Molly let me try to explain it in an easy manner..Carbs are like Gasoline..They burn very quickly and give you lots of energy...Fat is like Diesel fuel...it burns slower and cleaner,it allows a diesel engine to run for miles and miles,because it is a cleaner burning fuel...Our bodies can burn either carbs or fat for fuel,but it does so much better using fat for fuel..It is the primary means of energy and nutrition...Digesting large amounts of carbs,takes a toll on the body over time...Our liver has to process them and it creates a load on our adrenal glands to process all the glucose...Eventually it just becomes too much,and the only thing to do is store it as fat in our cells..Once we reduce the carbs we eat,and replace it with protein and fat,our body will start to release these stored reserves for energy and you will start to lose the fat!!Everyone has stressed the importance to you of eating enough good fats(Olive oil,coconut oil,avocados,butter)because if you eat too much protein,the liver will use it for fuel,instead of fat,and stall your weight loss..Fialka gave you some great suggestions!! Read as much as you can!! Be informed...This way when you talk to your family,you will have some answers for their questions..Good luck with this!!