How many of us are paleo/primal?

Renn

Adelie wrote: »

Thai green curry:
Fry diced lamb in coconut oil
Boil loads of broccoli in another pot
Add a pouch or two of melted coconut cream to the lamb plus water to thin a little.
Stir in curry paste: it's cheating but I use their stuff http://thai.ie, none of the ingredients are offensive!
Add the broccoli and some coriander leaf.

Okay, I made this last night and it's probably one of the easiest, tastiest meals I've cooked in a good while. Only problem I had was the coconut cream...I didn't manage to get a whole lot out of the sachet, how do you go about this? Also, do you just leave the broccoli in for a couple of minutes with the rest of the ingredients? If so, that's what I did.

Lamb is actually a bit expensive, might substitute in chicken instead next time.

Macha

Sapsorrow, that's fantastic thanks so much. There is Type 2 Diabetes in my family so the hyperinsulemia is definitely a possibility. I'm going to get my fasting blood glucose level checked and hopefully that might indicate something that's going on.

dxhound2005

Sapsorrow wrote: »

Hey just came across this comment by Jimmy Moore and thought of you, it may be of some help (the bit about his stalled loss despite keeping carbs minimal);

I've been VERY open and honest about my personal struggles with the weight, but one thing has always remained intact--my health markers have all been spectacular. HDL is way up, triglycerides are way down, heart scan score of ZERO, blood sugar levels consistently below 100, etc. So to answer your questions, 2blue, no I haven't been unfaithful to my low-carb plan and have remained on it for much of the past couple of years since the weight gain occurred. Again, this is not news...I've been writing about this every few months for much of the previous two years on my blog as it has been happening. I've never hidden from a struggle.

That said, it's been frustrating trying to figure out my own issues. Yes, I have gained 59 pounds since December 2007 and have done lots of things trying to bring it under control. But it wasn't until the 2010 Low-Carb Cruise when I had a chance to speak with the great Dr. Mary Vernon and Jackie Eberstein who worked with Dr. Atkins as a registered nurse for three decades that the issue solidified itself in my mind. They both listened to my symptoms and my struggle and immediately said I have a severe case of hyperinsulinemia where my body treats even the slightest amount of carbohydrate differently than most. In other words, while I'm not 410 pounds anymore, my body still acts metabolically like it is. So this underlying condition is working against me to attain the weight that I desire.

The silver lining in all of this is I'm very healthy, feel fantastic, and am still motivated to do something about it. That's why I implemented an eggfest which I am currently in the midst of completing for a period of time to make sure I am getting a measured high-fat, especially saturated fat, adequate protein, low-carbohydrate intake of food at consistent levels every few hours (as per Dr. Vernon and Jackie Eberstein) totaling around 2,000 calories daily. In just one week of doing this I lost 14 pounds and will continue on with this plan indefinitely as long as it is working. Yes, I love good local pastured eggs and that helps with this a lot. Wish me well!

Chris, I understand your concern, but I am working on that issue, too. I'm gonna defeat this monster that plagues me known as hyperinsulinemia even if that means giving up those things you mentioned. This is a process and I'm well on my way to making it work. I appreciate your input and support and I WILL SUCCEED! And, as always, I'll blog my progress all along the way. THANKS again!

I was surprised that the doctor and nurse apparently were able to determine his condition just from his description of the symptons. I didn't know how many eggs constituted an eggfest but I read elsewhere that it was 8 to 12 eggs a day for a month.

He managed to lose 27 pounds in a month but if you see how he did it I don't think it would be for everybody.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtC-E_zztEk

Sapsorrow

I wasn't suggesting trying Jimmy's eggfest, rather that getting checked for hyperinsulinemia might be worthwhile.

El_Dangeroso

taconnol wrote: »

Sapsorrow, that's fantastic thanks so much. There is Type 2 Diabetes in my family so the hyperinsulemia is definitely a possibility. I'm going to get my fasting blood glucose level checked and hopefully that might indicate something that's going on.

I don't think FBG will let you know if you have hyperinsulemia. You need to get a fasting insulin test done instead.

