My female clients, however, do better on a diet that ranges from 30 to 40 percent in carbohydrates unless they're very physically active. In this case, athletic women may be able to tolerate a diet closer to 50 to 55 percent carbohydrates. To be safe, we should strive to keep insulin levels low. This is easily accomplished by eating meals that consist of a mixture of proteins, carbohydrates and some fat. The good news is that protein can increase metabolism 30 percent, while a purely carbohydrate meal increases metabolism only 10 percent.
Protein helps balance insulin release through production of the hormone glucagon.
Protein-induced glucagon in turn mobilizes fats from storage tissue, thus aiding weight loss. Glucagon acts in the opposite way as insulin. By eating balanced meals you get more steady blood sugar levels and the ability to burn stored body fat for long-term weight loss.