Your stored energy does not only come from fat. Glycogen,
proteins, carbohydrates and muscle tissue all fuel the body. But
what does your body burn, and when? First on the list is protein
because your body can’t store it. It’s got to use it – or send
it down the crapper. Next, your body burns carbohydrates (both
simple and complex), with glycogen being its main form. Glycogen
is sugar stored mostly in the liver. It also controls blood
sugar levels as well as providing most of the energy your body
needs. Once all your glycogen has been used up, the body then
burns up fat, breaking it down into smaller units to be absorbed
in the blood stream. Muscle comes last. But is still doesn’t
change this: if you’re skinny, and you’re eating less calories
than you need, you haven’t got a prayer of bulking up. And if
you’re fat, stay away from fasting diets. Although your body
will fuel itself last on muscle, the arrival of cortisol –
caused by fasting – will alter the balance. Your body will be
less fussy about chowing do