Back in 2003 I was dieting and exercising to lose weight. I was taking in 1200 calories a day and doing vigerous exercise. My sports clothes would smell like ammonia after each workout. I know the smell comes from the body burning protein...my question is, why does the body burn protein (muscle)before it starts burning off all the excess fat I have? And how can I get the body to burn fat and not muscle after it burns the available carbs?