Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hello,

I have been eating Paleo for about a month. I'm 26, 5'2, and 162lbs. Initially, I lost 10 lbs in the first 2 weeks, but have put back about 3 lbs and haven't been able to lose anything since. I'm very apple shaped, and I have PCOS. I haven't lost a single inch on my waist. I've lost a few inches from my thighs, calves and hips (which I don't want, I"m actually trying to add muscles to these areas to balance out my upper half). For exercise, I try to walk every day for 30-40 minutes (I have a sedentary desk job so that is my only exercise). I also lift very heavy weights for my lower body 2x a week, and do lighter weights for toning my upper half 2x a week. I do yoga 1-3x a week. I also throw in a sprint randomly here and there. I've tried tracking my nutrients, and I usually eat about 50-60% fat, about 100g of protein a day, and I try not to eat fruit. I do eat some dairy, 1/2 cup of kefir a day and occasionally drink some whole, organic milk or cheese. On the days I work out my lower half, I usually drink a whey protein shake after my workout, and I usually eat more carbs these days (a sweet potato, or a small corn tortilla for dinner) Does anyone have any suggestions for me on how to lose midsection fat and add muscles to my lower body? Am I eating too much dairy? Cut out the protein shakes til I lose weight? Try to lose weight before I try adding muscle? Any suggestions are appreciated.

flag	asked Oct 29 at 13:45 loresbsp 21●1

I should also mention that I take some supplements to help my PCOS hormone problems - I have too much testosterone. I take 2 NAC capsules a day, 1 saw palmetto, 1 DIM, 1 biotin, and 2 cups of spearmint tea. I started doing this at the same time I went paleo. Do I just need to give everything more time? – loresbsp Oct 29 at 13:47

Aughra · Answer 1 · 2012-10-29 14:13:59Z UTC

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First two things I would do is completely drop the dairy (and the corn.) No excuses. Dairy is insuligenic and if you have PCOS, that is a big problem. Second thing I would do is make sure I'm getting enough sleep and that I'm going to sleep before 10:30 every night if possible.

That said...

Have you looked in to bio identical plant hormone therapy/ progesterone creams or even metformin? Another thing that can help insulin resistance is setting a timer for every single hour to get up and walk around... even if it's just to the water cooler. Even an hour of being sedentary can increase your insulin resistance.

Hope that helps. Good luck. I have similar troubles.

http://blogs.plos.org/obesitypanacea/2012/10/08/systematic-review-short-bouts-of-sedentary-behaviour-consistently-increase-health-risk/

answered Oct 29 at 14:13

Aughra
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Just to be clear - the whey protein shake counts as dairy. In case maybe the original poster doesn't realize that.... – Renee Oct 29 at 14:20

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Thanks, I will drop the dairy and corn. I figured occasional nixtamalized corn was ok for me since I'm Mexican but I guess that was wishful thinking lol. I used to be on Metformin for about 2 months and got pregnant right away and haven't taken it since. I'd rather try the supplements I'm taking now first, but if I don't see an improvement I will look into Metformin again. And I had no idea about the insulin thing and sitting for an hour. Wow! Thanks for that tip. And I thought I had researched PCOS to death already lol. Thank you! – loresbsp Oct 29 at 14:32

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Keep lots of coconut milk around the house if you need something creamy for coffee or a recipe. – Aughra Oct 29 at 14:42

The dairy thing is crazy, I have PCOS, and have been monitoring my blood sugar for the last week after not doing great on the OGTT to screen for gestational diabetes. Milk seems to raise, and keep my blood sugar elevated MUCH more than any other carbohydrate source (carb for carb). Apples, potatoes, even maple syrup, no problem, totally normal blood glucose at the 2 hour mark...8-12 oz. of milk and my results are borderline diabetic two hours later. I suspect lactose, cheese, butter, and yogurt, have less impact, but just to see, I'd recommend dropping all dairy for at least 3-6 months. – Happy Now Oct 29 at 19:46

Dragonfly · Answer 2 · 2012-10-29 14:28:49Z UTC

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Agree with Ashley.

Also, get your Vitamin D3 level tested & sun/supplement to a blood level 50-60 ng/ml.

Will help with your hormonal balance & dropping the belly fat.

You'll need to be patient. Hormonal balance needs 3-6 months (or more) for many women.

More info at www.vitamindcouncil.org

answered Oct 29 at 14:28

Dragonfly
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Thanks, Dragonfly. I live in Chicago and have darker skin, so I will definitely look into the Vitamin D. And I will try to be more patient. – loresbsp Oct 29 at 14:43

AmberFischer · Answer 3 · 2012-10-29 15:37:13Z UTC

I've been paleo a few months now and am having similar problems. I was already at a technically healthy weight, lost 10 lbs when I first started and have now stabilized and actually gained a couple pounds back. I also have PCOS and IR. I will have to try some of these suggestions. It is extremely frustrating to be working SO hard and not seeing the results because of hormone imbalance but my doctor has always said that us PCOS women have to try ten times as hard for half the results. I hadn't heard that hormone regulation takes 3-6 months though so that gives me hope. Side note: I started my first period today after only three months of birth control (which I was on to regulate cycles) My usualy periods, even after coming of birth control a few times in the past have always taken about 10 months, so I usually have a period once a year or so. This is giving me some hope! It is nice to hear that someone else has similar issues. Wishing the best for you!

Hack my Huge Waist

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