or over, I try not to stress... I just see where I was off and use that as info for the future. Many people count carbs more than calories. I sort of watch both. As long as my carbs are under 100g/day I'm happy. For maintenance I'll shoot for under 150g carbs/day.

Portion size... the rules don't change for Paleo. But there's only so much meat and veggies I can consume in one meal anyway. I eat until I'm full. However, interestingly, one thing I've learned is that being "full" on Paleo is a quite different feeling than on SAD. Before, I ate a lot of carbs, and would feel STUFFED after a meal, and then hungry again shortly after. Now I don't get that stuffed feeling, I don't feel bloated, and I stay sated longer. I find I don't have the urge to snack between meals the way I used to. I used to get pretty shaky if I let more than 3-4 hours go between meals. I don't get the glycemic swings that I used to get. I experienced the same thing when I tried Atkins many years ago. While Paleo does not need to be low carb, for me lowering carbs is key for avoiding hypoglycemic shakiness.

Is there a big difference between starting paleo and maintenance mode?

That's an interesting question. I have found that after eating Paleo for six months, I have a better idea of how I choose to make it sustainable for the long-term. In the beginning, I was super strict and worked hard to plan out meals and always have something stashed away that I could eat when I was in a non-Paleo-friendly environment. I think that was really helpful to learn about the effect that foods had on me, helped to establish new habits and feel like I was in control of my diet. Over time, I have found that eating this way has become second nature, and I don't have to work hard at it.

You'll find that it's virtually impossible to live a normal life and try to eat Paleo perfectly 100% of the time. But being perfect 100% of the time is not really necessary, and you're not a Paleo Faileo if you're not perfect. So I think that's a difference between just beginning and eating on maintenance later... you become more confident in your decisions about when or when not to treat, and what kinds of treats are "worth it".

I try to stick to Paleo during the week when I have more control over my meals. On weekends I don't stress if I can't get a perfect Paleo meal when we're out and about. I also have made the decision to enjoy my weekly Chinese dinner. For a while, I tortured myself with gluten-free steamed veggies and shrimp that was completely tasteless. Now I decided that since I eat clean 90% of the time, I'm going to enjoy my damned Chinese meal the way I like it.

My body's reaction to gluten also changed over time. I went for about a month eating gluten-free in the beginning. When I first reintroduced gluten, I got pretty sick. What I learned is that I'm gluten sensitive, but that first reaction when reintroducing it was the worst. I still avoid gluten, but I've found that my reaction to it now is more mild than it was the first few times.

Can you maintain this for life or just trying to drop some .lbs?

This is a really important question. I would NOT recommend Paleo just to drop weight for the short-term. Just like any diet... you probably will lose weight, but you'll put it back on if you don't commit to making a lifestyle change. That said, I think it's helpful to try Paleo for 30 days. You'll learn a lot about your body, your digestion, what foods trigger cravings, how to eat without depending on processed stuff. Then you can decide if it's right for you. But don't expect the weight to stay off if you go right back to eating a SAD diet after.

Feel free to friend me if you decide to try it. There's also a great MFP group called Paleo/Primal Support group.

started Paleo on 1/1/13, felt crappy for a couple days as the carbs left my system.. but feeling lots better since then. tough cutting down from 3 diet cokes a day to 1 and hopefully 0 next week.. some caffeine headaches. But I feel full all the time, my endurance for working out is steady and doesnt spike and drop...no digestive issues.. lots of fiber keeps me steady. AND, I've lost 9.6 lbs since the first... cant beat those results. Add me if you need another paleo friend.. the more the merrier.

Yes I’ve been on this site for 19 years and yes, I know these questions have been asked before but I’m going to start another thread anyway…..sorry. :bigsmile:

I’m interested in finding out more about the paleo way of eating from people that are actually doing it, enjoying it – or not, and having success or not. So here goes:

Did you have digestive issues going from “normal” healthy eating to paleo style? I would think it would be a shock to the system going from a low fat to high fat diet.
Do you count calories? What about portion size?
Is there a big difference between starting paleo and maintenance mode?
Can you maintain this for life or just trying to drop some .lbs?

Please feel free to share any other plus or minuses you’ve experienced – much appreciated.

:drinker:

I know I suck at math BUT your profile says member since 2011. 2013-2011=19??? Not to mention there was no myfitnesspal.com 1993/1994. I am a bit dubious of all of this :huh:

You forgot to carry the 1

Methinks OP has his months and years mixeded up

I do about 90% paleo, I use the 10 for dairy. I dont have any problems with it. I love it and I have lost about 70 lbs.

Paleo does not automatically mean you are eating a high-fat or a low-carb diet. If you have pounds to lose, you can control the amount of fat you eat by choosing leaner meats, eating partly whole eggs mixed with egg whites, etc. It doesn't all have to be fatty bacon wrapped around fatty beef, fried in lard. I try to get in as many veggies as possible (with exception of corn, white potatoes, peas, or other super starchy veggies) and that usually ends up putting my carb intake at the low end of normal according to MFP or just under.

If you are following the diet correctly and not using high-cal snacks like nuts to excess, you should not have to weigh, measure, or track foods. Some people do anyways...like me, because portion control is an issue for me.

I did Whole30 last year and lost 20 pounds on it. I kicked my Diet Coke and sugar habits for quite a while.

Endurance athletes may experience frustration trying to find a Paleo way of dealing with marathons/triathlons/etc as it takes a lot of planning and organization, and not everyone who has tried has been successful. I find that eating Paleo most of the time but allowing myself to use Gus, gels, drink mixes, bars (although most LaraBars are okay on Paleo) during long workouts is a formula that works for me.

There is a FB group called the 'International Paleo Movement' that has a lot of info and they often share recipes and things like that.

I eat paleo + dairy, grains, and legumes.

We can't be perfect all the time, now can we. I know you're only eating that ice cream to hit your massive cal goals!

All I can say is two of my nearest and desires friends are on strictly paleo and have been for over a year now, they seem to manage well BUT one of them lost her toenails sue to lack of calcium and the other one has lost chucks of her hair due to a vitamin deficiency caused by paleo, Please be very careful.. I personally think it is dangerous to cut out any food group (unless its salt, refined sugar and saturated fat) as your body needs the vitamins from all of these food groups. Even dairy and wheat.

You can get plenty of calcium from sardines, leafy greens, or even a calcium supplement. You do not need dairy to get calcium. I personally still include some dairy in my diet.

I find it hard to believe there is ANY VITAMIN in wheat that you can't get in a more soluble form from veggies, fruit, or meat. Name one.

And... saturated fats are important to the diet. Don't eliminate them. Do eliminate trans-fats and PUFAs.

All I can say is two of my nearest and desires friends are on strictly paleo and have been for over a year now, they seem to manage well BUT one of them lost her toenails sue to lack of calcium and the other one has lost chucks of her hair due to a vitamin deficiency caused by paleo, Please be very careful.. I personally think it is dangerous to cut out any food group (unless its salt, refined sugar and saturated fat) as your body needs the vitamins from all of these food groups. Even dairy and wheat.

Eeek!! My guess is there is something else happening with both of those individuals =( and they should seek medical consultation

Ive been primal/paleo for over a year feel better than ever!!!! lost 21 lbs so far and counting. Dont count calories eat till I feel like I'm not hungry anymore.
I will NEVER go back to the traditional SAD!!

Paleo peopleeeee....Paleo Priiiideee! So proud to live so proud to dieeeeeeee!

Sorry couldnt help it carry on with your discussion

I eat paleo + dairy, grains, and legumes.

so 70/30 then?