AnnaB, thank you. That was a clear and thorough explanation. It helps a lot.
I was never low-carb paleo, true paleo ISN’T low carb at all, it’s just no grains. I just ate no processed foods or sugars, no dairy, no legumes, and no PUFAS, and no grains. Veg, including lots of starches, healthy meat, healthy fats, fruit, nuts and seeds. I didn’t have a severe calorie deficit either, probably eating about 2000 cals a day.
However, I think my metabolism was messed up by previous dieting (1200 cals a day) in various plans, and about 12 years of chronic stress with one event after another happening for a very long time.
At this point, I am not sure ANY type of food plan will help me reduce until I fix my broken metabolism.
As for sugar, I’ve read studies and articles (and yes, I get it that anyone can produce any kind of study) showing how sugar and refined flour both weaken the immune system, wreak havoc with gut bacteria balance and that more people get sick more easily with a diet high in sugar. I don’t need to debate it, I may be wrong, maybe it’s just that everyone’s metabolism is low who eats sugar, and that’s why its easier to get sick and the white blood cells are lower…but that’s where I was coming from with my statement. But I understand how it’s maybe more important to eat calories, from whatever source, in order to fix a metabolism.
Thanks for your response. :)