Energy is actually stored in your liver and muscle cells and readily available as glycogen. We know this as carbohydrate energy. When carbohydrate energy is needed, glycogen is converted into glucose for use by the muscle cells. Another source of fuel for the body is protein, but is rarely a significant source of fuel. Protein only becomes a significant source of fuel during starvation, when amino acids are converted to glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis.
A good point to remember: your body fat is not the enemy, unless you're carrying more than you need to. We need fat to function—it's an energy bank account that we can withdraw from. The trick, of course, is to make sure we don't let our banks open up branches on every single part of our bodies.
More About this Book
YOU: On A Diet Revised Edition: The Owner's Manual for Waist Management
Continue Learning about Exercise For Weight Loss
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.