LCHF diet

[Em_P]

so i'm kinda wondering what makes the high fat part of this LCHF diet safe? foods that are higher in fat aren't really very good for a person either if i'm not mistaken. plus doesn't that just make for more weight gain?

[walkerwally1]

plus doesn't that just make for more weight gain?

Actually no.  The idea that foods higher in fat are bad for you have been greatly exaggerated.  There are only three things in food that are used by the body for energy, Carbohydrates, Fat and Protein.  These are referred to as the macros, other things are items like vitamins and minerals that are needed but not usable for energy.  Being diabetic means that you can not handle too many carbs so the only other choices you have are fat and protein.  Protein is necessary but too much is not good and causes problems like kidney problems so it needs to be somewhat limited.  Fat is the other option and has been given a bad rap because years ago the medical community believed that it was the cause of clogged arteries causing heart attacks.  Much of that understanding has been proven wrong but there are different types of fat and trans fat is bad.  Fat doesn't cause weight gain carbs cause weight gain!  I have found that cutting carbs has been the best way to lose some weight. 

[bigskygal]

When first diagnosed I started researching about diabetes. I think almost everyone on this forum started by reading Dr. Bersteins's book:"Diabetes Solution: The Complete Guide to Achieving Normal Blood Sugars". Here is a link to give you an idea and a bit of history on how he came to his conclusions:

https://www.verywellhealth.com/bernsteins-diabetes-diet-overview-2241679

Google his name for more info, but I would recommend picking up his book, it is probably available at the library too.

Another highly recommended source is Blood Sugar 101 by Jennie Ruhl. I think many of us cut our teeth on this resource too.

You are in a great position to get a head start on this before it gets to a serious point. I hope you can kick the  chance of diabetes in the "butt(er)" soon. :-)

[skb]

i'm in my late 50s and i am pre-diabetic but probably diabetic now.

trying to start eating better and exercise. not doing the best job.

struggling with the no carbs/no sugar diet.

i also don't understand giving diabetes medicine to someone who is only pre-diabetic.

Since I've not received an actual diabetic diagnosis I have no meter or knowledge of how to use them.

For now I've been working on getting my diet into a little better place to at least start the weight loss process.

I've cut out a lot of bread and working on eliminating pasta for the most part. I got the stuff recommended for diabetics to make my own stuff with. I try to buy sugar free foods when I can. I try to avoid sugar free sweets except as a treat. I enjoy salad so I've been incorporating more of those into my diet because they help me lose weight. Plus drinking more water. I figure it's a start for now.

Hi Em_P

I have combined your comments/queries from both the threads just to understand better, where you're at, and what you're seeking.

The question, "Is LCHF Safe" is absolutely valid, the answer to which is a resounding Yes. For validation, you have already received some excellent sites above, and some valuable advice. I will add, that there is so much information available on this, that if you receive it all at once, your mind may be become cluttered and over-ridden with data. The best thing would be is to take small baby steps in the direction, see the results for yourself, and then commit when you are convinced.

From your own quotes, I understand that you are in the danger-zone popularly known as "pre-diabetes". One thing that you should realize is that the danger zone is not further away, you're already in it. FYI, the higher blood glucose numbers start to show up about a decade after your metabolic challenge has started. Some call it The Metabolic Syndrome.

Reading your posts, my own understanding is that if you lose some of your weight, things will start turning around for the better, even with your glucose control. I would definitely urge you to order a home test meter immediately and start testing.

To help people like you (and I have helped quite a few) I created a blog sometime in 2012/13 and then a YouTube channel during the covid lockdown. The links are in my signature below. But, looking at the response I sort of gave up, plus now, work also keeps me busy. I would suggest that you have a look at this video, at least.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=duw5S93HenA

It will answer some of your questions.
There is a lot more to say, so more later.
Take Care. 

[Em_P]

ok thank you!!

[skb]

If I were limited to recommend you just one book to read. It would be this one

You cannot view this attachment.

This short article should also help clear some of your doubts.

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We've been doing this for over 13 years now and have collected so much of research on the subject and have learnt so much from self experimentation that putting it all in one place would be a Herculean task and over load you. So, one step at a time, would be the best policy. BTW the US Dietary Guidelines have as of 2015 removed Cholesterol as a "nutrient of concern". I have an article on that also somewhere and will post it soon.

[bigskygal]

If I were limited to recommend you just one book to read. It would be this one

skb, your link didn't post, can you fix it or give the title of the book at least?

[skb]

That's only an image not a link.

The book is by Gary Taubes "Why we get Fat and What to do about it"

[skb]

There are several links at his own site if you want to buy it

https://garytaubes.com/works/books/why-we-get-fat/