The easiest Insulin Resistance Diet breakfast

Those of us with insulin resistance know that we should have protein with every meal, and for many people that translates to “eggs” for breakfast. I don’t really like eggs that much (I’ll eat them if I have to but always choose something else if there’s an alternative!).

If you want to make your own healthy protein shake, you have to get the blender out … which takes time and is messy! Who can be bothered, right?

Or you may be the kind of person who prefers to skip breakfast – you know you should have something, but you don’t feel like much.  If so, this will interest you…

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What are carb blockers?

Carb blockers (also known as starch blockers) are supplements which claim to keep your insulin levels stable by preventing the rapid absorption of starch.

They are formulated to inhibit the body’s production of the starch-digesting enzyme, alpha-amylase. With less alpha-amylase, the body converts a smaller amount of starch into glucose for further digestion. This consequentially reduces the calorie intake, but more importantly for us, it causes a less extreme spike in blood glucose, which happens when we eat refined, high glycemic carbs. A rapid glycemic response (this “spike”) will cause an immediate over-production of insulin.

Carb blockers are helpful for anyone who wants to limit carbohydrate absorption, so it makes sense that we insulin resistant folks would benefit especially from something specifically formulated to target our number 1 enemy and stop its negative effects on our bodies. Carb blockers are often made from white kidney bean extract, a natural and safe supplement.

Please understand that they are not a license to over-indulge.  You should still follow a low carb meal plan but a supplement like this is useful for those times when you have starchy carbohydrates in your meal and want to avoid any possible absorption.

Most carb blockers are tablets or capsules that you take before a meal - only if that meal has starch in it.  You don’t need them if you are just eating protein, fat and non-starchy vegetables.  They will not only prevent the carbohydrates from being rapidly absorbed, they will also act as an appetite suppressant.

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Cinnamon and insulin resistance

I recently came across an article which had some interesting information about the effects of cinnamon on people with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. It’s not the first time I have seen claims that cinnamon is beneficial to us, both for weight loss and in increasing insulin sensitivity.

The article I read cited the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s announcement  in 2000 of  ”preliminary findings that cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to regulate their blood sugar and even that it has been shown to increase glucose metabolism 20-fold.” The author of the article also claimed to have had some success in reducing abdominal fat Continue Reading »

Natrol Carb Intercept with Phase 2

The carb blocker I have seen most information about is Natrol Carb Intercept. I first saw it recommended by JJ Virgin, so with an endorsement like that, I thought I would research it more.

Natrol Carb Intercept is advertised to be “clinically tested to support a low-carb lifestyle and support weight loss”. One of its benefits, like all carb blockers, is that it allows you to still enjoy the foods you love. Natrol Carb Intercept features Phase 2 Starch Neutralizer, the first nutritional ingredient that has been clinically and scientifically proven to neutralize the starch found in many foods such as potatoes, pasta and breads.

Each capsule inhibits the enzyme responsible for converting the starch into glucose (and fat), helping to reduce the absorption of starch calories. Intended for use in conjunction with a healthy calorie reduction and exercise program, Natrol Carb Intercept contains no yeast, wheat, corn, milk, egg, soy, glutens, artificial colors, or added sugar or preservatives. Continue Reading »