Why “Just Eat Less and Move More” Doesn’t Work for Insulin Resistance

If you’ve ever been told to “just eat less and move more” to lose weight or manage blood sugar… I want you to know something:

It’s not your fault that didn’t work.

Because that advice—while it might sound simple—is completely wrong for women dealing with insulin resistance. Let’s break it down.

The Real Problem Isn’t Just Calories. It’s Hormones.

Insulin resistance is a hormonal condition. It’s not about willpower or laziness. It’s not solved by starving yourself or running yourself into the ground at the gym.

When your body is resistant to insulin, it means your cells aren’t responding the way they should to the hormone that helps shuttle glucose out of your bloodstream. Your pancreas keeps pumping out more and more insulin… and your body becomes less and less responsive.

And guess what?

The more insulin your body has to produce, the harder it becomes to burn fat. So no matter how many calories you cut—or how many steps you take—you stay stuck.

Why “Eat Less” Fails

Many women I coach have already been undereating for years. And when you restrict calories too far, your metabolism downshifts to preserve energy. Cortisol goes up, blood sugar goes haywire, and hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin lose their rhythm.

If you’re insulin resistant, your body’s not going to heal just because you’re eating like a bird. It needs nourishment, not deprivation.

Why “Move More” Can Backfire

Yes, movement is vital. But I’ve seen so many women doing high-intensity cardio every day—only to watch their blood sugar stay high, their stress rise, and their sleep tank.

The truth is: You can’t heal your hormones by punishing your body.

We need to work with our biology, not against it.

That means:

• Eating real, whole foods that keep insulin low

• Using strategic fasting windows (not chronic under-eating)

• Prioritizing strength training over cardio marathons

• Getting serious about rest, sleep, and nervous system regulation

So What Does Work?

Here’s what I help women do every day in coaching:

• Learn to eat in a way that flattens the blood sugar curve

• Fast in sync with their cycle or stage of life

• Build insulin sensitivity through targeted movement

• Take ownership of their health without shame or fear

You don’t need another lecture about portion sizes. You need someone to show you how to heal.

Ready to learn what works for real?

Come join us in the Free Facebook Group or on TikTok where I help women through simple, strategic steps every week. We’re breaking free from gimmicks—and finding real healing.