burning Amino Acids and Protein

[AdamLSU]

I am trying the low carb workout, and also trying to help out with low fat and low calories. I also do a whole lot of cardio and weightlifting. I was wondering if anyone REALLY knew when I would be in danger of burning amino acids and protein as opposed to carbs or fat calories. I have asked many differnet people and have gotten different answers. So if anyone really knows or has a pretty good guess, I'd appreciate it.

[Trainerdan]

The process of burning amino acids/protien/muscle is a process called gluconeogenesis.

It is inevitable during a low carb diet ... there is nothing that can be done except increase protein intake. If you strictly follow the guidelines set for the CKD, protein will be plenty high and you will avoid it.

However, to answer your question as to when gluconeogenesis occurs, I will have to do some digging into the biochemistry world and get back to you ... Gimme a little time to see what I can come up with ... I am interested to find out, too.

[AdamLSU]

I've asked a few people about the subject and I seem to be getting alot of mixed responses and the most prevalent response is that you burn more protein and amino acids when working out in the heart rate zone under 50% of your total heart rate. But I'm really questioning this response because, if our bodies burn protein under 50% of our max heart rate, then we'd be burning protein during resting periods, so all that talk about burning fat and calories while you sleep, and even sleep helping recovery for fatigued muscles would be false, because the protein would be burned for fuel instead of going to the muscles to help them recover. Or at least thats what I think. I haven't gotten that far in my kines. classes yet. But let me know how that sounds and if you find anything.
Thanks