Unlike other recent diets, which advocated a lower allowance of carbohydrates, Eating Free recommends a 45-30-25 allocation in order to combat the effects of ghrelin. It also ensures you’re getting enough protein, carbohydrates, fat and nutrients for proper brain, metabolic and bodily functions that will prevent muscle breakdown, curve appetite and provide enough energy throughout the day. Years of research demonstrated that 45% carbohydrate—30% protein—25% fats, when paired with core principles of Eating Free will control ghrelin and thus aid weight loss. With a higher carb recommendation than many recent diets (for example, the Zone popularized a 40—30—30 split), Eating Free represents a new direction, designed expressly to control ghrelin spikes. While many diets advocate cutting carbs, Eating Free promotes the levels of carbs required for proper brain function and maintenance of glucose and insulin levels. When brain function is compromised and glucose levels decrease, ghrelin kicks in, and weight gain is sure to follow. This is why quick-fix diets and tactics like skipping meals will always fail in the end—because our bodies will force us to eat, if not in that instant, soon after, and often with reckless abandon. Eating Free is not about calorie counting—it’s a way to combat ghrelin spikes using weekly “freebies” from the various nutritional groups, all of which can be tailored to each user’s tastes.