Zero Carb Faq

Why Is My Blood Sugar So High?!

By Caitlin Tilton

I am diabetic, been eating Zero Carb for 2 weeks and my blood sugar is still too high, why is this?

Since this question comes up a lot I (Dana) decided to post Caitlin’s answer, so I can direct people when she’s not available. 😉

This sometimes happens to diabetics in the early days of ZC (Zero Carb Diet). That level is high for someone in good control, but it is not dangerously high. For those that stick with ZC, their levels come back down within 4-8 weeks.

What about Vitamins on a ZC Diet?

Don’t I need to take supplements?
What about scurvy; there is no vitamin C in meat?

There are multiple links and discussions on these topics. We have heard them all!
Most veteran zero carbers (3+ years) take few, if any, supplements.
The absence of carbohydrates in the diet lessens the need for vitamin/mineral supplementation. Carbohydrates, especially sugar and grains, along with vegetables, can cause a vitamin/mineral deficiency, whereas in the absence of these foods, there is no longer a deficiency.

Please visit our Zero Carb Health Facebook Group for comments or questions.

What about ketosis and measuring ketones on a Zero Carb Diet?

Aren’t there proven health benefits if I stay in deep ketosis?

We have read the literature on ketones, ketosis, and keto diets. Many of our members were successful on these types of diets. There certainly is evidence that ketogenic diets can be beneficial in improving health.

How much protein and fat should I eat on a Zero Carb Diet?

We don’t find it necessary to measure grams of fat or protein. If you come from a way of eating that focused on exact ratios, you will find this liberating!

Our emphasis is on eating meat. We don’t eat protein or fat – we just eat meat. 🙂

We like to keep it simple. Eat meat when you are hungry and stop eating when you are no longer hungry. Choose meat that you enjoy and don’t fret about the ratios.

What can I expect during the early days of eating Zero Carb?

We refer to the early days of this plan as an adaptation period.

Many people experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Headaches (these will likely be worse if you are also giving up caffeine and/or artificial sweeteners.)
Fatigue, lightheadedness
Some people report an increase in energy levels
Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, reduced bowel movements

What about Fiber on an All Meat Diet?

What about poop? I think I’m constipated! Does anyone else have diarrhea?

This seems to be one of our most frequent questions! People love to talk about poop, apparently.

You do not need fiber if you are not eating carbohydrates. We recommend reading Fiber Menace, by Konstantin Monastyrsky for further information. It will change all you thought you knew about fiber and its role in our bodies.

What can I eat?

Optimal foods include:

Meat! Beef, veal, pork, chicken, duck, turkey, fish, shellfish, lamb, etc. Organ meat if you enjoy it, liver, kidneys, and such like. Bacon, of course!
Eggs; as many as you like. Yolks are delicious and good for you.

Zero Carb Health

Category: Zero Carb FAQ