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October 22, 2009
Nutrition and Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes-Why Low Carb/High Protein Isn't Always Good
Nutrition and Exercise for Type 2 Diabetes-Why Low Carb/High Protein Isn't Always Good and Cardio Vs. Weight Training-Post from TripletDad, May 29, 2009
Q: Hello Jamie,
I have been a fan of yours for quite sometime and am in need of reshaping my nutrition habits and my body. I am a 37 year old male, husband, father of 3 year old triplets, work full time and all that good stuff. I have been battling Type 2 Diabetes for quite some time and recently found that my A1C level is at 9 and fasting blood sugar at 178. I have been successful in the past at reducing back to normal, but usually revert back to eating junk food and right back at square one. I am now eating a low carb/high protein diet and also just started cycling again. So far so good and I am enjoying it. My question for you is what do you recommend as far as nutrition (food) goes to become more lean and lose excess body fat at a normal rate? Also, do you recommend higher cardio or lifting weights? I would really love to hear back. Thank you.
- TripletDad
Hi Triplet Dad!
Wow, you really have your hands full! I am sorry to hear about your struggle with Type 2 Diabetes. I’m really happy to hear that you are taking a proactive approach through diet and exercise to combat it. You mention that you do well with your nutrition at first but tend to revert back to the junk food after while. It’s only a hunch, but your low carb/high protein diet may be to blame.
Sometimes restricting carbs can lead to intense cravings and binges. . .Sometimes restricting carbs can lead to intense cravings and binges. Although cutting carbs can lead to weight loss, it is not necessarily a good long-term approach. We need healthy carbs (oatmeal, brown rice, sweet potatoes, Ezekiel bread, etc…) for brain function and energy. If you are hitting it hard in the gym (i.e., lifting heavy enough weight to promote muscle growth), these healthy carbs should not interfere with your goal to reduce your body fat and will even help regulate your blood sugar, which is imperative for anyone with Diabetes.
As far as cardio versus weight training…I am a big fan of weight training. For every 5 lbs of muscle that you add to your body, you burn an average of 250 extra calories a day. Cardio burns calories while you do it and a little while after. Muscle burns long term. Build that body!
-Jamie
