Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I am a complete newbie to Paleo.. I started Tuesday (today is Thursday). Before Paleo, I was the queen of carbs.. My diet pretty much consisted of cheese, pasta, bread, and chicken. Today, I started off my day great with a breakfast of 3 eggs with chopped peppers,and 2 pieces of bacon. I'm 5'3 128 lbs. I have a lot of muscle, but want to lose some weight and definitely tone. I am professional jazz dancer, so my workouts are pretty much cardio. Today, I went to an hour and half long dance class followed by a 2 mile run. During my workout I didn't notice any lack of energy. However, as soon as I got home- I CRASHED. I took a 2-3 hour nap even though I slept 10 hours last night. Is this my body adjusting to on carbs, or is there something I am not doing right?

flag	asked Oct 18 at 22:57 Anna 1

Your body is crying for sugar and it's not getting it...It will eventually learn to use fat but It might take a couple/few weeks. I believe what your experiencing is called the low carb flu – Andrew Oct 18 at 23:14

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ohh and whenever you start feeling better I would start adding back in safe carbs like potatoes and white rice after your workouts. If you don't you could lose your muscles...I got extremely skinny on Very Low Carb. I couldn't gain no matter how hard I worked out. – Andrew Oct 18 at 23:18

Listen to Andrew. Paleo does not have to be low carb. If you feel really bad, you can eat some fruit or starchy tuber and you will feel better. With as much cardio as you do, you probably need some carbs. – Dave S. Oct 19 at 12:58

And try cutting back on the running for just a bit - maybe a week or two. Replace it with some strength training if you want to do something. It takes time to create the fat burning mitochondria to support a lower carb regimen. – Dave S. Oct 19 at 13:01

DO NOT JUST LISTEN TO ANDREW. That was a lucky shot from him. – Varelse Oct 19 at 21:31

Judi · Answer 1 · 2012-10-18 23:02:44Z UTC

I had a very similar experience. Your body will definitely need time to adjust. I'm a runner and for the first 2 1/2 weeks after I started I had nothing - no speed, no endurance, nothing! BUT once I adjusted, my performance took off!

One other thing - you're only two days in - it might get worse before it gets better, but believe me - it get's much better!! Stick it out and in a few weeks you'll be feeling as amazing as many of us here on PH do.

Good luck.

Nurse Mary · Answer 2 · 2012-10-18 23:57:07Z UTC

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It definately may get worse before it gets better. Don't quit. It is a hump you must cross and once you do it will pay rewards with better energy and health.

answered Oct 18 at 23:57

Nurse Mary
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Diane · Answer 3 · 2012-10-19 21:18:49Z UTC

I'm not a professional dancer but I was a super hero hiker on mountain trails and ate about as crappy as you, maybe worse. Man-oh-man was the transition tough! But once I got through, wow, I felt incredible. So don't give up. Take it a little easy if you need to. I cut out everything strenuous that I did and just did everything at a reduced level. After I adjusted, I could do everything at a level better than I ever had before. Plus with all the additional protein I was now getting, I was gaining muscle without even trying.

Melissa · Answer 4 · 2012-10-19 21:30:02Z UTC

It took me about 21 -28 days for my energy level to get up to where it is.....don't get frustrated. But you body will take time to adjust to using fat for energy instead of sugars....and sweet potatoes are amazing for energy levels!

Newbie- Exhausted after first workout

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