Help! New to Paleo and gaining

kes0510 · October 2014

Hello, my name is Kat and I decided to work on a lifestyle change doing Paleo. I am a 5'5, 31 year old female who has ATLEAST 30lbs to lose (although I could use more). The first 2 weeks went great. Had a loss of 7lbs. 5.5 in the first week (water weight). I just finished week 3 and weighed in today and I GAINED 2lbs! My eating has been flawless. Nothing but whole foods, nothing processed of course, lots of water, and exercise. I have had some very fruit, but very limited as I try to stay below 100g of carbs daily. For exercise I job about 3 miles 5x a week, do a kettlebell class 2x a week, and a little bit of yoga when I have time. I login all my stuff on MFP and I have had calorie deficits, so by numbers and eating properly, shouldn't I be losing? Or at lease NOT gaining? I am so confused. Please help. I actually love the paleo lifestyle. I have more energy and no cravings but idk if I can stick with something that has me on a gaining path. I am 200 lb (198 before this weeks gain) so with that much weight to lose shouldn't the loss be actually happening? Any advice would be amazing! Thank you!

jenhamon · October 2014

I've read that fluctuations of up to a few pounds are normal/expected/unavoidable due to hormones related to the menstrual cycle. If you like what you're eating, stick with it for a couple more weeks and see where you are.

JoRocka · October 2014

Firstly: paleo is not inhereitly a weight loss plan.

Secondly- most people who cut out large groups of food tend to lose weight inititally and at rapid rates (as you witnesseD)

Thirdly: one weigh in with a 2 pound up does not mean weight was necessarily gained. Could be any number of reasons- I flux regularly between 3-5 pounds- which is why I actually weigh daily- over the course of 4 weeks or soI can determine what was weight flux and what was weigh gain.

which brings me to number 4
it takes time to see a real change- like 3-4 weeks time- so if you saw great gain- then have a minor bump- weight gain for at least a week or two- if it's going up- then it's either one or two things- well really one side comment that leads back to teh first thing.

Either your numbers aren't right- and you're eating to much.

Or you aren't logging properly- and/or you are over calculating workout burns and eating back to much.

Odds are its' more like a weight flux- but if after another two weeks or so- it's going up or not going down- might be time to tweak the diet some more.

Lesa_Sass · October 2014

When we are at or near our time of month, many of us gain water weight. Or it could be poop.

BoutThatBass · October 2014

Weight (especially a woman's weight, given that we have wide hormone fluctuations depending on what time of the month it is) can vary up to five pounds in a single day depending on what time of day you weigh yourself, what you ate/drank the night before, where you are in your monthly cycle, etc., because of water retention. That's probably what happened this week for you. If you're logging your food honestly (and weighing/measuring your portions, not just guesstimating), there's no way you gained 2 lbs. of fat while operating at a calorie deficit, and it certainly has nothing to do with eating paleo. People lose weight eating all kinds of different diets - it ultimately comes down to calories in, calories out.*

*Yes, some people have medical conditions that complicate this somewhat, and yes, some people find it easier to be successful when following particular diets or restrictions, but an otherwise healthy person, eating at a calorie deficit, is not going to magically start gaining weight because they changed where those calories come from.

cwolfman13 · October 2014

Due to natural body weight fluctuations, weight loss isn't linear...you're going to have weeks with bigger losses, weeks with smaller losses, weeks with no losses, and even weeks like this with gains. This is why it's important to look at averages and overall trends rather than the actual scale values from weigh in to weigh in. It's the general trend over time that is ultimately important. It's good to understand this because it's important to know in maintenance as well...nobody weighs exactly XXX Lbs...with natural fluctuations, most people can be 3-5 Lbs either way of their average weight.

Steph_135 · October 2014

I've been eating Paleo for 6 weeks (not on weekends when I have some non-paleo meals), and have gained, lost, and now maintained. It is COMPLETELY frustrating. But I deal, cause I know I've been lifting a lot more too, so increased protein = a plus! Besides, I *FEEL* a lot better than I did before Paleo, and that's pretty cool. :glasses: I hope you find those things too, even if you haven't lost any weight yet.

PwrLftr82 · October 2014

When we are at or near our time of month, many of us gain water weight. Or it could be poop.

+1 for poop

kshadows · October 2014

Open your diary for accurate feedback.

But to reiterate, TOM, poop, food, water.

kes0510 · October 2014

Firstly: paleo is not inhereitly a weight loss plan.

