ATKIN’S: WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU EAT FOODS MADE FROM PROTEIN, FATS AND CARBOHYDRATES

 

Carbohydrates

(Or plus a much smaller degree portion)

·        Body turn it into glucose (blood sugar) – the primary fuel for energy

(Fat is the backup fuel supply)

·        Body also produce insulin

·        Insulin’s job:

o   To transport glucose from blood stream into cells

o   Also prevent body fat from being released a burned as fuel

Glucose

·        Body needs it

·        Necessary to keep the level of glucose in the blood stream within a fairly narrow range

·        Eating a lot carbs will raise blood sugar to a higher level than what the body needs.

·        To clear all that extra glucose from bloodstream, the pancreas has to produce an extra spurt of insulin to transport blood sugar to cells where it is stored for later use.

- The excess blood sugar is stored in the form of body fat.

·        Glucose enters the bloodstream very quickly when you eat rapidly absorbed carbohydrates.

o   eg.: A candy bar or a slice of white bread.

o   Body must quickly make insulin and clear that glucose away just as quickly

o   Giving a quick energy boost

·         Resultant spike in insulin can overshoot

o  Dropping blood sugar level too low; which then leads to an energy slump

o  This will simulate craving to eat more carbohydrates.

·         Insulin respond happens mostly when you eat high carb, rapidly absorbed foods.

·         Consuming foods that are mostly protein or fat requires body to produce far less insulin.

o  Protein stimulates glucagon, a hormone that counteracts some of the effects of insulin.

o  When less insulin is produced, the blood sugar level remains constant and along with it, is your energy level

·        Cutting down on carbs help to trim:

You go from burning carbs for energy to burning the stored fat instead.