The Insulin Resistance Diet

Right now, I am currently trying to follow The Insulin Resistance Diet written by Cheryle R. Hart and Mary Kay Grossman. However, I have to say that I'm slightly skeptical. In the past, I've generally had the best luck with more traditional low-carb diets such as Atkins or South Beach. The concept of The Insulin Resistance Diet is linking and balancing protein with carbohydrate. In other words, it's best to only eat carbohydrate in concurrence with a large enough serving of protein-rich foods. Frankly, I find it doubtful that the amount of carbohydrates allowed in this book (15-30 grams per meal) is sufficiently low enough to actually lose weight and reduce insulin resistance. But, we shall see. I plan on following this for a good test period, and if I'm not seeing results, to convert back to the more traditional and stricter low carb plans. I think this is at least worth a shot though, especially because my primary goal is not weight loss, per se, but eliminating insulin resistance and therefore clearing up my Acanthosis Nigricans.

Food Journal - Friday

9:00am
-1 can tuna
-1 tbs mayonnaise
-1/2 oz cheddar cheese
-1-2 oz (not sure) Doritos

12:00pm
-1 slice colby jack cheese
-2-3 oz (not sure) turkey lunchmeat

Food Journal - Thursday

10:00am
-2 eggs (scrambled)
-1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
-1 oz cheddar cheese
-1/2 c. unsweetened applesauce
-1 tsp cinnamon

1:30pm
-1 Yoplait Greek yogurt (strawberry)
-1 can Armour Vienna sausages

7:00pm
-1 oz colby jack cheese
-1 cup homemade chicken soup (chicken, celery, onions, carrots)
-1/2 cup pasta
-10 baby carrots
-2 tbs ranch dressing

The beginning

Hi folks,

Annie here! A little about me: I am a 21 year old female who has, among other things, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) along with insulin resistance. One of my main symptoms that I have had for over a decade has been Acanthosis Nigricans (AN). Acanthosis Nigricans, as defined by our friends at google, is "a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds and creases." I have had this, especially around the back and sides of my neck, since childhood, and it has also developed over the years in other areas. Specifically, it has developed under my arms, under my breasts, and in the upper thigh/groin area.

The goal of this blog is to chronicle my attempts to heal myself from this and achieve healthier, more normal looking skin. I will be doing this in several ways: reducing my carbohydrate intake; exercising; taking metformin, which is a drug to increase insulin sensitivity and help control blood sugar levels; and trying anything else that may work. I will use this blog as a food journal, photo diary, and as a general sounding board during this process. My hope is that not only will I be able to cure my Acanthosis Nigricans, but that I will show how you can too, and give hope to those who have this condition. I know it has made me self-conscious in many situations, and I would like to improve my confidence by reducing it or, hopefully getting rid of it to the best of my ability. We shall see how long it takes to clear up!