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So I started the paleo diet a few days ago and lately I've been feeling really tired and empty. Even though I'm eating a significant amount of protein, I still feel unsatisfied (I'm no longer hungry but I don't feel like there is anything in my stomach!

Also, I went to the grocery store today with my family and walking through the snack aisle was mentally painful. Before Paleo I ate a ton of breads, popcorn, ice cream, cookies, etc. It has only been a few days but I feel myself cracking! I want to eat those foods SO badly...

I'm 5'7" 18 year old female, currently 145 pounds wanting to get down to 130.

Can you please share your experience when you first started eating Paleo? Also, can you please share how you managed to overcome cravings and temptations?

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This is totally normal. Go check out the Whole30 program on the Whole9 website or Mark Sisson's Daily Apple site and they explain how you will likely feel as you body adjusts to the new fuel source. It helps to know that things get better after the initial carb-withdrawal phase! – gydle Aug 1 at 9:07

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I agree with the other comment, but also you have to remember that your body is detoxing from all of the carbs and junk you have been putting in it. Like quitting herion, your body will not let you do it without a fight! Stick with it! It will get better. The cravings will subside eventually as long as you don't give in to them.

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Your body is having withdrawal symptoms. I had the same in my first week, half way through the second week my energy levels went through the roof! Only in my fourth week now and i've lost 14lbs and no longer have any withdrawal symptoms. Get thought the first week and try to enjoy all the lovely food you probably never tasted properly before.

Good Luck x

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Hi there! Congratulations on starting Paleo! To help you with yPur cravings can you tell me a day of eating you've been doing? Then I can help!! You may need to up carbs, fat, or cals, it all depends.

For me, when I first started paleo what really helped me was having read The Paleo Solution and the Perfect Health Diet. These both explained to me why eating wheat is so toxic to our bodies and the correct approach to eating "paleo" to keep us satiated. (you can not be afraid of fat). As soon as I learned to except the right fat and sources of carbs, I felt amazing. (it takes more than a few days too, so hold on there!!!). My physical appearance has changed dramatically-- while last year I had to worko out crazy to maintain body comp this year I work out for pleasure and i look better!! Internally, I feel amazing too. After a few months on paleo if I eat somethig that doesn't agree with me accidentally my body is so attuned it tells right away and tries to get it out.

So just remember why you are doing this. Because you want to feel good and be a healthy and vibrant self for the rest of your life. You want good health: paleo will bring this when done the right way!

Give me your eating and I can help more!

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Breakfast: Two egg omelette with spinach, mushrooms, ham, and onions. Snack: Smoothie made of coconut milk, strawberries, blueberries, and a banana Lunch: Asian Chicken Salad (romaine lettuce, chicken breast, almond slivers, mandarin oranges, and light asian ginger dressing) Snack: A handful of almonds Dinner: Tilapia/some kind of meat or fish with steamed veggies and half an avocado. – Heartbr8cker124 Aug 1 at 20:03
Looks perfect to me! Maybe lower the nut intake and instead of that handful of nuts, do the other half of the avocado! Don't be afraid of fat- it is very satiating. Maybe add coconut oil to your steamed veggies at dinner. Lastly you could also add in some starch like sweet potato into your steamed veggie mix. I think if you add a little more fat and tune down the nuts you will be great!! Everything looks solid right now just making tiny tweaks. And as the others have said, you are withdrawing. Just hold on and remember why you have decided to eat whole foods!! – YoungPaleoLover Aug 1 at 21:29
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I craved sugar, bad. It was pretty close to a ex-smoker being near smokers after just having quit. It passed, quit quickly, few weeks really. Cant really say how I overcome it, I kinda needed to for health reasons, but you get thru it pretty quick..

As for not feeling theres anything in your stomach - pretty soon you grow to associate being full with being full, instead of having pain in your stomach from loads of swelling carbs stretching them out. I really enjoy not having that sensation anymore.

Just stick with it - make paleo food, as decadant as you can manage within your ruleset, while your struggling. Have the odd paleo treat, some berries or fruit, or some nuts, or a beautiful meat dish. Just remember not to get stuck in a pattern of comfort eating, or overdoing the nuts etc, once you get through your sugar/carb cravings.

Look up some simple recipes online. Get inspired and positive about what you CAN eat. (for eg you can eat yummy fatty food and meats). Make a roast, crispy chicken, go mad on coconuts/coconut milk. Whatever rings your bell.

As much as you might glance over your shoulder with jelousy now, CW dieter people will still be doing the same with your meals long after its passed! ;P

Its always easier to focus on positives than negatives when quiting. Remember your health or weight loss goals! Get into other aspects of the lifestyle!

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