Is Insulin The Enemy?

In recent years, insulin has been cast in a negative light, often portrayed as the culprit behind various health issues, particularly in discussions surrounding diabetes and obesity.

However, it's time to reframe this narrative.?

Insulin is not the enemy; rather, it is a vital hormone essential for our survival and well-being.

During this article I will explain what insulin is and its effect on health, as well as dismissing some BS!?

The Role of Insulin

Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels.

It allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, providing them with the energy needed for daily functions.

Without insulin, our bodies would struggle to maintain stable blood sugar levels, leading to severe complications.

If insulin was so bad for us Type 1 Diabetes wouldn’t be an issue??

And why would top level bodybuilders inject insulin? If all it was going to do is make them fat?

Makes as about much sense as a chocolate fire guard!

Insulin has a twin brother called Glucagon.?Its like insulins Ying to its Yang.

Its job is to release glucose into the bloodstream when the body needs energy.?

This is seen when the HPA is activated (fight or flight).

The Carbohydrate-Insulin Obesity Model.

A long time ago…

In a galaxy far, far away.

It was proposed that the increased consumption of carbohydrates, therefore an increase in elevated insulin was the cause of obesity!?

Here is the problem with that theory

Carbohydrates aren’t the only macronutrient that spikes insulin! Whey protein and salmon also spike insulin!

So, blaming Carbohydrates for people getting fat makes no sense.

This model of obesity has been debunked in recent literature.

Like this 2 Year RCT by Kakoschke et al.?

That study both high carb and low carb diets and their impact on people with type 2 diabetes!

What was the outcome???

Well , as long as calories were equated both high carb and low carb diets yielded the same results in people with diabetes.?

So as long as you are in a calorie deficit you will not gain weight.?

Here is the link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34018052/

In addition, this systematic review by Qing Yang in 2021 showed similar findings!

For those that don't know a Systematic Review is a study of studies.

This paper included eleven studies involving 739 participants!

You can find it here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34168293/

How to create a sustainable diet?

So, the way I work with my clients is, firstly I will get them to track their food intake.?

I use my fitness pal because it's free and I can have a sneaky peak.?

I then place them in a slight calorie deficit, whilst increasing their movement.?

I then teach them health nutrition habits?

Like eating slower, eating without distractions and getting your 5 a day in.?

No food groups are off limits for my clients, because a balanced diet is key for micronutrient intake.

If you eradicate one macronutrient, you also eradicate its accompanying minerals and vitamins?

You see, it's easy to follow a meal plan.?

But meal plans only work in the context of that specific phase or time.??

Most people think they need the “Perfect Meal Plan”, unfortunately it doesn’t exist!?

What happens when you finish the meal plan??

Without healthy eating habits and education, your fucked!?

At the end of the day…

There are so many influencers that sell BS supplements, they hate on everything that doesn’t fit their narrative and scare monger people into believing a certain food group or food item is bad for you.

The same goes for some coaches, which really pisses me off!?

Being a coach is about helping people not about pushing a certain way of eating and claiming it can cure the world.

So if you found this article useful, please subscribe and share the love!

Peace out!?

Coach Carl?