Insulin, weight loss and muscle mass

Are you exercising and dieting like a maniac?

Despite all the hard work you can't seem to lose adequate weight or build sufficient muscle...

Very often the reason for your lack of progress is pretty straightforward

More often than not it boils down to insulin

Let me explain…

Insulin is secreted by the pancreas preceding the consumption of carbohydrates 

Insulin’s role is to turn the sugar in your blood into energy 

When insulin is chronically elevated, your body CANNOT burn fat. 

Because the body can’t effectively use the sugar as energy it stores the excess as fat.

“That’s fair enough but how does insulin affect your ability to build muscle, that makes no sense!?”

You're right, it doesn’t.

Until you understand glucose metabolism…

When insulin is elevated

Your body can’t properly utilize the sugar in your blood

The problem is the demand for energy still there..

How then does your body manufacture energy?

It turns to proteins

Which it breaks down into amino acids -

A less-than-ideal form of energy

That begs the following question:

What can I do to stabilize my insulin levels?

Some practical tips for reducing insulin include:

• Avoid snacking 

• Choose complex carbs over simple carbs

• Prioritise fiber (fiber slows the absorption of sugar)

• Eat more protein and healthy fats 

• Manage stress (cortisol raises blood sugar)

• Get good quality sleep 

• Try intermittent fasting

The pancreas isn’t some unremarkable superhuman organ

If you abuse it, it will fight back

Fatigue, blurred vision and increased urination may present themselves -

This indicates hyperinsulinemia (too much insulin)

Sugar damages the pancreas just like alcohol damages the liver

Treat the pancreas with respect and it will do its job

Disrespect it and you run the risk of diabetes

The choice is yours!