I am posting the below info from Day 6 of Whole30 Daily Newsletter because it clearly explains burning sugar vs burner fat for energy...
I used to think I needed to eat carbs in order to perform well, but since I stopped eating a ton of gluten (i.e. cereal, bagels, rice, pasta, bread, etc...) I feel a ton more satiated. I don't crave food a hour or two after I eat. I'm not (as) moody. And I feel stronger during workouts and recover much better.
Notice I said 'I don't eat a ton of it anymore'. In other words, I still eat it sometimes, but I think of it as more of a treat so it's not a daily occurrence - expect this month, I'm off of it completely since I'm on the Whole30). Don't forget, veggies and fruits are carbs.
Energy: Sugar-Burner vs. Fat-Adapted
One major goal of the Whole30 is to get you out of “sugar-burner” mode, and make you “fat adapted.” A sugar-burner is one whose body is used to running on carbohydrate for energy. A constant excess supply of carbohydrates will tilt your metabolic “preference” toward burning what’s most plentiful—sugar— when fuel is needed. If there is an overabundance of sugar, the sugar takes precedence over fat as a source of energy in many metabolic processes, and stored fat doesn’t get burned for energy.
- Sugar Burner = Energy roller coaster; “needing” to eat every two hours; cranky when you’re hungry; regular cravings for sweets or caffeine; dysfunctional hormonal response to food.
The Whole30 takes you out of sugar-burner mode, and transitions you into being fat adapted—efficiently able to utilize fat as energy. This process starts in just five days, but can take weeks to really kick in to the point that you notice the effects. When it does, however, your body will begin to utilize fat as fuel more readily, helping you avoid between-meal cravings, energy slumps, and brain fog. In addition, once you’re fat-adapted, you’ll be able to start whittling away at your fat stores—something you are unable to do when you’re running on nothing but sugar.
- Fat Adapted = Even energy all throughout the day; no need to eat between meals; stuck without food — no crankiness or raging hunger; reduced cravings for sweets or caffeine; improved body composition and hormonal response to food.
Yeah, that sounds better to us, too. But remember, while you’ve already started your fat-adaptation process, it can take weeks to fully kick in.* Practice patience and dedication to your new, healthy habits… because this one is worth waiting for!
*Good news: most Whole30’ers report the energy “magic” kicking in around days 7-11… right around the corner!
I'm trying to re-create a dish I had at brunch this weekend that I think was Whole 30 approved minus the cheese, the Centro Cazuela. It had sweet potatoes, plantains, wilted spinach, diced tomatoes, poblanos, avocado, onion with an easy over egg on top. I'm trying to think of any other vegetables or spices that would work well in this dish. Maybe jalapeños or green chili, cumin, chili powder and cilantro?
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