Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've been trying to kick into ketosis (for fat-burning purposes), and am on day 9 of under 50g of carbs. I'm eating meat and veg, lots of veg actually as I'm craving it like crazy! On an average day I can get through, for example, a head of broccoli, quarter of a cabbage, and 100g of string beans.

So, while I feel great, no tiredness, sleeping well, and am doing Crossfit three times a week, my guts are not in such great shape. It's what my husband describes as 'a lot of old shoes falling out of the loft'!

Otherwise, lots of meat and some eggs, bacon & eggs for breakfast (sometimes broccoli too) then some sort of meat plus veg for lunch & supper. Snacks are something like kabanos, beef jerky,or raw string beans.

So, am I overdoing the veg? I can't think why else my guts would be so bad, except I am craving veg and am using it to fill up and avoid snacking on baaaaad things.

One more thing, according to the ketostix I don't seem to be in ketosis yet, though I occasionally get a slightly metallic taste in my mouth.

I'd love some advice/words of wisdom! Thanks all!

flag	asked May 9 2012 at 14:13 MGM 71●1

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My guess, too much fiber. Perhaps cut back the cabbage and broccoli with something a bit less gas producing, switch with carrots, zucchini, squash. Rotate as well might help. Veggies are good for you but too much at once (esp. broccoli and cabbage) causes digestive issues especially if not use to it. Good for you, but maybe do one fibery veggie at at time to see if thats the issue. – Kelly May 9 2012 at 14:47

DanielleO812 · Answer 1 · 2012-05-09 14:37:29Z UTC

It sounds like you are over-doing it on the veggies for trying to get into ketosis. Use some type of nutrition calculator for a few days to find out how many grams of carbohodyrates you are consuming. You should be under 50g and my guess is, with that many veggies, you are over.

Also, there are tons of questions on this site that have been answered about ketosis. Try using the search bar and you will find a lot of good information.

Kelly B · Answer 2 · 2012-05-09 14:37:30Z UTC

Consider snacking on fat-oriented items - olives, avocados, etc. That might help replace some of the veg, reduce the fiber (maybe that's the issue?) and kick the ketosis into gear.

Another possibility I've heard that might explain the gut issues is that you're shifting the composition of gut flora and shedding the ones you don't need. If that's the case, it might just be a matter of time.

Ambimorph · Answer 3 · 2012-05-09 14:38:07Z UTC

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Most people need to go down to 25g or less to get into ketosis.

As to digestive upset, it's likely the vegetable choices. Cruciferous vegetables (e.g cabbage and broccoli) are notoriously hard on some people.

Edit: Oh wait, I didn't understand the shoe metaphor. Diarrhea sometimes happens when you are adjusting to the higher fat intake. That will probably pass.

answered May 9 2012 at 14:38

Ambimorph
19.6k●18●66

Thanks all! I don't think fat is a problem as I usually haveplenty of butter in the veg. AlsoI cook with bacon fatty or coconut oil (I could eat it with a spoon!) guess I need to cool off on the veg then. I have been doing some carb tracking and have come out below 50g, sometimes enough below to have a little glass of wine, yum. But I'll try keeping the veg lower, below 25g, and see what happens. It's quite strange because in myself I feel great, lots of energy, have dropped a couple of pounds too. Am quite thirsty though, maybe that's why the veg craving. – MGM May 9 2012 at 15:05

rammer · Answer 4 · 2012-05-09 17:48:40Z UTC

It might be the VLC(ketosis) diet that's responsible, they can induce a mucus deficiency, which might then lead to a very sensitive stomach, among other GI issues. http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2010/11/dangers-of-zero-carb-diets-ii-mucus-deficiency-and-gastrointestinal-cancers/

Help! VLC, ketosis & dodgy tummy

4 Answers