I became Type 1 out of the blue 10 years ago aged 64. Because my BG levels are like the Himalayas, my consultant put me on a pump 8 years ago which helped but only somewhat. Six months ago I was issued with a CGM which quickly revealed that all carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, flour, potatoes sent me spiking and also eggs to some degree, but at last I could keep my BG levels within a reasonable band. I decided to try Keto recipes as they offer what I find I can eat. However, I am already underweight, and cutting out a lot of carbs and going Keto has made me lose more. I don't think this is a good idea so any ideas to help me put on weight but keep control over BG levels? I already eat more nuts especially ground almonds in recipes, avocados, eggs (ok if I count an egg as 4g carb), dark choc (yum), cream cheese. And Ps I am veggie.
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I need to put on weight without spiking
- Thread starter jane1754
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Hello @jane1754
Welcome to the forum
Keeping really stable blood glucose levels (obviously as much as you can) will help with weight gain, but then so will upp-ing your fats too, so full fat yoghurt, cheese, milk, eggs are ok but to avoid the spike add some fat to them so say scrambled eggs with grated cheese, bear in mind the body can convert proteins to glucose so you need to bolus for eggs. Also see if your DSN can do you a referral to a dietitian to help with this ?
Welcome to the forum
Keeping really stable blood glucose levels (obviously as much as you can) will help with weight gain, but then so will upp-ing your fats too, so full fat yoghurt, cheese, milk, eggs are ok but to avoid the spike add some fat to them so say scrambled eggs with grated cheese, bear in mind the body can convert proteins to glucose so you need to bolus for eggs. Also see if your DSN can do you a referral to a dietitian to help with this ?
M
Member496333
Guest
Hi!
It’s worth remembering that properly formulated dietary ketosis will allow your body to reach its natural biological optimum. Weight loss won’t continue forever. It’s very complex but I believe the key driver is leptin, the satiety hormone which ensures you don’t eat too much or too little.
You could of course consume way more fat than you need to satiate. Personally I’d put my trust in nature to allow my body to reach homeostasis. If you want to build size then do so with weight training. Lean muscle mass will make you bigger, more toned, and will further improve glucose stability.
It’s worth remembering that properly formulated dietary ketosis will allow your body to reach its natural biological optimum. Weight loss won’t continue forever. It’s very complex but I believe the key driver is leptin, the satiety hormone which ensures you don’t eat too much or too little.
You could of course consume way more fat than you need to satiate. Personally I’d put my trust in nature to allow my body to reach homeostasis. If you want to build size then do so with weight training. Lean muscle mass will make you bigger, more toned, and will further improve glucose stability.
Colin of Kent
Well-Known Member
Thanks for this, @Jim Lahey . I've always been lean, and since going keto eight months ago, I've dropped from around 75-76 kg to a stable 72-73 kg. This doesn't bother me too much, but your insight is interesting nonetheless. I have a lot more to learn about keto...
M
Member496333
Guest
I actually gained weight in ketosis. I was a 61kg metabolic mess of a skeleton when diagnosed type 2, but gained about 2kg in ketosis on my way to recovery. Still very skinny, of course, but I always was, even as a child and young man. The takeaway point for me is that it demonstrates that dietary ketosis isn’t about losing weight, it’s about your body finding its natural biological weight. Without the glucose/insulin cycle disruption, leptin is free to regulate your appetite as nature intended.
I’ve just recently started the weight training - my waist is getting even smaller, but I’m not losing weight, so I presume I’m gaining muscle mass, and as a Brucey Bonus my glucose control is comically stable. Resistance training is your friend if you want to gain size. It’ll also give you an elevated appetite which you can use as an excuse to consume even more scrumptious keto grub
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Thanks Juicyj. My experience with dieticians has not so far been helpful. Having moved twice since becoming diabetic, I have now met three dieticians , none of whom seemed to grasp my problem. I regret to say that I seemed to be better informed than them. I'll ask my consultant when I see him in the new year.Hello @jane1754
Welcome to the forum
Keeping really stable blood glucose levels (obviously as much as you can) will help with weight gain, but then so will upp-ing your fats too, so full fat yoghurt, cheese, milk, eggs are ok but to avoid the spike add some fat to them so say scrambled eggs with grated cheese, bear in mind the body can convert proteins to glucose so you need to bolus for eggs. Also see if your DSN can do you a referral to a dietitian to help with this ?
Thanks, Jim. I've read both Dr. Bernstein and Dr.Cavan, both of whom are very informative and helpful in this area, but leptin is new to me. I've Googled leptin to find out, and see that it will take a little while to digest - no pun intended. It's reassuring to know that weight loss won't continue for ever.
Dr. Cavan (Type 1)writes about his experience of gaining weight when he went LCHF, so I'm looking forward to doing likewise. I'm so skinny I get cold very easily so it would be good to put on another layer. Weight training is a bit tricky with arthritic fingers, but my inventive husband has put some weights in a bag,which I can lift using my arms through the handles instead of hands on weights.I actually gained weight in ketosis. I was a 61kg metabolic mess of a skeleton when diagnosed type 2, but gained about 2kg in ketosis on my way to recovery. Still very skinny, of course, but I always was, even as a child and young man. The takeaway point for me is that it demonstrates that dietary ketosis isn’t about losing weight, it’s about your body finding its natural biological weight. Without the glucose/insulin cycle disruption, leptin is free to regulate your appetite as nature intended.
I’ve just recently started the weight training - my waist is getting even smaller, but I’m not losing weight, so I presume I’m gaining muscle mass, and as a Brucey Bonus my glucose control is comically stable. Resistance training is your friend if you want to gain size. It’ll also give you an elevated appetite which you can use as an excuse to consume even more scrumptious keto grub
