Megan Beck is truly one of one. She has green hair, listens to punk rock, and is quite simply the absolute best Trainer you could hope to work with. When someone as smart and accomplished as she is makes a profound improvement, going from great to greater, I take notice.
Megan is using a continjous glucose monitor in an attempt to improve her already formidable fitness. I sent her some questions I had about the CGM. You can read her answers below.
Why did you begin the ultrahuman (CGM) program?
I looked into CGM tracking specifically to help optimize my nutrition specifically for my Ultra Racing season. I did my research on which platforms offer which insights and found that Ultrahuman specialized in tracking and optimization for athletes. It gives specific data in how the
What is ultrahuman. How does it work?
Ultrahuman is a company that specializes in wearable biometric trackers. I am specifically using their Ultrahuman M1 Continuous Metabolism Tracker which pairs a continuous glucose monitor with their tracking platform to help optimize my nutritional lifestyle with my extensive Ultra training and racing, as well as my day to day metabolism.
Describe your successes utilizing the system.
Weight-loss?
My aim with using Ultrahuman M1 is not for weight loss or esthetics purposes. While I don’t weigh myself regularly enough to speak on continuous weight loss, my weight as of writing this (6 weeks in) has dropped only 3-4 pounds.
Body composition?
Similar to with weight loss, I do not track my body composition enough to report the numbers. I am currently sitting at 19.6% body fat when I have historically been around 21-22%. Comparing progress photos throughout the week, though, I am noticing substantial changes in my body composition, particularly in my “problem areas” of my mid-section and arms.
Energy levels?
As a cold brew enthusiast, I am disappointed to say that I haven’t had cold brew (or coffee in general) in weeks! I haven’t actually needed it since I’ve started on my CGM. Whenever I close my eyes, my body understands the assignment. Whether I’m getting 5 hours of sleep, 10 hours, or anywhere between, my body is finally getting restful, restorative sleep. My Garmin sleep data has never looked better and I am getting full body battery recharge daily.
Performance?
My running and strength training has shown the greatest benefits from my dietary changes due to the CGM tracking. In comparing my pacing and heart rate data from the week before starting on the CGM to today, 6 weeks later, my tempo pacing has improved by 1-1:30 minute per mile pace and my heart rate is lower as a whole, both in workouts as well as resting heart rate which has dropped 5 bpm average. My strength workouts are also continuing to get better with my intraworkout recovery improving, allowing for each set to be stronger and more efficient.
Confidence?
As someone who has been working very diligently on my mental health, I firmly believe that making these dietary changes have helped me to overcome my personal symptoms of depression and anxiety. My confidence is much higher and I am able to maintain a much stronger work:life balance.
Have you undergone any medical testing before/after?
I personally did not undergo any medical testing as of late. There are a few services that give the option, though. For any service, you will need approval from a medical doctor, but the service submits a clearance form that you fill out and they have doctors who can assist in getting you approved.
What are the biggest challenges?
Discipline is the biggest challenge with any dietary changes. While the CGM will report how my body is responding to foods, it will not smack the donut out of my hand. It is up to me to make the necessary changes to keep my blood glucose within range. This means that I’m no fun when I go out to eat or meet up with people for anything revolving food and drinks. I opt for clean, home cooked meals instead of take out or eating out. I also am constantly checking my blood glucose to see how what I’m doing is affecting my body, although at this point, I am checking the app less and less and learning more about how to feel any changes.
Who is this for?
Personally, I think that every person would benefit from a CGM service. Unless you are diabetic or have concerns about your personal blood glucose regulation, I do not believe that this is something that people need to live on, but rather use it as an ergonomic aid to learn about their body’s responses to different foods. This isn’t a nutritional program to stick to, but rather a tool to help you make specific nutritional lifestyle changes necessary for you. Everybody’s body responds to things differently. This is a way to identify what works or doesn’t work for you.
What self discoveries have come as a result of this program?
I have personally never felt better, in mind and body. I have not made huge changes to my diet (I don’t think?), but I am seeing very drastic results. Little things such as nutrient timing and quality play a huge role in how my body reacts. With the proper pairing for foods, I can eat almost anything that I’d like (I ate cupcakes this weekend!!) without doing damage to my body.
I have learned so much about my body through this process and I believe that I can sustain these lifestyle habits long-term. I plan to use Ultrahuman tracking on and off throughout my ultra racing season more as a checks and balance system moving forward. The time I’ve spent tracking my blood glucose has been imperative in maximizing my training potential and I’m excited to report back after this week’s ultra to report how much of a difference I see on race day.