Body fat is an essential constituent of a healthy body. Men carry less body fat than women, and athletes and bodybuilders generally carry the lowest amount of body fat for people who are not ill.

Yet excess body fat causes a litany of health problems, and it does this, in the metabolic sense, by deranging metabolism. Too much fat in the bloodstream, and stored around vital organs causes normal metabolic parameters to go awry. Diabetes is one consequence. See how fat is handled in the body, from consumption to storage: Secrets of Body Fat.

We all know that protein is important for growth, replenishment and re-constitution of the human body -- for normal function, but also in sickness and especially during demanding exercise. You can overdo it, yet for the most part a little too much protein is not a problem.

However, to understand what's going on with protein in your diet, you need to know a little about protein metabolism and how this affects your target consumption and dietary approach.

---> Protein Secrets in Weight Training and Metabolism

Carbohydrates have received a bad rap over the last 10 years or so -- what with low-carb diets and other propaganda that wants us to believe that carbohydrates, including the fruit sugar fructose, are nothing short of poisonous.

Well, it's just not true. To stay fit and well, you need to exercise powerfully and often. For this you need carbohydrates and you cannot substitute fat or protein for carbs in this regard.

See what I'm talking about ---> Secrets of Carbohydrates

Okay, so it sounds cute; but it's not impossible -- steroid free -- given an appropriate anatomy and physiology and the right training and nutrition program. It's certainly more achievable than some outrageous claims for muscle growth one sees in muscle mags and supplement pitches.

You need hard work, metabolic overload, and appropriate eating.

See how it all pans out: Muscle Up: 12 Pounds of Muscle in 12 Weeks.