Here’s the thing…you don’t burn them both together. In other words, if your blood sugar levels start to lower, your liver converts fat into fatty acids,which the body then burns for energy. Now, before you go out there and start a low carbohydrate diet, let’s look at the whole picture. First, you can’t live without carbohydrates. They fuel both your muscles and your brain. In fact, studies have shown that individuals on extreme carb-restricted diets can have difficulty performing tasks that require high-order cognitive function.

Let me share some of the approaches I use with my weight loss clients. First, get at least 25 grams of fiber from your diet a day. Fiber is found only in high-carbohydrate foods, which explains why many people on low-carbohydrate diets experience constipation or other digestive maladies. Have no less than 130 grams of carbs a day. This is the minimum amount needed for proper brain function.

Instead of having your carbs all throughout the day, I recommend having them with two meals only, if you are trying to lose body fat. Try eating your carbs at or near the same time each day to avoid gastrointestinal problems. Also, keep a can of Coke (real, not diet) in your car. If you feel light headed because of low blood sugar, pull over, drink the Coke to get your blood sugar up, then get help. Please feel free to contact me to learn how to tailor a weight loss program just for you.

Contact me at dwcrocker77@gmail.com or visit fitness4yourlife.org. David Crocker of Landrum has been a nutritionist and master personal trainer for 26 years. He served as strength director of the Spartanburg Y.M.C.A., head strength coach for the USC-Spartanburg baseball team, S.C. state champion girl’s gymnastic team, and the Converse college equestrian team. He served as a water safety consultant to the United States Marine Corps., lead trainer to L.H. Fields modeling agency, and taught four semesters at USC-Union. David was also a regular guest of the Pam Stone radio show.