In this episode, Zane sits down with registered dietitian and Type 1 diabetic Isaac Pohlman to challenge one of the biggest misconceptions in modern health: that carbs are the problem.
Isaac shares his powerful personal journey—from a high-level athlete dealing with chronic fatigue, hormonal issues, and gut dysfunction to being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in grad school. What followed wasn't just managing symptoms, but completely rethinking metabolism, energy production, and how the body actually uses fuel.
Together, Zane and Isaac break down why the fear around carbohydrates is not only misguided—but often making blood sugar issues worse. They unpack the real drivers of insulin resistance, including stress, circadian rhythm disruption, ultra-processed foods, and loss of muscle mass.
This conversation goes far beyond "carbs vs. no carbs." It reframes metabolic health as a system—one that includes lifestyle, light exposure, recovery, food quality, and nervous system regulation.
If you've been told to cut carbs to fix your blood sugar… this episode will challenge everything you thought you kne
👇 Download Zane's Free Plan https://free40plan.com/ Follow Zane IG: https://www.instagram.com/zanegriggsfitness
Guest:
https://www.thepohlmaninstitute.com
https://www.facebook.com/isaacpohlmannutrition
https://www.instagram.com/isaacpohlman
https://www.youtube.com/@isaacpohlman
Where to learn more about the Pohlman Institute's work and protocols Carb Sweet Spot Masterclass [FREE]
https://programs.isaacpohlman.com/offers/FoFv4San
Have Your Carbs and Eat 'Em Too Book https://book.isaacpohlman.com/book-sales-page The Pohlman Method - 1:1 Coaching: https://www.thepohlmaninstitute.com/the-pohlman-method
00:00 – Intro: Why cardio & diet aren't working anymore
01:00 – Isaac's background & metabolic health approach
03:00 – Athlete to chronic fatigue: early warning signs
05:00 – Stress, trauma & the link to autoimmune conditions
07:00 – The moment metabolism changed everything
10:00 – Type 1 diabetes diagnosis & symptoms
13:00 – Why carbs are misunderstood
15:00 – Fear of carbs & blood sugar spikes explained
17:00 – Why blood sugar SHOULD rise after meals
19:00 – Insulin, thyroid & energy production connection
21:00 – The real cause of insulin resistance
23:00 – Why low-carb can backfire
26:00 – Stress hormones, muscle loss & metabolism
29:00 – How to actually reverse pre-diabetes
31:00 – Lifestyle before diet (what most people miss)
34:00 – Food density & why your meals aren't satisfying
37:00 – What's REALLY causing the diabetes epidemic
40:00 – Light exposure, circadian rhythm & blood sugar
42:00 – Ultra-processed foods & fat storage
44:00 – Personal fat threshold explained
47:00 – Getting off medication naturally
50:00 – Reintroducing carbs safely
54:00 – Best carbs for blood sugar control