I do understand this, I started paleo as a lifestyle change, not only for weight loss. It was just a physician who recommended I look into something with low carbs as that would be of great benefit to me with weight loss. I did a lot of research and read a couple books and it seemed to me that paleo would be more of something that I could do as a lifestyle change rather than something like Atkins or other low carb "diets". I also, personally wanted to get away from processed foods. But the fact of the matter is, realistically I do have quite a bit of weight to lose, so based on what you said... Should I do something else for weight loss and then once I reach my goal, consider going to paleo? Since it's not meant inherently as a weight loss plan? I am open to suggestions, regardless I will do a paleo type of lifestyle because I do feel much better. But even tho I feel better, weight gain at this moment would be counterintuitive. Some examples of people given in books I have read had lost like 20lbs in a month doing paleo, that's why I assumed I could incorporate this in my life to lose weight and feel better. That's all. (I certainly do not expect 20lbs in a month either, because that seems like a lot too fast). I thought maybe it could be that TOM but that's not expected for almost 2 weeks. I eat between 1200 and 1600 calories a day. I don't think that is too much?

_HeartsOnFire_ · October 2014

Firstly: paleo is not inhereitly a weight loss plan.

I do understand this, I started paleo as a lifestyle change, not only for weight loss. It was just a physician who recommended I look into something with low carbs as that would be of great benefit to me with weight loss. I did a lot of research and read a couple books and it seemed to me that paleo would be more of something that I could do as a lifestyle change rather than something like Atkins or other low carb "diets". I also, personally wanted to get away from processed foods. But the fact of the matter is, realistically I do have quite a bit of weight to lose, so based on what you said... Should I do something else for weight loss and then once I reach my goal, consider going to paleo? Since it's not meant inherently as a weight loss plan? I am open to suggestions, regardless I will do a paleo type of lifestyle because I do feel much better. But even tho I feel better, weight gain at this moment would be counterintuitive. Some examples of people given in books I have read had lost like 20lbs in a month doing paleo, that's why I assumed I could incorporate this in my life to lose weight and feel better. That's all. (I certainly do not expect 20lbs in a month either, because that seems like a lot too fast). I thought maybe it could be that TOM but that's not expected for almost 2 weeks. I eat between 1200 and 1600 calories a day. I don't think that is too much?

Lesa_Sass · October 2014

Firstly: paleo is not inhereitly a weight loss plan.

I do understand this, I started paleo as a lifestyle change, not only for weight loss. It was just a physician who recommended I look into something with low carbs as that would be of great benefit to me with weight loss. I did a lot of research and read a couple books and it seemed to me that paleo would be more of something that I could do as a lifestyle change rather than something like Atkins or other low carb "diets". I also, personally wanted to get away from processed foods. But the fact of the matter is, realistically I do have quite a bit of weight to lose, so based on what you said... Should I do something else for weight loss and then once I reach my goal, consider going to paleo? Since it's not meant inherently as a weight loss plan? I am open to suggestions, regardless I will do a paleo type of lifestyle because I do feel much better. But even tho I feel better, weight gain at this moment would be counterintuitive. Some examples of people given in books I have read had lost like 20lbs in a month doing paleo, that's why I assumed I could incorporate this in my life to lose weight and feel better. That's all. (I certainly do not expect 20lbs in a month either, because that seems like a lot too fast). I thought maybe it could be that TOM but that's not expected for almost 2 weeks. I eat between 1200 and 1600 calories a day. I don't think that is too much?

20 lbs in the first month when you only have 30 to lose is unrealistic.

We lose weight by eating a calorie deficit. If you want to do it with paleo, by all means do it. But know this, you do not have to eat paleo to not eat refined foods and low carbs.

I am more than willing to bet your weight is hormone related. If you are not due for 2 weeks, you are probably ovulating. Water weight gain during ovulation is normal too. Relax, keep doing what you are doing, drink lots of water and move forward.

JoRocka · October 2014

Firstly: paleo is not inhereitly a weight loss plan.

