Paleo diet question

Are you in a calorie deficit? It's all about the calories.

It can work, just like any other program. You just have to eat fewer calories than you burn. I think a lot of people find it helpful because when you eat primarily veggies, meat, good fats, and a little fruit, it's pretty easy to be satiated and keep your calories pretty low.

But, if you think a life (or temporary "diet") void of grains, legumes, sugars, dairy and soy (and pretty much all processed food) sound like a death sentence, then it's probably not the best way to create a deficit.

I've done 3 rounds of Whole30, which is basically a really strict version of Paleo for 30 days, and to be honest, I really enjoy eating that way. I prefer savory foods, I don't crave sugar or grains after I give them up for a while, I felt amazing, and I even lost a couple of pounds without counting calories (obviously I was eating at a deficit). But, I've decided that while it was a good program to temporarily help me refocus on good protein, lots of veggies and REAL foods, I prefer a little more leeway in my own life. I continue to try to eat by the principles of Whole30/Paleo, but more like 80/20, ha ha. And unless I'm super strict with Paleo, I find that that 20% adds up really quickly and wipes away any deficit if I'm not careful. Therefore, I'm counting calories this time.

I've considered doing paleo and counting my calories while I do it, but I'm enjoying my soy sauce, peanut butter and cheese. Lol.

I'd say consider how you prefer to eat, whether or not avoiding food groups will make you crazy, and if you can keep the "non-paleo" food options in check if/when you decide to start adding them back in.

Yes - it will cause you to burn more fat than muscle, unlike the greater amount of muscle you will burn on the typical SAD.