Every cell in your body is made of protein. Protein is responsible for growth and repair within our body.
· Protein in considered to be thermic, in that it takes your body more energy to utilize dietary protein than fat or carbs.
· With adequate daily protein intake, and lower daily carb intake, you will burn stored body fat as your fuel source, and retain or gain muscle mass. Our body can convert proteins to sugars, but our body cannot make protein. It has to be ingested.
· Without adequate daily protein intake, your body will cannibalize existing muscle tissue for energy. Keep in mind, after you complete a weight training workout, your body will crave fuel in the form of protein. If you do not provide this protein after a workout, you will be feeding on your hard earned muscle tissue.
So, are carbohydrates essential? No.
Your body can make glucose from protein either ingested or stored. Are they valuable in gaining muscle? Yes. Insulin is an extremely anabolic hormone. Carbohydrates are protein sparing in that you will not have to use ingested or stored protein (your muscles) to create glucose.
