When do i burn muscle instead of fat

So, while you should be in a calorie deficit to lose fat, you should be focusing on healthy whole foods, with a healthy amount of protein. Not using your muscles can cause them to waste away, so make sure that you strength train. Not to mention, because muscles burn more calories than fat, you will be helping yourself if you strength train. Not only will you be able to grow muscle, but you can aid in your weight loss. So, use those muscles or lose them! People often blame muscle loss on too much cardio, and while Gallo agrees, he does so only to a certain extent.

Part of that pivotal recovery progress is getting enough shut-eye. Not getting enough sleep raises cortisol levels in the body. Now, fat loss is like your crush, whose attention you crave—but muscle loss is like that unwanted third-wheel, who simply refuses to leave you alone with your crush. What next? Well your body attacks fats—or energy reserves—to meet its energy requirements and hence, you lose the much-detested fat reserves. We say detested because an excess of fat in the body can be quite problematic, not just because it impacts the way you look, but in terms of your looks, but also your health.

Vikram Sharma, consultant, sports medicine, Fortis Escorts Hospital, Jaipur defines this as the loss in the volume of the muscles that support your posture and other bodily requirements on a daily basis.

This loss occurs when the body starts breaking down muscle instead of fat to meet its energy requirements. Muscle loss also puts your heart and other vital organs are at risk.

In fact, your exercise, combined with that calorie deficit can make you lose muscle instead of fat. Jill Corleone is a registered dietitian with more than 20 years of experience. Meredith Crilly. Meredith C. Your body begins breaking down proteins once your available fat stores have been consumed. Video of the Day.

Tip Your body burns fat before muscle, but only turns to burning fat after you've used up all of your glucose. Primarily Carbohydrates. Fat Preferentially Metabolized. Weight Loss. United States. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Taraji P. Accessible Beauty Products For All. Getty Images.