It is important to understand that the minute carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into glucose in the bloodstream, and then whatever is not needed immediately for energy is swooped up by insulin, converted into fat and stored. Since it is the job of the pancreas to produce the insulin necessary to remove glucose from the bloodstream (and store it as fat), eating a high-carbohydrate diet causes the pancreas to work overtime, to eventually become worn out or dysfunctional. A dysfunctional pancreas produces excess insulin, resulting in a drastic drop in the blood sugar level (hypoglycemia), thereby leading to cravings of more sugar.

Then, more sugar is consumed and the cycle starts over. Remember, insulin is the fat storage hormone—the hormone that converts the foods you’ve consumed into stored fat. Consequently, an overproduction of insulin leads to excess fat storage.

The body gets its fuel or energy from the three macronutrient sources: 1) carbohydrates, 2) protein, and 3) fat. The carbohydrate or glycogen energy reserves are used up first, followed by our protein and fat reserves. (Glycogen is the form in which glucose is stored in the muscles and the liver.)

After approximately 3 days on the Ideal Protein Program, your glycogen reserves are depleted and your body begins to burn your stored fat cells for energy naturally. This results in your body producing Ketonic bodies (ketones) that are a natural appetite suppressant thus preventing cravings after the first few days and providing you with energy.

You will start losing weight—or fat—as soon as fat becomes your first source of energy. You will then burn fat while nourishing muscle with the high-quality, highly-absorbable Ideal foods containing the nine essential amino acids that you consume throughout the day. Remember, muscle is the engine that burns calories every minute of every day, and by supplying your diet with this essential protein, you ensure that your muscle is not used significantly for energy.

During this time you will also reset your pancreas by giving it a much-needed rest. A properly functioning pancreas is the key to avoiding filling up your fat reserves once you have completed the plan and you return to more normal eating. It is well-known that there are certain foods as well as certain bad eating habits that cause weightgain and there are other foods and eating habits that prevent weight loss.