I do understand this, I started paleo as a lifestyle change, not only for weight loss. It was just a physician who recommended I look into something with low carbs as that would be of great benefit to me with weight loss. I did a lot of research and read a couple books and it seemed to me that paleo would be more of something that I could do as a lifestyle change rather than something like Atkins or other low carb "diets". I also, personally wanted to get away from processed foods. But the fact of the matter is, realistically I do have quite a bit of weight to lose, so based on what you said... Should I do something else for weight loss and then once I reach my goal, consider going to paleo? Since it's not meant inherently as a weight loss plan? I am open to suggestions, regardless I will do a paleo type of lifestyle because I do feel much better. But even tho I feel better, weight gain at this moment would be counterintuitive. Some examples of people given in books I have read had lost like 20lbs in a month doing paleo, that's why I assumed I could incorporate this in my life to lose weight and feel better. That's all. (I certainly do not expect 20lbs in a month either, because that seems like a lot too fast). I thought maybe it could be that TOM but that's not expected for almost 2 weeks. I eat between 1200 and 1600 calories a day. I don't think that is too much?

the reason why paleo tends to jive well with weight loss is because it's low in starchy carbs. Which are a calorie dense food.

The only reason why I specifically said that was b/c some people do paleo specifically for weight loss and it's easy to eat to much and not lose if you don't understand how this works. I fall into a "paleo-ish/primal-ish" dietary bracket- I don't eat that way b/c I'm primal- I don't eat that way b/c I'm paleo- I eat that way b/c it makes me happy- and I can fill my day with a certain amount of food- if I eat higher calorie starchy type foods- like lots breads- they add up fast- then I'm still hungry at the end of the day. I am by no means a anti carb- I just prefer to get more protein and fats than carbs- but left to my own devices- without much thought I break down about 33% equally on all macros.

that's why. I chose to eat less bread/pasta things b/c they are to "expensive" not because i think they are bad for me- it just works better for me.

its' not bad- or good- to me paleo is just inherently over restrictive for no reason but feel goods- but picking foods that are nutritional dense- that make you feel full and have a lower calorie break down is wise- which is why so many people are suggesting a lower carb route.

its' not a bad option- but you can eat paleo and still keep track of your calories and figure out where your loss is or isn't happening.

I also would like to point out- the days following sushi- my scale is up at least 3 pounds. From the salt alone. And this is why I specifically weigh daily- so i can watch these things- some people can't do it- I prefer it- more data points = better trend line. Allows you to see your daily fluxes and to establish a real trend line. It isn't for everyone- but you need to be very aware water weight- hormones- salt- how much you poop- or didn't poop- will all impact that daily flux.

Thing of your weight as a range- not a fixed number. That might ease your brain a little bit.

also- sorry I rambled- end of the day and I'm winding down mentally. hopefully some of this made sense.

husseycd · October 2014

the reason why paleo tends to jive well with weight loss is because it's low in starchy carbs. Which are a calorie dense food.

The only reason why I specifically said that was b/c some people do paleo specifically for weight loss and it's easy to eat to much and not lose if you don't understand how this works. I fall into a "paleo-ish/primal-ish" dietary bracket- I don't eat that way b/c I'm primal- I don't eat that way b/c I'm paleo- I eat that way b/c it makes me happy- and I can fill my day with a certain amount of food- if I eat higher calorie starchy type foods- like lots breads- they add up fast- then I'm still hungry at the end of the day. I am by no means a anti carb- I just prefer to get more protein and fats than carbs- but left to my own devices- without much thought I break down about 33% equally on all macros.

that's why. I chose to eat less bread/pasta things b/c they are to "expensive" not because i think they are bad for me- it just works better for me.

its' not bad- or good- to me paleo is just inherently over restrictive for no reason but feel goods- but picking foods that are nutritional dense- that make you feel full and have a lower calorie break down is wise- which is why so many people are suggesting a lower carb route.

its' not a bad option- but you can eat paleo and still keep track of your calories and figure out where your loss is or isn't happening.

I also would like to point out- the days following sushi- my scale is up at least 3 pounds. From the salt alone. And this is why I specifically weigh daily- so i can watch these things- some people can't do it- I prefer it- more data points = better trend line. Allows you to see your daily fluxes and to establish a real trend line. It isn't for everyone- but you need to be very aware water weight- hormones- salt- how much you poop- or didn't poop- will all impact that daily flux.

Thing of your weight as a range- not a fixed number. That might ease your brain a little bit.

also- sorry I rambled- end of the day and I'm winding down mentally. hopefully some of this made sense.

Agree with JoRocka on all of this.

1200-1600 certainly isn't too much, OP. I don't know how active you are, but we are the same height. I'm 38 years old and 130 lbs. I burn around 1800 calories on a sedentary day. My weight most definitely fluctuates on a daily basis. Mostly due to salt, I'm sure.

Help! New to Paleo and gaining

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