Your body is like an engine that’s always turned on, so it needs a steady supply of fuel. Getting rid of carbs completely (your body’s preferred fuel source) can force your body to burn the protein in your meal for energy, which means it’s not available to support and maintain your calorie-burning muscle. You don’t want to lose that benefit of protein, so instead of cutting it out, just cut back and pump up your intake of veggies. According to the latest government data, we’re eating more now than we did 30 years ago, especially women, who consume 22 percent more, mostly from refined carbohydrates. At the same time, roughly 75 percent of Americans fall short of the recommended three daily vegetable servings. If you normally sit down to a cup and a half of cooked pasta at dinner, cut back to a half cup (preferably 100 percent whole grain) and add in one cup of spaghetti squash. You’ll save almost 45 grams of carbs (the amount in three slices of bread), and you’ll still get a big, filling meal and increase your intake of fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
