I just read this in an article:
Fats need carbohydrates in order to burn efficiently. The breakdown of carbohydrates generates oxaloacetic acid, which is needed for the breakdown of fats into fuel. If insufficient carbohydrate levels exist, the levels of oxaloacetic acid may also drop, making it difficult for the body to continue producing a high level of fuel from fat. Although the body can break down fats in the absence of carbohydrates, it does so at a much slower rate.
Is this true?
Could be why the anabolic diet works so well?
I don’t, however, know the definite answer - though in my experience I have lost good amounts of fat on purely low-carb diets.
Well, I’m curious because it seems my metabolism has increased with the addition of a few more carbs - I LOST weight and I added 400 calories.
Was it added in the form of another meal, or just extra calories in a meal already in your previous plan?
Have you been in a low calorie state for a long time? This could be a factor too, as that is the reason why it’s recommended to have a cheat meal 1-2 times a week (keeps the metabolism happy, and your body from thinking that it’s being constantly starved).
Or if you removed more calories from fats or protein, but only added 400 calories in carbs, you would then be in a deficit, assuming you started at maintenance.