Quote:
Originally Posted by Watkat
I don't understand. Why do the coaches keep talking about being in ketosis ?
And the pancreas getting a break? Is this all true?
I don't know why IP coaches (or at least your coach) talks about the importantance of being in ketosis but my guess would be because she/he doesn't understand the science and is merely repeating what she/he has been told. It seems to the average person to be some kind of magic when they hear about it. I myself followed a similar diet for a while and intially thought there was some kind of magic to ketosis myself.
Dr Chan's book is not accurate with the idea that the pancreas needs a break. It doesn't and in fact insulin is still released when you're on the IP diet because one does not need to ingest carbs for insulin to be released. It is much more accurate that some people are insulin resistant and therefore dropping most of the carbs out of the diet is a good idea but that is a different issue.
This doesn't mean the IP diet doesn't work. It does work.
It works very well. It is a modified PSMF (google it) and works because you're eating very few calories and ingesting enough supplements to make up for any potential essential nutrient shortfalls one might normally experience on so few calories. It works well because it has phases to bring you off the IP diet and into a different way (lifestyle) of eating that is sustainable for the long term.
If you want to know everything there is to know about ketosis as it applies to diet you should read Lyle McDonald's book on the subject which is well footnoted and referenced with actual science. Having said that - I personally wouldn't bother because Lyle himself would tell you simply that ketosis is not something worth worrying about. It doesn't affect fat loss and there is no reliable way for you at home to determine what level (if any) of ketosis you're in.