How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo) - PaleoHacks.com

How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo)

2011-12-22T13:53:49Z

So, i am 5"3, pretty healthy, pretty active (most days), 116 pounds, and have really tried everything to loose these last 4 pounds. I started eating Paleo last Saturday(i was a veggie before), so my diet now consists of: nuts in moderation, LOTS OF EGGS, (live off them basically..), fruit (2 servings a day at most), grilled chicken, salmon, veggies (not starchy ones), and i usually have two tablespoons of almond butter (cant help myself!).

I have definitely been eating more throughout the day as I try to figure out how to make sure my meals are protein and fat packed so I last longer on them, but even when I am eating more often its like veggies. Nothing bad!

It's only been 5 days, but i was wondering if this will help me? I am feeding my body nothing but nutrition-based foods and it's hard to get fat from that!! Anyone else in my shoes?

I am still really active but I feel like eating like this alone will be helpful.

Okay that's it! Thanks

Answer by luckybastard for How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo)

2011-12-22T14:05:53Z

My first question would be, how do you feel at your current weight? 5'3 116 is not a weight where one should be particularly concerned about 4lbs- particularly from a health perspective. Getting fixated on particular numbers can be a particularly slippery slope, especially when we have no idea what your body composition looks like. Even then, I really can't imagine this being a bad weight.

Answer by panteleimon for How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo)

2011-12-22T14:43:37Z

You might find you put on more muscle, if you were not getting enough complete protein on a vegetarian diet. In that case, you might put on weight but stay the same size, or even get smaller. So things like your waist measurement and how clothes fit are probably much more relevant than weight. Alternatively, if you are eating fewer carbs you will probably lose water, in which case both weight and size will go down a bit.

I agree with Lucky Bastard that fixating on a number dosn't really mean anything - 4lbs is almost lost in the noise of normal, random fluctuations in weight. What really matters is how you feel and how healthy you are - as long as these are both good, you will probably look good!

Answer by Dragonfly for How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo)

2011-12-22T15:54:07Z

I've found that going on basically a meat-only diet (incl eggs) for a week or so works really well to drop a few pounds when you are so close to your goal. Include organ meats for optimal nutrition.

You have to drop the dietary fat and basically use your body as a fat source. Depending on your activity level, you may need some carbs to be comfortable--that's fine.

ETA: I just re-read this and see that you have been a vegetarian until a week ago. You may just need more time to adapt to the change in diet--maybe 2-3 months--then try my suggestion. As a former vegetarian myself, my body needed time to replenish its nutrient stores.

Answer by Dave S. for How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo)

2011-12-22T16:14:29Z

Maybe if you stopped stressing over 4 freaking pounds, they would just not show up one day. Cortisol blocks fat loss. Actually corticosteroids, but let's just say cortisol, it gets the point across. Also, how's your sleep? And vitamin D? Magnesium?

If you feel like all of these things are pretty well dialed in, then you may have to count calories to get the last bit of fat off. And you should really ask yourself whether or not you really, really need to go down four more pounds or can you just be happy where you are. Being happy where you are may actually help with losing that last little bit - but it's a bit of a catch-22.

Answer by Rogue Nutritionist for How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo)

2011-12-22T19:08:07Z

My advice would be to ditch your scale...forever. I relate so much to that obsession with the numbers, and the desire to meet your original goal, but you say you feel good, are athletic and have plenty of energy, right? I hope I'm not sounding condescending, that is not at all my intention, I'm merely suggesting really that you rethink your original goal...perhaps you are right where you need to be. Here are a couple of articles on why ditching your scale may be right for you! http://www.marksdailyapple.com/forum/thread33283.html http://www.theiflife.com/ditch-scale-weight-loss/

Answer by Devon for How can I lose these last 4 pounds? (Former vegetarian, now Paleo)

2011-12-23T00:10:04Z

Cut out the fruit entirely. I swear, that is all it will take. If you cheat, you're only cheating yourself. I stopped eating fruit but for a treat once in a while and it makes a HUGE difference. Anything that has sugar, should not be in your diet. No agave, honey, or maple syrup either. Stick to stevia and xylitol. You can trust me. I'm a woman. ;)