I wasn't NOT eating carbs. But I was having them later in the day, like for lunch and dinner.
Hydration. Morning coffee, homeschool, workout, a lil work and a late PFF breakfast. That was what i did for a while. And actually, it was WAY better than a decade earlier when I was eating almost entirely carbs only for breakfast. So ... improvement, right??
But then I noticed a pattern ... my blood sugar seemed higher than it should’ve been. Not spiking, just quietly elevated. The kind of pattern that makes you wonder what’s going on under the surface.
So I tested the opposite. I started adding intentional morning carbs again, but balanced ones.
Something simple like oatmeal with 1.5 scoops protein powder and 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds.
Protein, fat, fiber AND intentional carbs.
Now my numbers rise gently after breakfast, then come back down beautifully. And the average for the first half of my day is lower than when I was skipping carbs until lunch.
Here’s what’s happening:
The dawn effect. Cortisol rises early to wake you up—and that pushes your liver to release glucose.
Liver overdrive. When you don’t eat carbs, the liver compensates by converting stored glycogen (or even amino acids) into glucose. Your body’s just trying to help—but it can overshoot.
Morning sensitivity. Most people are more insulin-sensitive earlier in the day -- especially when they get morning sunlight and exercise and / or walk early (like I do). A balanced breakfast signals that fuel is coming, so the liver doesn’t have to overdeliver.
Muscle priming. A moderate carb meal refills glycogen and helps your muscles “soak up” glucose, improving stability later on.
So for some people, skipping carbs isn’t discipline, it’s a stress signal. This is particularly potent in people who tend to be "high strung", Type A or are sympathetic-dominant. Often the best thing you can do for your metabolism is feed it early, not starve it longer. And if you want an extended overnight fast, stop eating earlier rather than starting to eat later.
If your mornings feel wired-but-tired, try this:
Add 25–35 g protein and 25–40 g smart carbs with fiber within two hours of waking.
Something steady though, not sugary. Then take a short walk, stretch or get your workout on.
You might be surprised by how much calmer your energy—and your blood sugar—feel by noon!
Let me know if you plan to experiment with this! I'd love to hear.
XO,
Tara