Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I have lost some 10 kg on scale since going paleo (most in first 3 months) and started powerlifting type training at the same time (Stronglifts 5x5). I reduced my carb intake a lot when switching to paleo, but still ate moderate amout of carbs - 3-5 apples per day and potatoes 3-4 times per week (mostly on training days).

I have had good muscle gains and generaly feel much better, but still need to lose some 5 kg of fat around waist.

This week I switched to low carb and almost from start have increased need for fats. Did anybody else experience something like this? Is this just expected need to replace calories from carbs or adjustment to new diet?

flag	asked Feb 5 2011 at 2:34 Kruno 304●1●6

Dexter · Accepted Answer · 2011-02-05 02:55:24Z UTC

If you cut the energy from carbs, you definitely need to increase your protein and fat to to replace the carbs to maintain your level of activity.

You stay on the reduced carb and increased fat and protein, the last 5kg will come off...but it will be slow...especially from around the waist. Do not give in to cheats... even a small ones really sets back your progress.

Once you get your body into being a fat burning machine by being in ketosis most of the time, you will drop the weight.

Just don't forget to drink enough water. Many new paleo people eat to satiety and forget the water. A rule of thumb is take your weight in pounds and divide by two and that is a good amount of water to drink in ounces.

Kaz · Answer 2 · 2011-02-05 03:54:01Z UTC

Oh, absolutely. When I first cut out grains, I went crazy on fat and was eating coconut butter by the spoonful from the jar. I think your reaction is totally normal, and I went through the same thing.

In my case, I think my body was using the fat to repair the damage that my high-carb diet did to my body. Maybe your body is healing from damage, too?

I still crave fat, of course, but not as badly as I did at first. :)

Eva · Answer 3 · 2011-02-05 05:03:19Z UTC

I was similar to Kaz. Once I cut out the garbage intake, then my craving for fat went through the roof. For a while, I wanted to eat tons of fat. At the same time, I was losing weight. Then after a bunch of months passed, my craving abated some and now I just want some fat, but will feel satiated on it a lot faster. It was like it took about 3 months to fill up the 'tank' on fat and then I finally felt like I had caught up.

Lowering carb and increased fat cravings

3 Answers