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protein

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Kristin

06 Jan, 2013 07:17 PM

I am SO thankful I found your book. I am type 2 diabetic, despite the fact I eat very low carb and extremely clean, nothing processed, wild fish etc. I have been following the Blood type/paleo diet for 4 years which of course means I should be eating lots of protein...WRONG! I have become a protein sugar burner despite the fact my only carbs are leafy greens and broccoli. My question is how much protein MUST I eat. I find anything over 15 g or so per meal causes my blood sugar to rise about 25 points, especially in the morning.Most recently, I have been eating about 7-10g of animal protein 2 or 3 times a day and just a bite or two in the morning. Of course I get some protein from my veggies too. My blood sugar numbers are great this way but I want to be sure I’m getting enough without getting too much. I am 5’7, 118#’s. I am fairly active during the day but seem to have better numbers without exercise, which I do miss but will sometimes do some yoga at night after dinner. I am thinking it is more important to have great blood sugar than worry about not enough protein so please correct me if I’m wrong. I think I’m struggling with this because of the blood type/paleo thing is so ingrained but I also think it wrecked me. If I eat 15g at a time, especially in the morning I feel like I get an insulin surge and become ravenous in 45 min. If I keep it to about 7-10 g (2-3x) at a time with lots (2 cups) of green veggies and oils, I feel much more balanced. Right now I’m eating just a few bites of protein here and there to kind of “reset” things and feel much better for it. Is that a problem too? I just want to know what the minimum protein requirement for VERY low carb and not wrecking my body. It just seems extremely low from what I’m used too, but my blood sugars are also extremely low from what I’m used to.. Any advice would be great and very much appreciated. I think I just need some reassurance from someone I trust.

Thank you for your time
Kristin

1. Support Staff 1 Posted by Dr. Rosedale on 07 Jan, 2013 06:21 AM

   

   You are getting exactly your requisite protein requirements. You are right, and all of the Paleo people recommending higher protein are extremely wrong, and I have been telling them that for years now. Please see the presentation on our site called "Protein; the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly". You require no more than 45 to 50 g of protein per day and any extra would be detrimental. I would not have more than 15 g per meal as there is almost no way that you could utilize anything extra without just turning it into fuel. Your story and history is a fine testament as to detriments of excess protein. Thank you for relaying it. Do you mind if we make this email public (your email will always remain private) to help others?

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2. 2 Posted by Kristin on 07 Jan, 2013 01:52 PM

   

   I would have no problems at all with you sharing this, that's exactly how I
   learn, from other peoples experiences. Thank you immensely for responding
   and so promptly! BTW, my brother just had his 1st high fasting and I
   immediately referred him to your book and website, as well as many other
   people. I am very grateful to you for all your help.

   Kristin

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3. 3 Posted by Kristin on 07 Jan, 2013 02:51 PM

   

   If you could please answer one last question for me that haunts me. You say
   to break 15-20g protein portions up into 3 meals. If I feel better doing say
   7g grams 4 or 5x a day, is that harmful? Stacking protein? I know I feel
   best with some protein but I feel better with smaller amounts a little more
   often. I know protein peaks a few hours after eating and I know it raises
   insulin so I wonder if smaller amounts more often would have a negative
   effect? I very much appreciate your response and this will be my last
   question. I think I feel insulin surges with anything over 10g so that makes
   it very difficult to even get 40g a day in at 3x.

   Thank you IMMENSELY

   Kristin

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4. Support Staff 4 Posted by Fiona on 16 Jan, 2013 06:59 AM

   

   Hi Kristin..

   You are doing great, does not matter how many times a day as long as not all in one meal is best.

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