Carbs, Fat and Diabetes

My biggest challenge since starting my new training regime has been changing the way I eat. Yes, the running has been hard (ran 19 mile yesterday) but I that’s that kind of hard I actually enjoy. Changing eating habits is hard and not fun at all.

I had my fourth meeting with my dietician last week. I’ve come a long way since I started seeing her five weeks ago. I eat after every workout – carbs and protein.  I also eat before or during long runs, and I’m eating 4-5 smaller meals a day. I’m running better, too.  I’ve learned that carbs are not only necessary before a workout but also after (and during a long run). The muscles need to replenish the stores of glycogens, and if you only eat protein the body will (in a not very efficient process) turn it in to carbohydrate instead of using it to build muscle.

But here’s the problem – I haven’t lost any weight.  In fact, I’ve actually gained a couple pounds.

Before getting weighed at the dietician’s I already knew I’d gained weight, since I weigh myself at least once a day (I know this is a little obsessive). The good news was that half of the gain was water meaning I’m drinking a lot – a conscious effort on my part. The bad news – some was fat.

The bottom line is that I’m not losing any weight and each pound I gain/don’t lose needs to run the marathon with me.

The reason for all this is simple. I’m still not eating the way I should be. I’ve increased my carbohydrate intake to fuel my muscles but haven’t been very good about cutting out the fat from my diet.

After being diagnosed with diabetes I tried to limit the amount of carbohydrates I ate. I especially tried to cut back on night time carbs. But veggies and protein didn’t satisfy. So I replaced the carbs with fat. I started eating more yellow cheese, beef, and fried food (not deep fried). I also ate a lot of veggies. This worked pretty well. I maintained my regular (pre diabetes) weight and my blood sugar control was pretty good too.

I thought this was a great solution. Until I realized not so long ago that I didn’t have the energy necessary to run. So now, for the past week I’ve been trying very hard to cut down on some of these foods. It hasn’t been easy. But I do think I’m feeling better. I still haven’t seen results on the scale but I’m sure I will if I keep it up.

Michael Aviad

Michael Aviad is co-founder of ASweetLife. He was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2002. Michael was born in Santa Barbara and grew up in Jerusalem. He studied law and after passing his bar exam went on to get an MBA with a major in finance. Michael worked for many years as an economist. He and his wife Jess, also a type 1 diabetic, have three sons. Michael loves to run and is always training for the next marathon.

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