Either way I'd have my doubts it's that unless you have ever been morbidly obese. It galls me to say it because I do think that counting anything is annoying but plug everything into fitday and check out calories. If you're going over then cut out snacking completely and cut down to two big meals a day (don't go down the counting calories route, it will erroneously lead you to favour carbs over fat).

Unless you are the type of person who gets very shaky in between meals in which case I'd listen to your body and have 5-6 small meals a day. Usually the type of people who do well on more frequent meals are very stressed (high cortisol) and are prone to exercising chronically (as in very frequent steady-state cardio).

goldbird200

I lost 7.5 stone doing the traditional eat less eat healthy and move more method. Then my body stopped. Gave in. No matter what I do I cannot shift any more weight, and I have about 20 lbs to lose still. I know after losing over 100lbs, 20lbs doesnt seem like a lot but trying to shift these pounds is actually making me gain weight!!

I will never be obese again, but my trainer has recommended Paleo and I am finding it impossible... Cutting carbs (not that I ever had much) is making me crave them even more and I have started binge eating. I snack on Nuts.. but its not settling my need for sweet things...

Anyone else in the same position? Can your body just give up?! reading through this thread I noticed somebody saying that the body is fighting hard to counter-act what u are doing.. Am I destined to be morbidly obese all my life?

I really dont want to live on a strict diet forever, and I am doubtful if this Paleo malarky is sustainable for me in the long term....

Sapsorrow

Has anyone read nourishing traditions by Sally Fallon? Thinking of treating myself but tis pricey enough. Lovely looking book though, listening to her podcasts with Jimmy Moore all morning it's great!

Sapsorrow

goldbird200 wrote: »

I lost 7.5 stone doing the traditional eat less eat healthy and move more method. Then my body stopped. Gave in. No matter what I do I cannot shift any more weight, and I have about 20 lbs to lose still. I know after losing over 100lbs, 20lbs doesnt seem like a lot but trying to shift these pounds is actually making me gain weight!!

I will never be obese again, but my trainer has recommended Paleo and I am finding it impossible... Cutting carbs (not that I ever had much) is making me crave them even more and I have started binge eating. I snack on Nuts.. but its not settling my need for sweet things...

Anyone else in the same position? Can your body just give up?! reading through this thread I noticed somebody saying that the body is fighting hard to counter-act what u are doing.. Am I destined to be morbidly obese all my life?

I really dont want to live on a strict diet forever, and I am doubtful if this Paleo malarky is sustainable for me in the long term....

How low are you keeping your carbs? Are you very physically active?

goldbird200

everything gets weighed..

Cereals: 20g
Pasta/Rice 40g
bread: Never more than 1 slice and always brown

Im not as active as I used to be, trainers tell me to cut cardio and just do weights to lose the inches, then I get lazy and lathargic, so I start the cardio again. I go gym 3-4 times a week, dog gets a quick walk every evening, and thats it..

I work on my ass all day so no movement there..

Red Cortina

Sapsorrow wrote: »

Has anyone read nourishing traditions by Sally Fallon? Thinking of treating myself but tis pricey enough. Lovely looking book though, listening to her podcasts with Jimmy Moore all morning it's great!

I received my copy through the post this week! I'd say that I would give you a review of it but it will probably be this time next year by the time I've read it cause its a big one!

Sapsorrow

goldbird200 wrote: »

everything gets weighed..

Cereals: 20g
Pasta/Rice 40g
bread: Never more than 1 slice and always brown

Im not as active as I used to be, trainers tell me to cut cardio and just do weights to lose the inches, then I get lazy and lathargic, so I start the cardio again. I go gym 3-4 times a week, dog gets a quick walk every evening, and thats it..

I work on my ass all day so no movement there..

Is that since going paleo? Cereals aren't part of the paleo diet. What about root/starchy veg, fruits and added or hidden sugars?

Sapsorrow

Red Cortina wrote: »

I received my copy through the post this week! I'd say that I would give you a review of it but it will probably be this time next year by the time I've read it cause its a big one!

