Metabolic Flexibility and why it is important for weight loss
Metabolic flexibility is your body’s ability to easily convert between using glucose or fat as a fuel source. If you have consumed a meal recently your body will use that first. When it has used that up it can then tap into stored fuel in the form of fat or sugar. We are designed to be able to use either one, however with the overconsumption of carbohydrates many have lost that ability. A healthy state is when our bodies are able to transition between burning fat and glucose. When we are only burning glucose as our fuel, we can suffer from blood sugar crashes because our bodies are not able to use the fat to sustain itself until more glucose is consumed. The good news is that you can regain your metabolic flexibility. Healthy individuals are able to easily switch between whatever fuel source is available.
When you can use fat as a fuel source you are able to tap into your body’s stored fat and use that as fuel. You literally burn the fat right off your own body. It is a great strategy for weight loss and once you can get fat adapted it makes the weight come off fairly easily. There is a transition period though where you will have to start to taper back on your carbohydrate consumption and start to train the body to burn fat as it’s fuel source. Cutting your carbohydrates too fast can make your blood sugar crash, so you want to make sure that you slowly start to cut back. If there is sugar in the body it will prioritize that first.
When you become fat adapted there are many other positive changes that you will notice. You will have better cognitive function, mood stability, you will feel satiated longer, and will find you are not constantly needing to eat throughout the day. People that are on a low carbohydrate diet also notice a reduction in inflammation. Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to many chronic conditions.