Another Reason Why You Should Avoid Low Carbohydrate Diets

"When dietary carbohydrate intake is restricted, the fastest way to generate glucose intarnally is by degrading protein from amino acid pools, muscle tissue, and, if needed, from essential organs.  The breakdown of amino acids occurs when glucose is not plentiful and fat breakdown cannot keep up with energy needs.  Thus, carbohydrate can be said to be protein sparing, because when dietary carbohydrate intake is adequate it prevents the breakdown of protein and amino acids. Simply put, the body can't work efficiently without carbohydrate available as the primary source of energy."
"Dietary carbohydrates are converted to glucose which is used for energy production, glycogenfor replenishing carbohydrate stored, and fat given excess energy intake when glycogen stores are full. " Thus, if you are trying to lose fat you should keep your carbohydrate intake around 40% of your intake.  Once optimal weight is achieved you should resume the DRI of 60%.