low carb and high insulin

mikkijoiner
mikkijoiner Posts: 3
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all

I am 22, a vegetarian and workout 6 days a week (running 2-3 times a week and strength training the rest.) I am 5"4 and 143 (163cm and 65kg).
I went to the dr when I experienced a rapid and inexplicable weight gain and it turns out, they suspect due to PCOS, I have high insulin. It isn't high enough to be considered insulin resistance though.
My level is 13 and healthy is 5-10. I was told to cut out grains, wheat and high carb foods so I did. I eat around 50g of carbs a day and it all comes from green vegetables and stuff like that.

I felt fine, had less cravings and started losing weight. However now, between week 3 and 4, I feel exhausted. I feel like death. My weightloss has stopped and I drag myself through my, usually energised, workouts like a zombie. I also feel strangely weepy.

What is going on? I cannot stop low carb as I am doing it to reverse my insulin.

Replies

  • Catter_05
    Catter_05 Posts: 155 Member
    I am 41 and have PCOS that went undiagnosed for years! It led to a lot of problems so I am glad you found out so young. If you have questions about the PCOS or anything else feel free to ask.
    My first thought is are your carbs too low? My endocrinologist told me to try South Beach Diet and they don't keep carbs that low for an extended length of time. I was having a very difficult time getting enough protein in my diet. I started using a protein powder. When I first started I was struggling to get enough calories without the sugar and carbs.

    The trick is, according to my Dr., not only how many carbs and sugars you have but how many you have at the same time. I was told no more than 7sugars at a time and then wait at least 2 hours before having more. So, if I want a banana, I eat 1/2 at a time. It's a pain but keeping track is helping me.

    My other advice, and it is advice I am planning on taking myself, is that it would probably be beneficial to see a nutritionist. Make sure though, that it is someone who is understanding of your dietary restrictions. I was told the diabetes foundation would be a good place to start. Good luck!
  • RodaRose
    RodaRose Posts: 9,562 Member
    Hi all

    I am 22, a vegetarian and workout 6 days a week (running 2-3 times a week and strength training the rest.) I am 5"4 and 143 (163cm and 65kg).
    I went to the dr when I experienced a rapid and inexplicable weight gain and it turns out, they suspect due to PCOS, I have high insulin. It isn't high enough to be considered insulin resistance though.
    My level is 13 and healthy is 5-10. I was told to cut out grains, wheat and high carb foods so I did. I eat around 50g of carbs a day and it all comes from green vegetables and stuff like that.

    I felt fine, had less cravings and started losing weight. However now, between week 3 and 4, I feel exhausted. I feel like death. My weightloss has stopped and I drag myself through my, usually energised, workouts like a zombie. I also feel strangely weepy.

    What is going on? I cannot stop low carb as I am doing it to reverse my insulin.
    Eat more fats and oils. Also more protein.
  • mikkijoiner
    mikkijoiner Posts: 3
    RodaRose: I track my macros and get adequate fats and protein. I know you need more of those things when low carbing.

    Catter_05 I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16. I've had ages to get used to it although, I have noticed a worsening of symptoms as I get older. Particularly in relation to ovulation and fertility, and now insulin. Thank you for your advice :) I might just have to see a nutritionist.
  • TrailNurse
    TrailNurse Posts: 359 Member
    What do you consider adequate?
  • Catter_05
    Catter_05 Posts: 155 Member
    What do you consider adequate?
    I think what is adequate is individual.
    I started eating more protein because I have to be careful about a low carb high fat diet due to another issue. The calories have to come from somewhere.
  • Catter_05
    Catter_05 Posts: 155 Member
    RodaRose: I track my macros and get adequate fats and protein. I know you need more of those things when low carbing.

    Catter_05 I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 16. I've had ages to get used to it although, I have noticed a worsening of symptoms as I get older. Particularly in relation to ovulation and fertility, and now insulin. Thank you for your advice :) I might just have to see a nutritionist.

    It was the fertility issues that got me diagnosed, finally! No fun at all. I hope you start feeling better.

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