Hi everyone!

I just started the Paleo diet (lifestyle?) a few days ago, and so far it's been pretty good. I feel like I still have a lot to learn, though, so hopefully this forum will give me some insight!

The journey that let me here (in short):

In an effort to save money during my first year of university, I based my diet around whole grains, vegetables, beans, nuts, cheese, and fruit. I was moderately active, but my diet, combined with my exploration in alcohol consumption, resulted in some weight gain. After the school year ended, I panicked about the weight gain and started doing cardio like my life depended on it, and deliberately undereating. I lost the weight and then some - I loved what I was seeing in the mirror, but felt tired, crabby, and hungry all the time. Tired physically, and tired mentally - the energy to maintain my willpower was exhausting.

I started getting blood sugar crashes. I didn't know what they were called at the time, but it was horrible. Sweating, hyperventilating, black spots dancing in front of my eyes - 20 seconds, and then it would be over. Then I would be INTENSELY hungry, which resulted in a lot of carb-loading. I realized that I couldn't keep on starving myself, and stopped. Afterwards, I noticed that it took a lot more to be full than before - bread/pasta/grains/beans just weren't filling me up like it used to.

The rest of the story is predictable - weight gain, feeling sluggish, depressed, guilty, blah, blah, blah.

So...I did a lot of research, and the paleo/primal method of eating really made sense to me. For the few days that I've tried it, I'm fuller for longer. I'm more energetic, generally happier, and even my skin is better! I'm glad I found this forum and I look forward to learning how to live again (it honestly feels like that).

Welcome.

The first couple weeks can have some difficulties, but in the long run, it sure sounds like you'll be better off dropping the grains, legumes, dairy, tubers, and processed foods.

Thanks paleowoman! The beginning has been a bit rough - I was really tired all the time, but the fatigue is lessening each day.

Welcome :-))

I am new to this forum but have been following Paleo guidlines since May 2010. I have dropped about 60 pounds but about 7 pant sizes. I am in the best shape of my life. I have more energy and just feel incredible. I live in the Port Credit area. Does anybody know where to get some good grass fed beef? I get my game meats from Black Angus on Revus rd.

Keep up the good work guys 

Scott

Welcome, Scott. It sounds like you're going great!   

@Puck22...  I'm thinking the same thing, about getting stricter with the paleo over time.  I've made huge changes to my diet, eliminating the grains, cutting the packaged foods and hidden sugars, but some things still aren't quite perfect (I still use storebought sauces for some things like salad dressings).  I took all the big steps, all the big changes, but I know I'm not perfect and there are things that over the next year I will begin to tweak until I get exactly where I want to be with this.  I'm hoping that the longer I stick to it, the easier it'll be to make good choices when eating out, and when socializing.  I tried to give up cream in my coffee, but couldn't acquire the taste for almond or coconut milk in it--though I did manage to adjust to the lack of sugar in it (and I am lactose-intolerant, so I should kick the dairy habit--but what good are tacos without cheese??  I can do without the shell, but not the cheese and plain yogurt in place of sour cream....)  I'm weaning myself off diet coke, still.  I don't have it every day.  It's a treat food for when I want something sweet.  I can't afford grass-fed meats, but I do buy the nitrate-free bacon.  I'm already a freak when it comes to food in public.