Comments for Paleo Challenge

Comment on Hunter’s meal on Saturday by Olga

Olga — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:04:00 +0000

We couldn’t wait either! So we went for it!

Comment on Hunter’s meal on Saturday by Gavin

Gavin — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:19:53 +0000

I can’t wait until the BBQ season kicks off properly!

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by Gretchen

Gretchen — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:40:08 +0000

I would say I have definitely been following the guideline. Even if I have a treat, planned or not, I factor in the nut/fat content to my overall meal…..Definitely have not overindulged but have been conscious of times I would otherwise have just popped something in my mouth.

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by Euan

Euan — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:10:34 +0000

Alex, the paleo treats are treats made with paleo foods. So the advantage is you don’t get exposed to the other invisible side effects of grains, legumes, dairy and refined sugars (insane insulin spikes, inflammation, allergic reactions, leaky gut etc. etc.). However, if weight loss is your goal you should not overindulge in them.

Paleo is not just about losing weight it’s also about being healthy. If you need a treat once a week to stay sane then have a paleo treat it is waaaayyy better than a non paleo treat.

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by AlexW

AlexW — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:01:15 +0000

So much for the “treats” then. It did sound too good to be true…if they are just fake Paleos why not just indulge in a “real” odd-day treats then? Apart from that I´m pretty much following the guideline

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by Ken

Ken — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 20:51:36 +0000

Euan makes some good points. My weight keeps diving on the scale (not my intended goal!), so please feel free to pass along any ‘treats’ to me. I can’t seem to eat enough!

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by Olga

Olga — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 12:05:01 +0000

Well, I try and get the guidelines right but it’s true all the treats were a bit much and I’ll try and get them under control. This takes a lot of self discipline I must admit.

May the biggest loser win!!

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by Euan

Euan — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:55:59 +0000

Looking at these responses I have a few comments:
1. When you first start a diet you loose a larger amount the first few days, a normal rate of weight loss should then follow – in the order of 200 to 500g a week. If you’re loosing it faster it’s probably not going to be sustainable in the longer term.
2. I have the impression everyone’s gotten a little carried away with the paleo ‘treats’ and consuming a little too much of them. They are very high in fat thanks to the almond butter, and therefore pack a serious calorie punch not to be underestimated.
3. It’s time to remember the rough quantities per meal guidelines I gave at the introductory paleo presentation: LEAN protein portion the size of your palm, vegetables in unlimited quantities, 1 to 2 pieces of fruit and 1-2 teaspoons of oil or 9 to 18 nuts.
4. How many of you have actually been following that guideline?

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by Gretchen

Gretchen — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 19:19:18 +0000

I have managed so far with no cheats, but I find the Paleo waffles, muffins, carrot cake, etc., too much of a cheat so trying not to consume them as my family devours them by the double batch! Feel I plateaued on weight so have tried cutting back to three meals and also smaller quantities. Have felt very strong in workouts and sometimes actually feel like I am getting thinner. Don’t miss the grains at all though the occasional whiff of fresh pasta or a good pretzel smells wonderful but not enticing enough to eat. Just catching the cold going around so hoping it doesn’t derail much. Don’t really anticipate going back to any grains but certainly would enjoy a little chocolate after April 4……

Comment on Mid-Challenge Progress/Impressions by Jon

Jon — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:00:43 +0000

It’s funny but for me I notice the benefits of the diet when I deviate from it. If I have a few meals with grains or sugar it just destroys me in terms of energy levels and overall wellbeing. I had a mega cheat day two weeks back and it was a huge mistake. I felt lethargic, gassy and bloated for the next 3 days, almost like a hangover…

I agree with the other posts that it is easy to stay with the diet. I love meat, veggies and fat and it is absolutely no problem to stay away from grains and sugar.

I have not really noticed too much of a body composition change. My weight has stayed at around 88kgs and waist between 91-92cm since the start of January. Having said that, it is easier for me to stay relatively lean without paying too much attention to the amount of food I am taking in.

I calced my calories using http://www.fitday.com the other day and on average I am taking in nearly 4,000 calories split as follows:
22% protein (c.208 grams or 840 calories)
69% fat (303 grams or 2700 calories)
10% carbs (98 grams or 380 calories)

Now despite the pretty high number of calories, I have been able to stay pretty lean. I’m quite glad I did the numbers though as this gives me a point now to see whether I want to try to gain weight or lose fat. I can never decide which way to go, but I’m opting to go for a period of mass gain.