Protecting Protein

One important by-product of the "metabolic shift" that takes place when you move from a high carbohydrate to a good lower carbohydrate diet is that fat protects protein in the body. When you're utilizing carbohydrates as your main source of energy, the body tends to save its body fat and will preferentially take muscle protein, break it down and form glucose from it to burn as energy when the immediate energy stores are exhausted. This is why on a high carbohydrate diet a significant amount of muscle catabolism can take place. This event must be avoided during any form of dieting as the loss in muscle mass will make it easier for you to gain weight in the future.

The fact is that anytime you're exercising and the body needs energy it will break down what it needs, including muscle, to supply that energy. Therefore, if your dieting and exercising in the same program, then make sure you are on a high carbohydrate diet.