Oh la la well the bigger the better I say! It's like 600 pages or something like that isn't it! Is the inside as nice as the cover? Do the recipes looks any good? I think the book depository is the cheapest (about 15 euros for a new copy) where did you get it?

Red Cortina

Sapsorrow wrote: »

Oh la la well the bigger the better I say! It's like 600 pages or something like that isn't it! Is the inside as nice as the cover? Do the recipes looks any good? I think the book depository is the cheapest (about 15 euros for a new copy) where did you get it?

Got it from the book depository and paid around 19euro() for it. I haven't really looked at it yet. I got Robb Wolf's book at the same time and wanted to read about how he cured himself by eating Paleo (!!) so that has taken all my attention at the mo (plus I have abandoned WAP's NAPG for the mo cause there is only so much I can read about teeth and jaws and palates!!)

Renn

Still having trouble post workout Sapsorrow. Don't think I'm eating enough/the right things. I've ordered some unflavoured whey so that should arrive sometime next week. You suggest mixing this with some coconut milk afterwards? Which brand do you get? Maybe I should include something like sweet potato in my big feed an hour after the gym? Currently my main meal is just meat and some veg (peppers/broccoli/etc).

Adelie

Renn wrote: »

Okay, I made this last night and it's probably one of the easiest, tastiest meals I've cooked in a good while. Only problem I had was the coconut cream...I didn't manage to get a whole lot out of the sachet, how do you go about this? Also, do you just leave the broccoli in for a couple of minutes with the rest of the ingredients? If so, that's what I did.

Lamb is actually a bit expensive, might substitute in chicken instead next time.

Yeah the coconut cream is annoying, I put it sitting in a mug of boiled water as soon as I start preparing, then squeeze out as much as possible. You could also just cut open the sachet and scrape the remainder out.

That sounds fine with the broccoli - whatever works really. I always use frozen so I boil it for a few mins and then put it in with the rest for the last couple of mins.

I've made it with chicken too, it's lovely and definitely cheaper. Beef would also work I'm sure.

Sapsorrow

Red Cortina wrote: »

Got it from the book depository and paid around 19euro() for it. I haven't really looked at it yet. I got Robb Wolf's book at the same time and wanted to read about how he cured himself by eating Paleo (!!) so that has taken all my attention at the mo (plus I have abandoned WAP's NAPG for the mo cause there is only so much I can read about teeth and jaws and palates!!)

He he I knwo what you mean, if you get into in later on let us know in the off topic thread!

Renn wrote: »

Still having trouble post workout Sapsorrow. Don't think I'm eating enough/the right things. I've ordered some unflavoured whey so that should arrive sometime next week. You suggest mixing this with some coconut milk afterwards? Which brand do you get? Maybe I should include something like sweet potato in my big feed an hour after the gym? Currently my main meal is just meat and some veg (peppers/broccoli/etc).

Yes try mixing the whey powder in a food processor with some coconut milk (blue dragon, thai gold whatever you find but not the reduced fat ones), a large banana and a cup or two of milk so it's not too thick. You can also add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, sweetener, a cup of berries etc for flavouring. You could also make big batches at a go to last a few days to save time. You can have this during the day between meals too to really boost your calorie and nutrient intake. Some sweet potato would be a great idea, or even regular old spuds too, you need plenty of carbs (as well as fat and protein) from veg and fruit after a good workout so don't skimp on them and add plenty of real butter too! Bananas and sweet potato would be an ideal source of carbs for you.

El_Dangeroso

goldbird200 wrote: »

I lost 7.5 stone doing the traditional eat less eat healthy and move more method. Then my body stopped. Gave in. No matter what I do I cannot shift any more weight, and I have about 20 lbs to lose still. I know after losing over 100lbs, 20lbs doesnt seem like a lot but trying to shift these pounds is actually making me gain weight!!

I will never be obese again, but my trainer has recommended Paleo and I am finding it impossible... Cutting carbs (not that I ever had much) is making me crave them even more and I have started binge eating. I snack on Nuts.. but its not settling my need for sweet things...

Anyone else in the same position? Can your body just give up?! reading through this thread I noticed somebody saying that the body is fighting hard to counter-act what u are doing.. Am I destined to be morbidly obese all my life?

