Jordan Peterson and Ben Bikman Say Carbs Are Bad... Here’s Why They’re Wrong

In this episode of the Always Adaptive Podcast, I break down Jordan Peterson’s interview with Dr. Ben Bikman, a well-known ketogenic diet advocate. Their conversation pushes the usual narrative—carbohydrates are bad, fats are good, and insulin is the enemy. But as always, the truth is more complicated than that.  

I take a critical look at their claims, explaining why nutrition isn’t a black-and-white debate. The way we process carbohydrates and fats depends on context, activity level, and overall caloric intake, especially when it comes to strength training, athletic performance, and managing chronic conditions. The obsession with demonizing insulin often ignores the actual science behind metabolism and energy balance.  

In this episode, I dive into the misconceptions, oversimplifications, and cherry-picked data that dominate low-carb discussions. Whether you’re focused on health, performance, or just making sense of nutrition, I break down what really matters so you can make informed decisions without falling for extreme dietary dogma.  

Join me as I cut through the noise and bring a more balanced, evidence-based perspective to the ketogenic diet, nutrition, and performance.

00:00 Introduction 
05:15 Examining Carbohydrate Intake and Health
08:37 Blood Glucose and Fat at the Same Time
15:31 Cultural Perspectives on Diet and Health
17:53 Understanding Insulin and Its Functions
20:11 The Addiction Debate: Carbs vs. Fats
26:03 Fuel Sources: Ketones vs. Glucose
30:05 The Role of Medications in Managing Chronic Conditions
32:11 Carbohydrates: Essential or Not?

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