Celebrity gossip, love it or hate it, but sometimes you can’t help clicking when a celeb shares their secret to losing those last few pounds. I hated myself for clicking, but yes, what was “The 1 Thing Khloé Kardashian Did to Lose 11 Pounds?” You have to admit she is looking fit as of late.
I was expecting to see some exercise routine from her celebrity trainer, but was surprised to discover she cut dairy from her diet. I’ve heard of people cutting out dairy due to lactose intolerance, but for weight loss? The Kardashian’s do have access to best trainers and nutritionist, so what is this secret all about.
The theory of why cutting out dairy leads to weight loss is it’s insullogenic properties, meaning it causes your insulin levels to spike. When your insulin levels unexpectedly shoot up, they cause your body to stop burning fat. Which is the exact opposite of what we want our bodies to do if we’re working out so hard.
Ideally you want to maintain your blood sugar level between 70 mg and 110 mg which is considered “healthy” or little below average in sugar levels. Now here’s where we get a little Bill Nye the Science Guy. Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas when your blood sugar levels are high. So if you’re eating a meal that contains mostly high glycemic, fast digesting carbohydrates, your blood sugar level is going to go past the 110 mg.
When this happens, you facilitate the storage of glucose (blood sugar) in the muscle tissues, and especially fat cells. This how you end up not losing the weight, even though you’re making those workouts regularly. You’re keeping the fat stored in your body by spiking those sugar levels by consuming dairy.
Ready for a little more science behind this insullogenic theory? When you’re blood sugar is low glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas. This predominantly occurs between eating and exercising. Glucagon causes the liver to release stored energy into circulation. Meaning when your blood sugar levels are low, you’re not storing fat, but actually burning it up through out your body.
Essentially, insulin and glucagon work in balance. As your insulin increases, glucagon decreases, and vice versa. Insulin promotes storing energy and manufacturing proteins while glucagon promotes the release of stored energy, both glucose and fatty acids. Meaning high insulin levels, high storage levels of fat. Low insulin levels, burning of fat in your body.
I don’t know about you, but if I’m hitting the studio regularly, I’m sure going to cut out the dairy. We sometimes think it’s a workout plateau. The reason we can’t lose those last few pounds, but maybe it’s a matter of mixing up our diet as well. Simply put, keeping your blood glucose level below 110 mg will cause your body to consistently burn more stored fat.
Take the dairy out of your life and fill up on more good for you proteins and carbohydrates. Yes, I just said carbohydrates. I’m talking about those sprouted, nutrient dense carbohydrates, not those fluffy, refined products. Going this route will minimize insulin spikes, increase glucagon, and ultimately promote less fat storage, woohoo!
Not fully sold on this dairy free concept? Here’s a couple of other benefits going without lactose in your life.
- Your digestion will improve
- Your bowels will benefit
- You’ll slash your risk for chronic disease
- Your body will be okay with other sources of calcium
- Your skin will clear up
Yes, these are the amazing benefits of taking dairy out of your life. Say good bye to milk, butter, cottage cheese, yogurt, fromage, and ice cream and your body is gonna go cray with happiness. Don’t be sad, there are so many tasty alternatives to dairy products.
When you’re ordering your latte, ask for it with soy or almond milk. Have you checked out the frozen dessert sections, there are so many alternatives to ice cream which are coconut milk or tofu based. And c’mon how many more John Stamos commercials for greek yogurt do you need to see to know that dairy yogurt isn’t the only number out there.
This are a small number of examples of dairy alternatives, it’s all about making the conscientious effort in our choices. But hey if we’re spending so time leading a healthy life, why not make easier with delicious alternatives that will only make our bodies healthier. The best way to start 2016.