I really dont want to live on a strict diet forever, and I am doubtful if this Paleo malarky is sustainable for me in the long term....

Paleo is not necessarily a low carb diet. You can eat potatoes too, I eat white potatoes all the time. Increases the variety a good bit. Have you given intermittent fasting a go? This study shows that it causes more fat loss despite a similar calorie intake.

It took me a year to budge the last 10lb, and it only happened when I started fasting for 20hrs once a week.

FunkZ

My friend who is big into his nutrition told me to try Paleo Pizza, can't wait haha!

Renn

Another one I've been having lately:

1 banana, 2-3 full eggs, big tablespoon of almond butter. Mix well, put some real butter on the pan, make 2 or 3 pancakes out of that. Delicious.

Maybe it's not the best idea to have these 3 or 4 times a week for breakfast or is that okay?

Adelie

Emergency Snacks

these are really simply stuff that I can keep at work and home & consume when I need something quick or light!

• Macadamia nuts + a couple of squares of 85% chocolate
• Banana + a couple of slices of serrano ham (sooo good together. banana also goes great with rashers)
• Tin of sardines + tomato puree on top (the tomato improves the taste a lot)

Renn

Where do you get your 85% from? I actually eat 95% but find it's very expensive everywhere.

Banana and rashers? Sounds dodgy, haha.

Good call on sardines. Taste fine on their own to me!

Adelie

Renn wrote: »

Where do you get your 85% from? I actually eat 95% but find it's very expensive everywhere.

Banana and rashers? Sounds dodgy, haha.

Good call on sardines. Taste fine on their own to me!

I get 85% Lindt in Tescos. It's fairly commonly available anywhere that does dark chocolate bars. Haven't tried anything darker yet, must experiment.

Yeah they sound so dodgy together but it's really good! At least to me

Sardines taste OK to me but the tomato just makes them better with so little effort. Plus that little bit of extra nutrition snuck in!

I'm interested in other easy snack ideas, when I'm busy at work I'm not always organised enough to bring cooked food with me.

Adelie

Renn wrote: »

Another one I've been having lately:

1 banana, 2-3 full eggs, big tablespoon of almond butter. Mix well, put some real butter on the pan, make 2 or 3 pancakes out of that. Delicious.

Maybe it's not the best idea to have these 3 or 4 times a week for breakfast or is that okay?

This sounds lovely. The almond butter will have a couple of grams of Omega 6 (you said a big spoon so probably more) and the banana has some sugar but those are not necessarily problems, it depends on the rest of your diet really. I'd go easy on the almond butter I guess.

metamorphosis

Lindt do a lovely 90% in most tescos and do a 99% thats savage - very hard to get though.

If you live in Dublin - fallon and byrne sell an (overly expensive) 100% cocoa from a few brands - i got willies 180gm 100% there before and michael cluziel 88%

hug0

Hi all,

Could Sapsorrow or others that have been successful giving up bread and most carbs. Give an example of their daily diet. I dont have obvious signs of being intolerant to wheat, but I do get bloated, low energy and would like to lose 5 pounds.

I give in to social pressure to eat like everyone else when I try and also get cravings for carbs, sweets at differents times. Especially the day after drinking.

Could you also give the symptoms of being wheat intolerant. Thanks:)

Red Cortina

hug0 wrote: »

Give an example of their daily diet.

I would eat the following
Breakfast: Eggs (scrambled, poached or boiled), rashers, tomatoes. Today for example I fried some mushrooms and popped in eggs on top and scrambled them all together and I had some sweet potato left over from yesterday's dinner. Another really tasty thing to eat is BEAT salad ie Bacon Egg Avocado and Tomato Salad as per this recipe http://www.marksdailyapple.com/bacon-egg-avocado-and-tomato-salad/
Lunch: Meat and veg or salad. I'll eat whatever hot gluten free option is on the menu at work plus veg. Yesterday I had some kind of pork thing in a sauce plus some cabbage. Or else I would have some chicken with salad and a dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Snack: Some kind of tinned fish with some nuts and maybe an apple.
Dinner: Some kind of meat or fish and veg, ie last night I had 3 lamb chops plus some sweet potato.

