Originally Posted by Choopa Phil

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to detected increases in blood sugar - insulin controls glucose homeostasis (i.e., keeps blood glucose levels constant) by stimulating the uptake of glucose into skeletal muscle and, to a lesser extent, into Liver (e.g., in the case of fructose) and adipose tissue.

In laymen's terms - it is essentially responsible for storing away the latent energy in the calories you consume. Insulin drives glucose into your cells - it feeds your muscles as it were.

Foods that are high on the glycemic index (e.g., dextrose, or other "simple" carbs) stimulate a strong spike in insulin - "spike" just means that insulin levels rise and fall rapidly (good for a quick burst of energy but not for sustained endurance). Foods lower on the glycemic index (e.g., so-called complex carbs) stimulate a much slower insulin response allowing for a sustained release of energy.

Generally speaking - bodybuilders desire an insulin spike only after a workout (they generally combine simple sugars with protein) because they want the insulin surge to "feed" their muscles as quickly as possible (trying to use laymen's terms here!).

On a side note...great diet as far as balance is concerned but throw some variety in there otherwise you will be sure to fall short. Ive tried eatting multiple of the same thing for weeks on end. All you will end up is hating chicken and potatoes lol