Addicted to Carbs

I have conflicting conditions too, but not as widely opposite as yours.  My problems are celiac, diabetes, weight and the inability to exercise, coupled with the lack of will power to further restrict foods.  And a few other things.  I had a thought while reading your post:  have you considered going vegetarian, without starches?  I have a friend who loves the green things she grows in her garden and successfully controls her diabetes with salads and bits of faux meat products.  Could this give you the control you seek without gout attacks?  Helen

Dear Gina,

I'm glad that you mentioned having more energy on a low-carb diet. That's the other thing in addition to better blood glucose levels and weight loss that I forgot to mention.

Best regards,

David

Dear Cheryl,

That's partly right. When you start a very low-carb diet, you may feel weak, as I wrote at http://www.healthcentral.com/diabetes/c/17/32397/low-carb-weak

But your body then uses protein -- not fat -- for energy.

Best regards,

David

Thank you. Yes, I can!

On Thursday I hiked for 10 hours on just a little fruit yogurt (that somebody gave me) and a couple of cans of sardines. Yesterday I hiked for 6 hours on my usual breakfast of two poached egg whites and then later a couple of cans of sardines. I just don't get hungry on a very low-carb diet.

In all honesty, I do need to add that I was nearing exhaustion by the end of my hike on Thursday. It was a bit much for somebody who is 73 years old. I hiked in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness to Cherry Lake for 12 miles up about 4,000 feet to close to 12,000 feet. Near the end of the hike I thought that my problem might be low blood glucose, so I took some glucose tabs. They didn't help at all. So the problem wasn't a lack of glucose or other food but just that I had pushed myself a little too much.

I, too, find I eat much less now that I am eating so few carbs. I eat a small meal late in the morning, then have a fairly light supper with my husband and son in the evening. I sometimes have a snack (half an apple, or some cheese or raw veggies) in the afternoon, and sometimes I don't.

I went low carb about 18 months ago after being diagnosed with diabetes (T2) and have lost over 30 pounds so far without really trying. I still have weight to lose, but for the first time in my adult life I believe I will gradually lose the weight. Slowly is fine with me, because I am doing it while eating good food that I truly enjoy, and am not hungry all the time.

I, too, recommend Gary Taubes' book to all and sundry. Some people find it a bit of a dry read, I know, but it is so substantive that it leaves the reader feeling empowered and educated about diet in a way few books manage to achieve. I've been reading your articles on this site and on your own site for many years now, even before I had diabetes (my mom has it, too, so I've had an interest for quite a while) and I've been very happy to see you making the switch to low carb. You look and sound much healthier!

Dear Lene,

Thank you! I am indeed healthier than I have ever been. Just this afternoon I mentioned to a neighbor that this past summer (up until at least today) I have been hiking more than ever before in my life. Even 10-hour hikes are no problem on a very low-carb diet.

Best regards,

David