(This is Part 1 of a 3 part series on Weight Loss covering Factors of Weight Loss, Paleo Foods to Eat and Exercise, Paleo and Weight Loss. So be sure to stay with us)
Starting on a Paleo diet with the purpose of losing weight can seem exciting, and many have read the fabulous success stories where people lose a substantial amount of weight in a short amount of time. While this can and does happen, the results aren’t necessarily typical. So the question of how fast you will lose weight while eating Paleo is an ambiguous one, at best. Several factors come into play, so keep the following in mind:
Your age
The undeniable, and unfortunate, fact is that the younger you are, the easier it is to lose weight. The ability for the metabolism to work fast and effectively dramatically slows after age 35, but that doesn’t mean it is impossible to lose the weight, it just might take more effort.
Your Current Weight
The amount of time it will take for 100 pounds to come off of your body is dramatically different from the amount of time it would take to lose 10 or 20. If you have a substantial weight loss goal, take a long view and don’t set yourself up for disappointment by expecting to lose weight rapidly like certain weight loss shows on TV. Instead, look for any amount of progress each month. If you only have a few pounds to lose, it can be easy to assume that those will come off quickly, but that may not be the case either. If Paleo is a huge dietary shift for you, it may take your body a little time to adjust to your new way of eating, so again, take a long view.
Your Gender
Men often lose weight more easily than women, but that doesn’t mean that women can’t have dramatic success when eating Paleo. Just don’t start the plan if you are a woman and expect to necessarily lose weight evenly with a man. You may lose more inches initially, or your energy levels may get stronger, while the weight on the scale is the last thing to change.
Your Health Conditions
If you have existing health conditions like diabetes, autoimmune disease, thyroid problems, heart conditions, or anything else, your body may take some time to work on repairing itself when you switch to a Paleo lifestyle. This can result in slow or no weight loss initially, but trust me when I say that good things will be happening in your body. Just give it some time, and remember that there is more to total body wellness than the number on the scale.
Your Fitness Level
If you’re a super fit person, your body will be primed to lose weight faster than someone who is not a regular exerciser. If you’re new to both Paleo and exercising, ease yourself in, and don’t try to jump to expert level right away. Take some time and your body will respond.
Your Stress Levels
Stress, no matter how fit or rested you are, interferes with the ability to shed pounds. While eating Paleo is a great way to help support your body from the inside out, you should also add some lifestyle habits to address stress, and this will translate to overall wellness and should help your body to shed excess weight.
Your Resting Habits
Your body needs sleep, and lots of it! Don’t think that you can lose weight and get the perfect body if you’re not equally fueling it with good food and good rest. Your body repairs itself and recuperates while you sleep, so don’t skimp in this area!
Your Hydration
Water is important for weight loss, and you’ve probably heard that many times over. Drink it often and regularly, and it will help your body to shed weight. The specific amount you should be drinking varies from one person to the next, but a good starting point is to drink half your body weight in ounces and go from there. If you still feel thirsty, listen to your body’s cues, and drink more.
Stick around for Part 2, with our suggestions on great Paleo foods to eat to help in your weight loss.