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The "bump" I'm referring to is that last pocket of fat that sits at and around the navel area on those of us trying to lean out. Robb Wolf says it's a sign of insulin resistance and/or cortisol. Just wondering what those of you who can't seem to lose that little harbinger of metabolic derangement have done to make it deflate. My leaning out has plateaued and I bounce up and down by a couple of pounds during the week - the fat bump stays.

Hack away my paleo friends: Paleo-ish for the last 4 years, strict for the last 3 months and forevermore. Lost about 15 lbs four years ago and have dropped another 13 since going strict this year. Now 5'9", 167 lbs. My paleo means 55% fat, 35% protein, 10% carb (ie. 40 grams); roughly 1,600 to 1,900 cals per day; grain, legume, dairy free; minimal fruit; hardly any booze; some 85% dark chocolate; good sleep in a dark room; low intensity flexibility and stability work plus 15 minutes bike intervals 5 days a week in the gym; high-intensity (interval-like) ice hockey 60-90 minutes once a week; generally mellow and low-stress life; some background level of chronic pain due to arthritis.

I've tried intermittent fasting (16-18 hours) a few days a week, lower cals, carb re-feeds, pulling my pants up so you can't see it...but no change.

Any success to share?

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5 Answers

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I'm kind of there too - I found what I thought to be a plateau, but I busted through that using IF, and realized I've got more to lose than I thought. OR I'm just burning up my muscle too. But I definitely continue to see signs of fat loss, so I don't think I've reached another true plateau - but it sure does seem slow going.

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I honestly think the plateaus are our bodies way of adjusting to the new weight. I hit many plateaus when losing 100+ lbs and at one point my trainer had me stay at my 1st goal for a YEAR before we worked on pushing me further down. I really think it helped my body and mind adjust to the new weight and metabolism. Too much, too soon comes back just as fast sometimes. That said, they sure can be frustrating! – sherpamelissa Jan 12 2011 at 18:48
Kent: what was your IF protocol? – Riveted Jan 12 2011 at 19:15
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 Still is my IF protocol :) I vary it, doing either a 14 (most often, skipping breakfast) or 18 hour fast (skipping breakfast and lunch) each day through the week. On the weekends, I mix it up - sometimes I'll skip breakfast, or lunch, or both, or none. – Casey Jan 12 2011 at 20:22
Imho I believe IF IS the method and going for a looong walk is the movement (while well into fasted state). – Bill1102inf Dec 18 2011 at 4:42
I'd say IF is a method, not the method.. I don't think it's a panacea for everyone. – Casey Dec 18 2011 at 20:26
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I have the same thing and am trying to replace fruit with sweet potato completely for a few weeks. We shall see.

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This does all sound pretty good.

How about some more strength based work instead of the flexibility and stability work and bike intervals? Not that those are wrong, but just for something different. I would take a week off, then start a new protocol. Training fasted, if you can, and look at some 15/20 minute heavy lifting programs.

I would also drop the booze for a month. Just a month. And see what happens.

Good luck!

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Yeah, I didn't notice the booze part in the OP; that would be the first thing I would do. – Travis Culp♦ Jan 12 2011 at 18:41
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Decrease your protein down to 20% and increase your fat to 70%.

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Could you elaborate? Ketosis? – Tom Jan 12 2011 at 18:52
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 Excess protein intake would be turned into glucose for fuel. Bringing protein down, along with already lowered carbs, would cause body to resort to remaining adipose stores. – haig Jan 12 2011 at 21:11
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This is a common problem and from what I've read and heard IF seems to do the trick. Have you tried doing that?

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