OK...I must have some fundamental mis-understanding about physiology & metabolism.
Why is it when bodybuilders cut, they eat lots of rice?
I assumed - to oversimplify - that the protein would maintain muscle mass and a LACK of carbs would force the body to cut (by eating excess fat). But I am told that the carbs give the body energy to use (instead of using the protein) which also allows the body to also burn fat for fuel. They tell me that lacking carbs, the body will simply use the protein as fuel, and then by-pass the fat stores and burn muscle mass.
So....can someone explain this to me?