The Energy Balance Podcast Prediabetes, Gut Issues, Brain Fog, High Blood Pressure, & Fatigue from Low-Carb & Fasting
Jan 8, 2026
In this engaging discussion, Andrew Wallen, a seasoned health coach and sports performance expert, shares his turbulent journey through various diets like low-carb, keto, and fasting. He reveals how these approaches initially empowered him but eventually led to severe health issues, including brain fog, fatigue, and digestive problems. Andrew examines the stress of following strict dietary rules and the emotional toll of binging. Tune in to hear how he started questioning the true meaning of health and began exploring balance and recovery.
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Long Athletic Career Led To Coaching
- Andrew spent 20+ years in fitness, competing in bodybuilding and powerlifting before becoming a coach.
- He later found Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and turned his practice into a professional coaching career.
From Calories To A Fat-Centric Health Lens
- Andrew shifted from calories-in/calories-out to paleo because food quality felt like a more sustainable model.
- He realized those shifts often remained fat-centric rather than truly health-centric.
Obsessive Low‑Carb, Keto, Fasting Cycle
- Andrew cycled through low-carb, keto, carnivore and extensive fasting while obsessively testing ketones and glucose.
- He performed fasted jiu-jitsu sessions and monitored metrics like HRV and resting heart rate constantly.