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So far I have (mostly gleaned from Robb Wolf's podcasts): 1) Paleo diet 2) Enough high quality sleep (in total darkness) 3) Don't go crazy with the metcon 4) STOP STRESSING THE HELL OUT!!! 5) Don't IF, try to have regular mealtimes.

Easier said than done, and are there any other suggestions, or suggestions on how to best go about reaching the nirvana of the above steps?

Many thanks!

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# 4 is vital. And even though I am a pretty traditional, conservative kind of guy I have found that some meditation every day helps a lot. Even if it's just ten minutes of closing my office door, and clearing my thoughts by focusing on my breathing... it helps me keep things in perspective. Good luck! – Glenn Apr 21 2010 at 17:53
Can I ask how you were diagnosed with excess cortisol? – Matt Apr 21 2010 at 20:43
"metcon" = ...? – 42 Apr 21 2010 at 22:34
Metcon is a popular CrossFit abbreviation for "Metabolic Conditioning" workout. It usually involves high intensity interval training. – David Csonka Apr 22 2010 at 0:14
Why does he take the anti IF stance ? – Ikco Apr 22 2010 at 5:53
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Well, I had a problem with waking at 4am, overheated. If that happened, my blood glucose would also be high when I finally got up (around 6-7am) at 100-105.

I know this sounds crazy to a lot of low-carbers, but I added sweet potatoes and fruit to my diet. Not a ton of it - I eat about 20-25g per meal (about the same as I eat in protein per meal) and it stopped happening. Morning BG is now 85-95, and I don't wake up at freakin' 4am either. I wind up eating less over all, but I seem to do fine with less protein now.

My theory is that it was too taxing for my adrenals to get the BG out of protein after years of low-carbing (which I did before I was paleo). I know I have not felt this good for a long time. I used to eat more like 1.5 lbs. of protein a day, now I eat more like 13-15oz. I still eat lots of green vegetables, and my total carbs daily are around 100g.

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I think Robb Wolf also would stress how you "look, feel, and perform"

I have been trying and modifying and trying different ideas and techniques constantly with the whole thought of "do I feel better or worse?"

Plus if you have thought that you might have an issue with some food, try a 30 day removal of it and then try reintroducing the food.

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.. reintroducing.. SLOWLY! – tarynrom Apr 21 2010 at 18:42
Sigh! I have tried the 30 day removal and reintroduction of foods (of course I am grain, legume, and dairy free), but it seems like my body doesn't like meat, leafy greens, coconut, ghee (my one nod to dairy), or really much of anything. I am trying the digestive enzymes in hopes that they will help. – Meeses Apr 30 2010 at 16:04
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"5) Don't IF, try to have regular mealtimes."

He does mention in one of his podcasts however that IF is a great "tool" to use when your food options are non-paleo. For instance if you are at the office and a last min meeting is called from 11AM-3PM (this has happened to me numerous times) and leadership decides to 'treat' everyone to pizza or something along these lines IF is a great way to avoid poor food choices, until you can get into a more "Paleo-Friendly" atmosphere.

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IF does not imply non-regular mealtimes. I start eating at 18 every day, stop eating at 20. – Mikael Jansson Apr 21 2010 at 18:32
Not sure I understand your comment here. – Harlow Apr 21 2010 at 18:43
Mikael is on a 24 hour clock in Sweden. 18 to 20 is 6pm to 8pm. – Dexter Apr 21 2010 at 23:03
I suppose if you've got excess cortisol, skipping IF might be smart. But hunts don't always end successfully. – Cromulent Apr 22 2010 at 19:24
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Robb only said that IF should be avoided if your cortisol levels are high as it's an additional stressor. If you have all the other Paleo elements implemented and your stress is under control I believe that he supports IF – Ryan Apr 22 2010 at 19:41

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