Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung - good read

nvmomketo

I just finished Jason Fung's book, The Obesity Code. Loved it! He is a big believer in the effect insulin has on weight gain, as opposed to weight gain causing insulin to go up. Basically it's more of the same of what he discusses on his blog, Intensive Dietary Management: avoid grains and sugar (basically low carb to lower carb) and avoid snacking while embracing fasting.

I loved his approach; he was funny but included science but not enough to overwhelm most people. Really good book. I recommend it... It's probably been discussed before around here but I hadn't read it until now - I'm cheap and my library just got it in a few weeks ago.
https://intensivedietarymanagement.com/the-obesity-code-available-for-pre-order/
http://www.metronews.ca/life/health/2016/01/25/scarborough-doctor-says-insulin-makes-you-fat.html

The main thing I read seemed to be th different effect that fating has on your body versus cutting calories. Seems like fasting is the the metabolic winner. It surprised me.

I was also surprised by the lack of muscle lost while fasting. I had no idea it was so small.

He has me convinced. I'm starting to fast (24-48 hours at a time) and am feeling good so far...

wabmester

nvmomketo wrote: »

I was also surprised by the lack of muscle lost while fasting. I had no idea it was so small.

I haven't read his book, but this is the only problem I have with what he usually says. He says you don't catabolize protein because you first draw down your glycogen reserves. That's true, but low-carbers have already drawn down their glycogen reserves. So any fast will burn muscle for a low-carber. Not a lot, but probably 30g a day.

macchiatto

wabmester wrote: »

nvmomketo wrote: »

I was also surprised by the lack of muscle lost while fasting. I had no idea it was so small.

I haven't read his book, but this is the only problem I have with what he usually says. He says you don't catabolize protein because you first draw down your glycogen reserves. That's true, but low-carbers have already drawn down their glycogen reserves. So any fast will burn muscle for a low-carber. Not a lot, but probably 30g a day.

Yikes, really? I need to make sure I don't fast then; I really can't afford to spare any muscle!

erinseattle

There are so many authorities on the subject and I like to read them all, but know that I am only willing to do X - meaning, Dr Fung could promise that I would forever fit in a size 2 if I fasted, but I'm not willing to do it. I'm currently reading the Phinney/Volek book The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Performance - really fascinating!