Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hey everyone, I started my Paleo journey about 2 weeks ago and I am smack in the middle of the carb flu with all the classic symptoms ( low energy, terrible sleep, night sweats, head fog etc...) This Saturday I have a 9 mile mud/obstacle run. Is there any foods you recommend that will give me a boost of energy while staying paleo? Thanks

flag	asked Jul 19 at 15:05 Newbie 1●1

RaiseFitness · Answer 1 · 2012-07-19 15:10:29Z UTC

Simple...eat some carbs. Eat some sweet potatoes, fruit, butternut squash, maybe even rice. You probably don't need all of those, or a huge amount of carbs, but the night before and the day of, eat 150-200g of carbs. Should cure your ills, and allow you to perform better while your body is adjusting. Keep in mind, I am not a proponent of very low carb anyway. I generally consume 150g per day average anyway, but I don't have any weight to lose.

Potato Avenger · Answer 2 · 2012-07-19 15:17:50Z UTC

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I agree with RaiseFitness, but I have to ask in addition: Why are you restricting carbohydrate levels if you have any sort of performance goals?

answered Jul 19 at 15:17

Potato Avenger
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Thanks for the replies. Im 24 and 192lbs so my goal is weight loss. Ive lost 38 lbs over the last year doing a "low carb" type diet (eating oatmeal ( alot of oatmeal) as my main carb source) but came to a stall in my weight loss and Paelo was recommended. – Newbie Jul 19 at 15:35

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Two comments. First, stalls happen. And secondly, everyone needs to find their own balance of macronutrients. Some perform better on low carb, some on moderate, and believe it or not, some on high carb. Focusing on getting rid of anti-nutrients and on maximizing nutrient dense food is better than focusing solely on the macros. – RaiseFitness Jul 19 at 15:41

Once again, agreed. If performance matters, carbs need to be a bit higher. Just adjust the rest of your macros accordingly. (Even if the uptick in carbohydrate, performance obviously will still not be optimal if calories are restricted.) – Potato Avenger Jul 19 at 15:43

with, not "if." Typo. – Potato Avenger Jul 19 at 15:44

Primal Rider · Answer 3 · 2012-07-19 16:13:23Z UTC

If your goal is to be keto or fat adapted, then I wouldn't do a race during the initial stages of a very low carb diet. I'm about a week into my very low carb program. I'm holding off on any real exercise until my body has adapted to using fat for fuel. At that point, I'm going to train long in slow in my aerobic zone in order to train my body to pull fat for fuel during exercise.

When I race, I'll plan on consuming higher carbs so I can use both fuel systems in the body.......burning fat and sugar. It will take some time to adjust to this, however.

CD · Answer 4 · 2012-07-19 16:53:10Z UTC

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Bananas and coconut water should give you quick energy boosts.

Like raise I am about 150g carbs per day now that I am in maintenance. I was closer to 100g when I was trying to loose weight. For me, 50g carbs is not an option. You have to restrict far too many fruits and veggies to get there.

answered Jul 19 at 16:53

CD
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	I actually have been cutting out fruit all togehter now for about 6 weeks because of its sugar content. Even though its a natural sugar, it will still slow the weight loss process. But for this run, I will load up on some fruit and get my fix. – Newbie Jul 19 at 17:04
	As someone who lost 40 lbs (207 to 165), please do not think of going paleo as a weight loss scheme. The best thing to do it to eat in a way that is sustainable for you. For me, 50g was/is not sustainable, there is simply not enough volume in what I was eating to eat that way. 100g was, but I felt sluggish, so after about 6 weeks I went to 150g, and I lost more weight, more consistently than I had before. That does not mean that 150g is your magic number. You need to see what works for you. But try to eat for health, not weight loss. You will hit your target faster that way. – CD Jul 19 at 18:27
	Thanks CD. This is good info. Im not looking for a "miracle weight loss pill" with paleo. The idea and concept behind paleo makes sence to me, I dont understand all of the science behind it nor am I really interested in that. Just going to see how I feel while eating clean. – Newbie Jul 19 at 20:28

9 Mile obstacle run with the carb flu…What to eat?

4 Answers