Also I have had some success with the following recipe for buckwheat pancakes http://wholehealthsource.blogspot.com/2010/07/real-food-xi-sourdough-buckwheat-crepes.html Even himself thought they were nice!! They are a bit like potato cakes.

hug0 wrote: »

Could you also give the symptoms of being wheat intolerant. Thanks:)

I'm gluten intolerant and the symptoms I get are cramps/gas in my guts followed by diarrhea:o Then I feel generally weak and tired:(

Sapsorrow

This isn't a plug, I'm actually just feeling really lazy right now but here's an idea of one of my days in the summer (granted I wasn't working or studying so I had more time to spend in the kitchen then);

http://foodfloraandfelines.blogspot.com/2010/06/day-in-life.html

Yesterday went like this;

Breakfast: 5 (small) fresh pork/beef meatballs with herbs fried in butter
dark chocolate melted into yoghurt and cream (still on my dairy binge)
1 apple

Lunch: Mix of salads on my break (potato salad, carrot and raisin salad, tuna salad, roast med veg etc)

Dinner: Beef, pumpkin and aubergine curry (without rice)
More dark chocolate (85% always)
1 pear

Lots of herbal tea in between everything too. Usually I'd manage to get something leafy in there too but was busy rushing around all day.

El_Dangeroso

Sapsorrow wrote: »

This isn't a plug, I'm actually just feeling really lazy right now but here's an idea of one of my days in the summer (granted I wasn't working or studying so I had more time to spend in the kitchen then);

http://foodfloraandfelines.blogspot.com/2010/06/day-in-life.html

Yesterday went like this;

Breakfast: 5 (small) fresh pork/beef meatballs with herbs fried in butter
dark chocolate melted into yoghurt and cream (still on my dairy binge)
1 apple

Lunch: Mix of salads on my break (potato salad, carrot and raisin salad, tuna salad, roast med veg etc)

Dinner: Beef, pumpkin and aubergine curry (without rice)
More dark chocolate (85% always)
1 pear

Lots of herbal tea in between everything too. Usually I'd manage to get something leafy in there too but was busy rushing around all day.

Drool.

My menu is way less inspired. Yesterday I had to go to dublin on the train. Quick bit of smoked salmon while running late out the door. Nothing edible on the train, 3 hour meeting and then chicken fajita salad. A banana, an apple, and a kiwi spread out over the day to stave off hunger and nibbled on some cheese (one of those 20g ones you get in dunnes) and fancy ham when I got home.

So that's what I eat when my day is really hectic. On a day when I have all the time in the world I love an avocado and bacon omelet with sliced tomato for brekkie. Some kiwi, natural yoghurt and macadamias for a snack. Some seafood + leaves for lunch and beef bourguignon for dinner.

I'd eat a handful-sized portion of white rice occasionally too when I make a really good curry or chilli. White rice is probably the safest of all grains, having said that, it's not a staple in my diet.

Sapsorrow

Today so far;

Breakfast/lunch: not doing breakfast very often anymore, I tend to leave eating until two or three most days now;

Beetroot, bacon and goats cheese salad with loads of leaves and walnuts
Coffee

(interesting to see how the goats cheese affects me now in the next few hours, cows milk yoghurt has proved fine for me so yay love that greek style stuff!)

Dinner: leftover beef and pumpkin curry

Snacks: Probably an apple or two
Left over beetroot salad from the restaurant

Renn

Breakfast - 3 poached eggs and 6 slices of Tesco 'Healthy Living' bacon
Snack - Usually almonds/brazil nuts with some apples/bananas
Lunch - Bolognese leftover from previous night, no pasta/rice or anything, just a lot of meat and not enough veg, need to sort that out
Snack - Same as previous snack
Dinner - 2 pork chops with 500g of broccoli, with a large helping of butter spread over
Snack - Hot cocoa (coconut milk, green & black cocoa and hot water) with a couple of pieces of Lindt 90%

Probably not the best diet in the world. Welcome any critique!