I agree with MUALaurenClar about the eating. I haven't been able to go full Paleo yet but changing my eating habits has been huge for leaning out. I do crossfit three days a week and spin/HIIT two days. I dont care about weight just inches because I want the lean look. Maybe someday we can all get there. LOL

Does switching to full Paleo really make that much of a difference?? I think I will really have a hard time giving up certain foods, like potatoes, cheese, and MILK! I'm a bonafied "milk-a-holic!" Was it hard for you to make the switch, MUALaurenClar?

I've never tried paleo and have no strong feelings towards it one way or the other, but I do feel very strongly about finding a way of eating (rather than a 'diet') that fits within your lifestyle, your likes/dislikes and is sustainable for you. There's no point, in my opinion, trying something that deprives you of so many things you like and enjoy that you end up 'failing' and going back to old habits.
I'm vegetarian so paleo is not realistic for me, hence why I've never tried it.

I follow Eat To Perform which is essentially a way of cycling carbs around training, to enhance fat burning when you're not training and also fuelling your workouts with the right kinds of carbs. There are no restricted foods, so you could do it as a paleo if you wanted, but it's much more flexible to each person.

I know some people that have tried palo and were constantly lethargic and couldn't train properly, and I know other people who feel amazing and see great results. So it's different for everyone. But if you asked me, I wouldn't recommend giving up dairy if it's something you really enjoy and will leave you feeling deprived. You could go semi-paleo, keeping dairy in the mix, and see how you go. Some paleo people still eat sweet potatoes, others don't, so I think that's a matter of choice.

There is no single method that will work for everyone so you might need to commit some time to trying different methods for 2-3 months each and see what works for you.
But whichever way you go, I wouldn't go into a calorie deficit if you're just wanting to lose a little fat but gain muscle and strength. Focus on the types of foods you eat, and when you eat them too.

I would try the "Primal" way of eating before going strict paleo. it's basically paleo plus dairy.

apples and oranges.

Think of Zone as eating to be a better athlete, and think of Paleo as simply feeding your body QUALITY healthy foods.

You can make a Zone meal out of a slim jim and chips (protien, fat, carbs perfectly proportioned depending on your serving size of each). It's going to fuel you great for a wod..but is it quality food? no.

you can actually do paleo AND zone, which is what I try to do. It's probably the ultimate way to go and completely, easily, doable.

here's a nice read on paleo zone and how to get started with it http://crossfitfenrir.com/paleozone-dummies-part-ii-step-step-guide-started/