Paleo Diet and Paleolithic Diet Questions & Answers

Question

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Hi all!

I am attempting my first grain-free day - rather painful, as I do love oatmeal and granola - and, truth be told, I am really ANXIOUS about it. I have been maintaining a 1200-cal/day nutrition regimen for the past 5 weeks, along with 4-5 days/week of exercise (Zumba, swimming, strength training, an occasional burst of plyometrics). I am 5'3" and started my current plan at 127 lbs. So far, I've ditched about 5 pounds, and am looking to maintain at around 115, so I have a few weeks to go. I have had great success this week in limiting my grain intake to breakfast only - I have more energy, and feel more sated and less hungry throughout the day.

I understand the benefits of limiting carb intake to between 50 and 100 grams/day for paleo weight loss, but, as someone who doesn't like worrying too much about eating, the prospect of counting calories AND carbs is making me sweat.

My main question is: will going grain-free hinder or stop my weight loss? If not, should I stop counting calories, and just count carbs?

Thanks, and much appreciated, Maggie

flag	asked Sep 1 2011 at 16:57 Maggie 11●1

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Don't worry about calories as much as you worry about eating the right foods. With all that activity, 1200 calories seems REALLY low. Focus on eating well, tracking your carbs, and being HAPPY! – Oranges13 Sep 1 2011 at 17:38

Good for you! It should help your weightless but it'll definitely help your overall health. A lot of people who 'go paleo' gain muscle so its smart to think of it as losing fat instead of losing weight. You're weight might not change as muscle replaces fat. – No more. Sep 1 2011 at 18:20

Dave · Answer 1 · 2011-09-01 17:08:46Z UTC

I can tell you I've been doing this for about a week and a half.. I counted calories and carbs and ratios for 2 days.. and then I just focused on eating protien, fat and veggies.... it's a lot easier not to stress about it and weigh things out... for me... going grain free has made fat loss a simple process and I have never really had this easy of a time. goodluck and enjoy... post on the site and stay motivated!!!!!

vdh1979 · Answer 2 · 2011-09-01 17:09:16Z UTC

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Going grain free will definitely further your weight loss. This will be one of the best things you ever did, just wait and you will see.

Don't worry about counting your calories. Listen to your body.

answered Sep 1 2011 at 17:09

vdh1979
3,671●4●20

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Don't be afraid to count calories if you need to either. I was still overeating like mad when I initially went paleo just because my stomach is totally broken. – Oranges13 Sep 1 2011 at 17:37

really?? going grain-free will definitely further her weight loss? sure about that? that hasn't been my experience. not at all. – g. Sep 1 2011 at 21:04

Grenadine - are you saying when you went grain-free your weight loss plateaued or you began to gain? Just curious. – Craig Sep 15 2011 at 23:44

CatSaunders · Answer 3 · 2011-09-15 23:12:07Z UTC

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Wow, loving all the support here. I just found this site and already love it!

answered Sep 15 2011 at 23:12

CatSaunders
11●2

Maggie · Answer 4 · 2011-09-01 20:05:45Z UTC

Thank you, guys! I appreciate your advice. I have discovered that eating clean alone has helped me relax with nutrition and losing weight after long, confusing and stressful periods of obsession and worry. So far, this day is going awesomely! Oranges13, I should clarify: On the days that I exercise, I probably ingest 1400-1500 calories, so that my body doesn't go into starvation mode and that I lose weight in a healthy manner. 1200 ca/day is a low number, but being so small in stature (and naturally musclebound), it's easy to plateau in weight loss - 1200 ensures results from my hard work! Thanks for watching out!

1st Day Grain-Free!

4 Answers