The body is programmed to use carbohydrates as energy fuel when available. The body turns to protein for energy when its carbohydrate and fat stores are depleted. However, the breakdown of protein for energy results in an overall loss of muscle mass. Fats will again be used as an alternative in the absence of an adequate supply of carbohydrates.
The ketogenic diet is not entirely dependent on a calorie intake/expenditure pattern.
The composition of these calories is important due to the body’s hormonal response to various macronutrients. On a ketogenic diet, the most important factor in the composition of these calories is the balance of fat, protein, and carbohydrates and how each affects insulin levels. However, there are two points of view in the keto community. While one thinks calories and fat intake don’t matter, the other thinks calories and fat do.
It will help keep your body in a state of burning stored fat for fuel: lipolysis. The balance is important because any increase in insulin will stop lipolysis. Therefore, you should eat foods that cause the slightest increase in insulin. The body can enter a state of ketosis on its own. It usually happens when you fast, just like when you sleep. The body tends to burn fat for energy while the body repairs and grows while you sleep.
Carbohydrates usually make up the majority of the calories in a regular meal. Also, the body tends to use carbohydrates for energy, as they are easier to digest. Therefore, dietary proteins and fats are more likely to be stored. However, most calories come from fat rather than carbs on a ketogenic diet. Because ketogenic diets are low in carbs, they get depleted right away. A low level of carbohydrates causes a clear deficiency of energy fuel for the body.
The ketogenic diet uses a lot of fat so that the body has enough to produce energy and store some fat. As a result of this apparent deficiency, the body uses up fat reserves. It transforms from a carb eater to a fat burner. However, the body does not use the fats from the recently eaten food but instead stores them for the next round of ketosis. The body must be able to store fat; otherwise, you will start destroying muscle protein stores during ketosis.
During periods of fasting, such as during ketosis, between meals, and during sleep, the body still requires energy. You have these periods during your typical day, and therefore you need to consume enough fat. If there isn’t enough stored fat, muscle protein becomes the next option the body can use for energy. It is important to eat enough to prevent this scenario enabling weight loss on keto.
Summary
The situation forces you to go into the fat burning mode for energy production.
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