Todd,

That seems to make a lot of sense and jives with some reading I've been doing lately (Natural Hormone Enhancement by Rob Faigin) on this topic.  I'm going to give cyclical paleo carb-ups a shot to see if it helps.  There is no way I'm going to be able to increase muscle and/or improve my body composition if I'm too weak to get a decent workout. I really enjoy the ultra-low carb foods ie non-starchy veggies and protein and do not feel in the least deprived psychologically (ie I do not miss sweet potatoes or wild rice), I just want to get stronger physically and believe that for me, there seems to a be missing component  in my diet.  I've tried upping my vegetable portions and adding fruit and/or more nuts but it simply does not help.

Adrienne