Low-Carb and High Insulin Issues

mikkijoiner
mikkijoiner Posts: 3
in Food and Nutrition
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

  • FIT_Goat
    FIT_Goat Posts: 4,224 Member
    Open your diary.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    I'm insulin resistant and I eat around 90-130 grams of carbs per day. When I was first diagnosed, my insulin level was around 100. Now it is down to 66 (still way too high but much better than before). I take Metformin as well. Do you take Metformin for PCOS already?

    How many grams of carbs are you eating a day?

    You do not need to eat extremely low carb. You can lower your insulin levels by eating 75-130 grams per day. Some people are simply too drained and weak from an extreme low carb diet. It may not be for you. Increase your carb intake but make sure you stay below 130. As long as you do that, you'll be fine! Also, do you take any vitamin supplements? If not, ask your doctor if it's okay for you to take a multivitamin and fish oil (it helps with insulin). A super-B complex vitamin could help your energy levels.

    ETA: When you eat low carb, you NEED to eat a high fat and high protein diet. Since you are a vegetarian, you might not be getting enough fat and protein. As the other user said, open your diary so we can better assist you.
  • DanielCathers
    DanielCathers Posts: 53 Member
    Get your electrolytes and make sure you are eating fat.

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