The Schwarzbein Principle

I've heard wonderful things about this book, so I went ahead and ordered it. The premise is that out of control insulin levels are responsible for everything from belly fat to PMS. The "Schwarzbein Principle" is a controlled carb diet (15 at meals, 7.5 g at snacks) for a month of detox, or however long it takes to bring insulin and hormone levels back into balance.

I am in the very early stages and feel a bit off -- I gave up coffee and am now on day 4 without it. That is the hardest part. I actually don't crave carbs. I crave coffee! But I now understand that caffeine can stimulate insulin production -- leading to hunger -- and so I'm off the stuff. Day 2 was the worst with nausea and headaches. Who knew I was so addicted?

One image I am carrying around with me. Schwarzbein describes insulin resistance as cells having so much sugar (energy) stored up in them that they close their doors to insulin bringing in any more sugar. Controlling insulin through lower carbs will force these cells to dump out their sugar. I like the idea of having all this untapped energy just stored up inside me. Instead of feeling worn out and fatigued, it makes me feel like I am about to have a gigantic burst of energy start flowing through my veins!