6 Signs you Might Need More Carbs in your Diet and How to Focus on the Right Ones
Can we talk about something that so many of us (myself included) have been told to fear? Carbs.
I get it. We’ve all heard those diet culture rules:
🚫 “Cut carbs to lose weight.”
🚫 “No fruit after 11 a.m.”
🚫 “All carbs are bad.”
It's confusing, overwhelming, and honestly, just plain wrong.
I used to think I had it all figured out with my “healthy” eating. But I was running on fumes—constantly bloated, anxious, and struggling with irregular, painful periods. Despite eating my veggies and doing everything “right,” something felt off.
Spoiler alert: I was terrified of carbs. And I see this fear all the time with my clients, too.
On episode 104 of The Balance with Britt Podcast, Functional Nutritionist Amy shared how one of her clients was convinced eating fruit after breakfast was a hard no. Another was skipping carbs entirely and waking up at 2 a.m. starving and anxious.
If you haven’t listened to that episode yet, check it out here 👉🏼 Listen now
Why Your Body Needs Carbs
Here’s the thing: Carbs aren’t bad. The right carbs, in the right balance, do amazing things for your body, including:
✔ Stabilizing Blood Sugar – Whole food carbs like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and oats help prevent energy crashes and reduce stress on your adrenal glands.
✔ Supporting Thyroid Function – Low-carb diets can make it harder for your thyroid to convert T4 to T3, which affects metabolism, mood, and menstrual cycles.
✔ Easing PMS Symptoms – Fiber from whole food carbs helps eliminate excess estrogen, reducing bloating, mood swings, and painful periods.
✔ Fuelling Ovulation – Carbs signal to your brain that your body has enough energy to ovulate, which is key for hormone balance.
✔ Boosting Brain Function – Glucose (from carbs) fuels your brain, improving focus and reducing brain fog.
(Of course, if your doctor has advised you to limit carbs due to a specific health condition, that’s a different story!)
Signs You Might Need More Carbs
If you've been avoiding carbs, you might notice:
❌ Anxiety or feeling constantly overwhelmed
❌ Poor sleep or waking up hungry at night
❌ PMS, spotting, or irregular cycles
❌ Bloating, constipation, or gut issues
❌ Cravings (especially before your period)
❌ Low energy or feeling "wired but tired"
Sound familiar? You’re not alone.
How to Add Carbs Back The Right Way
This doesn’t mean you should dive headfirst into a plate of pasta every night. But adding whole food carbs to your meals can make a huge difference. Try starting with:
🥑 Sweet potatoes roasted with olive oil and spices, paired with your favorite protein and non-starchy veggies.
🍚 A quinoa and veggie bowl with some protein (chicken, salmon, tofu—whatever you love!).
🍎 Berries or an apple with some nut butter for a balanced snack.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Ditch the Fear
Health isn’t about fear or perfection. It’s about balance, listening to your body, and giving it what it needs.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start, I’d love to help. Whether it’s reintroducing carbs, improving digestion, or creating a balanced nutrition plan that actually works for you, I’m here to guide you.
💛 Ready to feel better without the confusion? Work with me here
xo,
Britt