Insulin Resistance-Are You a Victim?

What exactly is insulin resistance and how does it affect weight loss? To dumb it down, not that any of you need the kindergarten version, but honestly... let's uncomplicate it.

Lets imagine your body has a doorbell called insulin. When you eat, insulin rings the doorbell to let the food into your cells to give you energy. But sometimes, the doorbell doesn't work very well, so the food has a hard time getting inside. That's called insulin resistance. So, the body has to try harder to let the food in, which can make you feel tired or sick.

When insulin can't get in, the sugar from the food stays outside the cells instead of going inside where it's needed for energy. This can make the sugar levels in the blood go up too high, which isn't good for the body.

Insulin resistance can make it harder for the body to lose weight because when insulin isn't working well, it can lead to more fat storage. Also, high insulin levels can make you feel hungrier, so you might eat more food than your body needs, which can make it harder to lose weight. So, managing insulin levels is important for weight loss.

So, how do you know if you are plagued with insulin resistance you ask? You might notice signs like feeling tired often, having trouble losing weight, or feeling hungry even after eating. Also, if you have a family history of diabetes or if you're overweight, you might be more likely to be insulin resistant. A doctor can do tests to check your insulin levels and see if you're insulin resistant.

If you're insulin resistant, it's good to focus on foods that don't raise your blood sugar too quickly. This means eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoiding sugary drinks and foods high in refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary snacks can also help. Also, eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day can also help keep your blood sugar stay stable.

Talk to your doctor if you believe you are a victim of insulin resistance. A health and nutrition coach might be just what you need to get you back on track!