Most people accept intentional weight loss as all good when engaged in their particular diet or weight loss efforts. But very few know that, almost without exception, their weight loss actually includes substantial amounts of muscle loss. This is not good and can be dangerous since the heart is a muscle.

The body has three tanks of fuel it can burn. The first is blood sugar, which is also stored in the form of glycogen. Glycogen is stored in the liver and in muscles. Consider this tank of fuel your savings account. The other two tanks of fuel are in the form of lean tissue which includes muscle tissue and fat stores. Consider these two tanks your checking account. Normally you wouldn't cash in your savings account when you have money in your checking account. Likewise, our bodies don't tap into the lean tissue and fat stores when there is enough glycogen and blood sugar to burn.

However, if we restrict our intake of carbohydrates enough or increase our metabolic demands enough, our bodies will switch over to lean tissue and fat stores in order to survive or to keep up with our metabolic demands. Unless you are supplying your body with a minimum of one gram of protein for every two pounds of lean tissue, you may be devouring your own muscle tissue as you attempt to lose weight.

Once you lose muscle tissue your metabolism slows down which, by itself, favors weight gain. Since 95 percent of traditional dieters will gain all the lost weight back, doesn't it make sense to know how much lean muscle tissue you have before you begin your diet, while continuing to monitor it throughout your weight loss program so adjustments can be made to stop the loss of lean tissue? The most accurate way to do this is through body composition measurements with bioimpedence. It is fast, extremely accurate and at a minimal cost. Make sure your weight loss experience is a fat loss experience.

Come on Coeur d' Alene, let's lose weight and get healthy together! For information on Dr. Grandstaff's next class on weight loss or for a free consultation, please call (208) 772-6015.