The body employs energy from three reserves: first from its simple and complex carbohydrate reserves and when depleted, turns simultaneously to its protein and fat reserves for energy.
Both simple and complex carbohydrates can prevent weight loss. The body stores approximately three days worth of carbohydrates. Until 100% of the weight loss goal is achieved, we restrict carbohydrates (simple and complex). Why? Because as long as sugar is being consumed, the body is not burning fat. It's as simple as that. Remember, the first source of energy is derived from glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves. The main principle is to deplete the glycogen (carbohydrate) reserves completely in order to compel the body to turn to its fat reserve to burn calories.
How do we encourage the body to burn its fat reserves and encourage its muscle mass maintenance if both are depleted simultaneously? First, by providing the body with foods that have a high protein value, complete with 8 essential amino acids, 97% absorbable, which make them biologically complete proteins. Second, by supplementing with nutrient-rich supplements such as Natura Multi-Vita, Natura Calcium and Magnesium, Omega-3 Plus and Potassium, key ingredients in muscle building and electrolytes to replace those normally found in foods while restricted on the Ideal Protein protocol.