Gary Taubes

VorJoshigan

As for the issue raised by others, the protein spikes insulin, that is an interesting point. Frankly, I don't have enough knowledge as to whether that is true. If it is, then obviously there is something more going on than Taubes says. I suspect that it is more likely that if there is an insulin response, it isn't nearly as strong as it is from carbs.

That is why I posted the link to An Insulin Index of Foods by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The insulin responses are similar in the charts. Slightly higher for some carbs, like white potatoes for example and slightly lower for others. The same applies to the proteins.

Thank you. That was a good link. I knew that protein stimulated insulin, but I did not know that it was to that degree - though it makes sense in the context of insulin stimulating protein formation.

I wonder if this is why so many people are recommending not just a low carb diet, but a high fat one for weight loss i.e. less insulin stimulating food overall.

I think Taubes is giving generally the right advice (eat less carbs, especially processed carbs, especially sugar) , but for insufficient reasons. Given the incredible complexities of the human body, the insulin hypothesis is just not complete enough to describe everything that's going on. For me, I know that mental health has been as important as diet in getting physically healthier.

mmapags

As for the issue raised by others, the protein spikes insulin, that is an interesting point. Frankly, I don't have enough knowledge as to whether that is true. If it is, then obviously there is something more going on than Taubes says. I suspect that it is more likely that if there is an insulin response, it isn't nearly as strong as it is from carbs.

That is why I posted the link to An Insulin Index of Foods by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. The insulin responses are similar in the charts. Slightly higher for some carbs, like white potatoes for example and slightly lower for others. The same applies to the proteins.

Thank you. That was a good link. I knew that protein stimulated insulin, but I did not know that it was to that degree - though it makes sense in the context of insulin stimulating protein formation.

I wonder if this is why so many people are recommending not just a low carb diet, but a high fat one for weight loss i.e. less insulin stimulating food overall.

I think Taubes is giving generally the right advice (eat less carbs, especially processed carbs, especially sugar) , but for insufficient reasons. Given the incredible complexities of the human body, the insulin hypothesis is just not complete enough to describe everything that's going on. For me, I know that mental health has been as important as diet in getting physically healthier.

Agreed on all counts. The biggest issue I have with low carb, low protein, high fat is the maintenance of lean muscle mass. It requires protein. I think there is something there when it comes to over consumption of carbs and especially highly processed carbs. I limit them myself to what I consider reasonable levels. But I think Taubes misses the boat when with the whole insulin hypothesis and where he goes with it from there.

edited to add: I just thought I would define reasonable for me. Around 150 grams per day on a non workout day. 200 to 220 on a workout day. Staying in this zone, I have no problems with cravings and have enough carbs to fuel my workouts and my recovery.