Question: I've been trying to stick as closely as possible to the primal (mostly my meals have been something like chicken + greens or chicken + sauteed veggies or salad with little dressing or eggs in some form. though yesterday was fish and spinach salad). On rush days I've also been eating yogurt and blueberries with a touch of honey, I can't seem to shake the occasional dairy hit, but I haven't noticed that I feel better or worse during the days which I don't have dairy.
I was wondering if any of your clients have mentioned or if you know generally if the paleo diet can results in skin break outs? I've never really had any problems with skin but I'm finding that since dropping carbs and upping my meat I've been struggling with skin break outs. Is this something you've heard of before? Should I try to go with mostly vegetarian for a week to see? I'm tempted to do that, though I'm worried about not getting enough protein for the workout days - I still want to lose fat and get strong regardless of the skin, but if possible I'd like to figure out a way to have both.
Answer: From Amy Kubal, our Registered Dietitian
In regards to your question about paleo and skin breakouts - this style of eating is actually an effective treatment for acne! Dr. Loren Cordain has an Eating Guide detailing the paleo diet for curing acne.
I am not sure how much (if any) dairy you are consuming, as this can often result in breakouts, additionally eggs may also be the culprit. Everyone responds differently to different foods. If I were you I would try eliminating all dairy, eggs, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers), and nuts and see what happens. If your skin clears up add these foods back in one at a time and see how your body responds - if you breakout by adding in nuts - you'll know they are the culprit, if you don't you're good to go with them and then add in the nightshades, etc. until you figure out the exact trigger!
Paleo is definitely the way to go - keep up the awesome work! If you have any other questions or would like additional help with your diet - let me know! You can check out my blog at www.fuelasrx.blogspot.com