Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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I've been strict paleo since December of 2010. I am now 175lbs and 14% body fat (at 5'11"), and have been stuck here for the past 30 days. I need some help losing that last 5% body fat to get below that magic threshold that lets your six-pack show.

I am a CrossFitter, and usually work out 5-to-6 days a week. I get plenty of sleep (at least 8 hours a night). I currently supplement with Fish Oil, Magnesium, and Whey Protein (post workout only).

My fruit intake is little to zero, my fat intake comes from nuts (almonds, walnuts or macadamia nuts) coconut milk, avocado, and healthy, grass-fed or free range meats. My protein intake is about 1g per pound of lean body mass. I am in nearly constant ketosis (pink to purple according to the pee sticks), but that stubborn belly fat wont melt away.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

flag	asked Mar 14 2011 at 18:33 CrazyEye 103●5

	Would love to hear if you have an update on this. I am exactly the same as you, 179lbs, 14.7% BF and stuck. Are you loosing again? – James Mar 22 2011 at 23:57
	Without counting calories, I would just stop eating the nuts and chew all of your calories. – GPS Apr 3 2011 at 20:00
	paleohacks.com/questions/18531/… – Scott Apr 3 2011 at 20:55
	James, losing very slowly now. Down to 170 and 13%. I dropped the fruit altogether, switched to just macadamia nuts, and started counting calories. Looking to start fasted training as well. – CrazyEye Apr 5 2011 at 22:24

Lee · Answer 1 · 2011-03-14 18:56:03Z UTC

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Visceral fat is stubborn. It's simple to put on, but a bear to take off.

Do you know if your blood glucose is ok? I spent ages trying to lose weight with little success. Then I found out my BG was too high and took steps to bring it down. The fat finally came off!

answered Mar 14 2011 at 18:56

Lee
1,809●4●14

I thought blood glucose might be an issue as well. I am not sure the best way to make this determination. I have a physical exam scheduled for next month -- anything in particular I should look for in the lab tests? Thanks! – CrazyEye Mar 15 2011 at 2:48

Casey Rowe · Answer 2 · 2011-03-14 19:07:53Z UTC

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What about intermittent fasting? I know Mark Sisson has info around this on Marksdailyapple.com

answered Mar 14 2011 at 19:07

Casey Rowe
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	IF only works if youre leptin sensitive. Most here are already but the beginners are not. And you should not IF until you are fit because you can hurt yourself. I believe Matt Lalonde just spoke of this issue recently with Mr Wolf and I totally agree with him. – The Quilt Mar 14 2011 at 21:40
	I am glad you are not my doctor. – Rish604 Mar 15 2011 at 4:24
	i WISH he was my doctor! I don't even have one :/ – Futureboy Apr 3 2011 at 17:53

The Quilt · Answer 3 · 2011-03-14 21:38:32Z UTC

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For our patients we supplement with Carnitine, NAC, Alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol, and vitamin D3 at pretty high levels. It tends to really help and we ask them to back off cardio and really start lifting low reps and heavier weight. Makes huge differences in their IGF 1 levels and really leans them out. Good Luck hope that helps

edited Mar 14 2011 at 21:38

answered Mar 14 2011 at 19:19

The Quilt
27.4k●1●13●82

Also just began to use PQQ a newer B vitamin recently discovered to stimulate the production of new mitochondria in vivo. The science behind it is very intriguing because it ties to telomere length and energy production of the mitochondria as well as mitochondrial apoptosis. – The Quilt Mar 14 2011 at 21:37

Travis Culp · Answer 4 · 2011-03-14 19:30:18Z UTC

Might be deficient in the micronutrients involved in testosterone production (Cu, Se and Zn) which could create a hormonal hurdle completely separate from the insulin one you have clearly addressed. Eating a 1/4lb to a 1/2lb of ruminant liver per week is a pretty good practice either way.

Danny · Answer 5 · 2011-03-14 20:59:58Z UTC

I'm surprised that people usually miss the mark on this one, so I'll ask the question that people often dodge in the paleo community:

Are you counting calories?

Going unweighed and unmeasured while following a rigourous workout schedule is not an instant recipe for a six-pack , for everyone. Yeah, some dudes can pull it off while following ridiculous training protocols, but the average joe will have to weigh and measure if he wants to pursue a shredded physique. Just don't do it crossfitting 5-6 days a week; restricting calories while incurring a heavy training load is almost always a bad idea. It really boils down to what your ultimate goal is. Even Robb has mentioned on numerous occasions that counting calories is entirely necessary for some folks who want to achieve lower body fat levels.

mari · Answer 6 · 2011-03-14 21:50:17Z UTC

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I would drop the nuts except macadamias and count calories too. I don't think the O6 is helping you lose weight.

answered Mar 14 2011 at 21:50

mari
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	Mari, I agree. Macadamia nuts are the best, but hard to find around here. I just scored 3-bags worth today, so the almonds and walnuts are going out the window. – CrazyEye Mar 15 2011 at 2:49
	Not only is the n6 a concern but nuts are a calorically dense food. It's EASY to overdo them. So you might not necessarily need to start counting calories if you just try eliminating nuts – ChadHydro Apr 3 2011 at 18:55

bridget · Answer 7 · 2011-04-03 17:28:31Z UTC

I wonder if you're overdoing your workouts and perhaps not giving your body enough time to recover. I experienced this same problem and when I went down to 4 hard days per week and 2 "easy" days (just a walk or bike ride) I saw a great improvement in my overall body composition. Another thing to consider: Do you get enough sleep? That's HUGE for those final lbs/bf %.

Shmoe · Answer 8 · 2011-04-03 20:44:22Z UTC

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Add in some fasted morning low intensity cardio - a walk or some leisurely cycling for 30-60 mins.

answered Apr 3 2011 at 20:44

Shmoe
131●2

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