A few days after I began this challenge, I noticed a rash which started on my chest and spread to my clavicle and back. It looks similar to acne. Could it be from working out and sweating more? From my new sports bras? New lotion? Something I ate? I tried everything to get rid of it - washing all my clothes in really hot water, washing my sheets, showering immediately after exercise, but nothing worked. I was at a loss.
I didn't really think it was something I ate, since I have only eliminated foods since beginning the challenge. So, I turned to Google... and found that when some people enter ketosis, they can get a rash on their chest, clavicle, and back. Interesting....
After doing some research, here's what I've found the rash could be caused by:
1. Excess Ketone bodies in the blood, causing a rash
2. When your body begins to burn fat instead of carbs, it breaks down stored triglycerides. Since toxins are typically fat soluble, when these triglycerides break down, they release large amounts of toxins into the bloodstream, causing a rash
3. Excess Omega 6's are also stored in the fat cells -when the triglycerides break down, excess Omega 6's get into the bloodstream, causing a rash
4. When you begin a VLC diet, your protein intake typically increases, thus increasing digestive enzymes and histamine. The rash could be due to a histamine sensitivity.
So, here's my order in trying to eliminate the rash:
1. increase Omega 3 intake significantly (taking 1t/day liquid right now - will increase to 1T/day)
2. increase carbs in my diet - currently between 80g & 100g/day - will increase to 100-150g/day
Hopefully this works! On a positive note - this tells me that I am definitely in fat-burning mode, which was the whole point to this challenge!
Both me and baby are doing wonderfully. For the first time in a long time, when someone asks "how are you doing?," I say "fantastic." Seriously, fantastic.
My husband and I walk a 3-mile trail a couple of times/week with Lilah. Today was the first time in over a year that I actually felt like breaking into a jog while on this trail. I didn't, but I wanted to :)
Milk supply is still hanging in there. I haven't noticed any substantial increase or decrease since beginning the challenge outside of the supply dip fiasco about a week ago.
I also haven't noticed any temperament changes in Lilah. She's a healthy, happy little girl!
Here she is gnawing on her favorite food - bacon!

Hi Aubrey,
ReplyDeleteI noticed that you haven't posted for about a month and I was disappointed because I'm loving reading this! I am pregnant with my first baby and I eat paleo already and have done so while pregnant. I really love the details about how it's going and the food and corresponding activity log. You're totally right--there is not a lot out there for someone wanting to breastfeed while eating paleo. In fact a lactation consultant I met made it sound like if one got rid of "complex carbs, whole grains" they would not be able to nurse. Distressing to say the least! If you're still on this journey, keep it up, because you've got readers =)
Hi Emily, thanks so much for commenting! I'm glad you're finding the blog beneficial. I assure you that you will be able to produce milk while on a paleo diet, especially since you are already paleo while pregnant. However, I would encourage you to eat plenty of starchy veggies and fruits while paleo breastfeeding - especially immediately postpardum when you're establishing your milk supply. Please keep the comments coming, it's really encouraging to know someone's reading :) Thank you!
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