Carbohydrate Intolerence

In the past, I have always followed the 80/20 principle with my diet. 80% of my diet would consist of what I thought were healthy foods, while 20% would come from what’s considered unhealthy choices. I considered myself very active. My weekly routine consisted of 5-6 days a variety of strength, high intensity, and cardiovascular training. I thought I could get away with extra carbs and cheat meals simply because I was working out and eating healthy-ish. My weight fluctuated between 215-220 pounds while dealing with the mid-afternoon crash, adding to my caffeine addiction.

I stepped on a scale in March 2017 and read 225 pounds. I felt bloated and tired and knew I had to make an adjustment. I had just finished the book, Natural Born Heroes by Christopher McDougall. The book followed a band of Cretan resistance fighters and their story of capturing a Nazi General in the middle of a Nazi occupation during WWII. The book highlights the Greek history of natural movement, endurance, and diet, and how these resistance fighters efficiently utilized their body fat for energy while undertaking the remarkable mission.

The book also introduced me to Dr. Phil Maffetone, an influential voice in the endurance training community. Dr. Maffetone believes carbohydrate intolerance (CI) is preventing us from achieving our optimal health. CI is being made worse with the prevalence of sugar and other high-carbohydrate foods that are commonly found in our diets. CI symptoms start with fatigue, bloating, and blood sugar problems. It progresses to increased body fat, hypertension, elevated triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol. The final stages include diabetes, obesity, cancer and heart disease.

Feeling the initial symptoms of CI, I decided give his 2-Week Test a try. The purpose of the test is to restrict high carbohydrate foods, not calories or fat. For a period of two weeks, I ate only approved “YES” foods listed on the page.

It wasn’t easy starting off. I’d grown accustomed to eating snacks and mini Snickers throughout the day. I began to have small headaches, most likely from the sugar withdrawal. By day three the headaches disappeared and I noticed increased energy and mental clarity. My inflammation and bloating began to fade, it felt like my body was “drying out.”

After the first week of the 2-week test, I was down five pounds and felt great. At the end of the two weeks I weighed in at 204 pounds, a total drop of 16 pounds. I was never hungry during the test, I simply ate when I needed, just limited myself to the approved foods.

This was an eye-opening experience for me, I knew I would not be returning to my old habits. My insulin levels are now under control and my weight has since stabilized to 195 pounds. Without all the additional carbs and sugars, my body has learned to efficiently utilize fat as a fuel source.

If you’re like me, you need simple and specific guidelines. Try the 2-week test and take the self-evaluation. You will feel what it’s like to actually have normal insulin and blood sugar levels. It self-educates you while acting as a catalyst for change. I encourage everyone to visit Dr. Maffetone’s website and give it a try. Follow the guidelines and you will see results!