When was the last time you thought about what happens inside your body after you eat a meal? Probably not often, right? But what if I told you that the foods you eat every day might be leading to the root cause of countless modern diseases? Insulin resistance is that silent culprit affecting millions worldwide, yet it remains misunderstood and undiagnosed far too often.

By understanding insulin resistance and how it connects to diseases like Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, and even certain cancers, you can regain control of your health and future.

The Complicated Relationship We Have with Carbs

Carbs and I have a love-hate relationship. Sound familiar? Here’s the truth about carbohydrates: unlike protein and fat, which are essential for life, carbohydrates are not biologically necessary for survival. That being said, our bodies deal with carbs in two major ways.

On the bright side, our bodies use carbs as a quick energy source. But here’s where things get tricky. If we eat too many carbs or the wrong kinds (think processed sugars, ultra-refined grains, and junk food), our body converts the excess into fat through a process called lipogenesis. Sounds harmless, right? Not quite. This same process, which was great for our ancestors during times of scarcity, is now causing issues because… food is always available.

That consistent carb overload puts undue pressure on the body to produce insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Over time, this can cause your cells to stop responding effectively to insulin, putting you at risk for serious health problems.

Here’s the punchline when it comes to many modern diseases like Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions: it all circles back to insulin resistance.

Why Protein and Fat Are the Heroes Your Body Needs

Fat and protein are the unsung heroes in the fight against insulin resistance. These macronutrients:

• Keep you feeling full (so you’re less likely to overeat).

• Are essential for cellular function and repair.

• Don’t cause the sharp insulin spikes that carbohydrates do.

Unlike carbs, protein and fat are harder to overconsume. Your body uses these essential nutrients for countless processes, from rebuilding muscle to feeding your brain. Incorporating more healthy proteins (like grass-fed meat, eggs, and fish) and fats (like avocado, nuts, and olive oil) can stabilize your blood sugar and reduce insulin’s workload.

Gluconeogenesis: Your Body’s Sugar-Making Superpower

Gluconeogenesis is an amazing process in which your body synthesizes glucose (sugar) from non-carbohydrate sources like protein and fat. This isn’t just a backup plan — it’s a vital process that ensures your body has the energy it needs to thrive, even when carbohydrates are scarce. While most people rely on dietary carbs for energy, gluconeogenesis demonstrates that your body is fully equipped to create its own glucose supply from other essential nutrients.

Here’s the kicker: By functioning this way, your body can maintain stable blood sugar levels without relying heavily on carbs. For individuals dealing with metabolic diseases or mental health struggles, this can be a game-changer. When the body runs on fat (called ketosis) and the glucose it produces through gluconeogenesis, it can help reduce inflammation, improve brain function, and provide steady, sustained energy. Yes, you can absolutely survive without carbs — and for some people, their brain and body will absolutely thrive because of it!

Test, Don’t Guess

If you’re serious about tackling insulin resistance, you need to gather data about your current metabolic health. Unfortunately, testing for insulin resistance is not yet part of standard medical care, but there are a few ways to determine if your body’s insulin sensitivity is in trouble.

1. Fasting Insulin Levels

Ask your doctor to test your fasting insulin levels. This is a more accurate indicator of insulin sensitivity than fasting glucose or even A1C.

1. Triglyceride-to-HDL Ratio

If your doctor is resistant to running these tests, try using your triglyceride-to-HDL ratio (you can calculate this from a standard cholesterol panel). A high ratio may indicate insulin resistance.

Pro tip? Don’t rely solely on “total cholesterol” or LDL levels on their own. They’re just part of the puzzle.

Work Smarter, Not Harder, with a Nutrition Coach

If the idea of figuring out how much carbohydrate your body can tolerate sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. But you don’t have to figure this out on your own! A nutrition coach with expertise in managing insulin resistance (hi, that’s me!) can help you craft a tailored plan.

Here’s how I can help you:

• Identify foods that stabilize your blood sugar.

• Teach you portion control without calorie counting.

• Simplify cooking and meal prep.

• Empower you with tools to maintain metabolic health for life.

Book a free call with me here to start taking control of your health today.

Final Thoughts

The truth is, most of our modern health challenges have one thing in common: insulin resistance. And the good news? It’s a problem we can address with the right approach to diet, lifestyle, and testing.

By finding your carb tolerance, focusing on protein and healthy fats, and seeking regular testing, you can take charge of your health and potentially avoid many of the chronic conditions linked to insulin resistance.

Want to learn more or discuss your own health goals? Book your free call with me, Tracy Houle, and together, we’ll create a nutrition strategy tailored just for you. Your health is worth it!