We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

On the Paleo Diet - Should I even look at fat intake?

xmarykaterose
xmarykaterose Posts: 82 Member
edited February 15 in Food and Nutrition
Hi,

So I just started the paleo diet. I've NEVER gone over my fat intake when I was eating (limited) gluten and dairy. Now, I'll be 200cal under my daily limit of 1,200 and have already gone over my fat intake by 1-5 grams.

Should I even worry about this? Its hard not to notice the big red -5 of shame, LOL. I heard paleo is pretty much based on fat but if I want to lose weight (15-20lbs) , is that going to work for me?

Thanks (:

Replies

  • jeslamb10
    jeslamb10 Posts: 3 Member
    Hi, don't look at your fat at all, and never worry if it seems high. Pretty soon you'll start to feel a bit lethargic as your body starts to withdrawal from your old eating habits, and that's when you'll really want to increase your fat intake to boost energy. Here's a good blog post about the common misconceptions about fat: http://www.marksdailyapple.com/high-fat-diet-healthy-safe/. Good luck! I'm on day 10 of the Whole 30 after eating mostly paleo for about a month prior. It will get easier - I promise! :)
  • lindsey1979
    lindsey1979 Posts: 2,395 Member
    For most people, eating Paleo or Primal generally translates to lowish carbs (10-20%), moderate protein (20-30%) and high fat (50-60%). For those looking to add strength, they make sure they get a certain amount of protein in to facilitate muscle repair (usually at least 0.7 g per lb bodyweight). For those looking to lose fat, they try to keep the carbs low -- usually under 100 g/day, some go even under 50 g depending on their goals and how their own personal carb sensitivity. For those looking to maintain or improve performance, they tend to have more carbs (100+) to fuel the exercise.

    For me, I'm looking to increase strength and cut fat, so I aim for 50-80 carbs per day and making sure I get my protein. The rest is fat, which usually ends up being 50-60% as a general rule.

    Most don't worry about fat at all, but it can make a difference in relation to your carb and protein intake depending on your goals.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories