Carbs are NOT the Enemy!
UNPOPULAR OPINION comin’ atcha.
CARBS AREN’T THE ENEMY. Certain fad diets have vilified this food group, and I AM NOT ABOUT THAT.
Eliminating an entire macronutrient is not realistic and not feasible long term. As a NON-DIET Nutritionist, I believe is a balanced approach to nutrition. That means a balance of both macro and micro nutrients. I believe in WHOLE foods, that are as close to their natural form as possible, and of good quality.
Carbohydrate intake is IMPORTANT to health. Yes, people can live without carbohydrate intake for a SHORT period of time, and yes they might lose weight while they restrict them, BUT AT WHAT COST.
We NEED carbohydrates to regulate protein and fat metabolism. Together, protein, fats and carbohydrates help to fight infections, promote growth of the body’s tissues, and lubricate joints. It is for these reasons that living without carbohydrates is not recommended.
Your body LIKES carbohydrates. Plain and simple. It is the preferred source of fuel, and they’re necessary for your body to run properly.
A low carbohydrate diet can contribute to feelings like
decline in energy
decreased thyroid functioning
hormonal imbalances
gut issues (HELLOOOO FIBER from complex carbs! Fibre is SO IMPORTANT! Low fibre dies are associated with constipation, gastrointestinal disorders, diverticulitis and colon cancer, while a high-fibre diet may prevent these problems!)
Cravings for sugar are sometimes your body’s way of telling you something, and it’s not that you need more sugar in your diet!
THREE TYPES OF CARBOHYDRATES
Sugars
This category involved simple carbohydrates, monosaccharides and disaccharides.
Starches
These are complex carbohydrates, OR digestible polysaccharides and include include Legumes, grains, vegetables and fruits! HOW COULD YOU ELIMINATE THIS BEAUTIFUL GROUP OF FOODS!?
Fibre
These are indigestible polysaccharides, the portion of plants that which cannot be broken down by human enzymes or digestive juices. There are TWO types of fibres, these are SOLUBLE and INSOLUBLE. Fibre is SUPER important, as it feeds that good gut bacteria (it is PREbiotic in nature!).
REAL TALK- not all carbohydrates are created equal. Refined, processed carbohydrates fall higher on the glycemic index (and fall into category #1 above). This means that foods being digested, are done so quickly, with more rapid rises in blood sugar levels. Refined sugar and flour consequently contribute to insulin spikes, weight gain and inflammation.
Complex carbohydrates provide a MORE CONSISTENT blood sugar level than simple sugars, falling lower on the glycemic index. Complex carbohydrates also have immune supporting properties!
The BOTTOM LINE
Quality is the name of the game. The over-consumption of refined and processed carbohydrates can contribute to episodes of “carbohydrate depression” and “carbohydrate addiction” BUT complex carbohydrates DON’T have this effect! This is due to the more consistent blood sugar release associated with the intake of this type of carbohydrate. complex carbohydrates also have immune and detoxification supporting properties!
Reducing PROCESSED and REFINED carbohydrates, and replacing with whole foods sources like whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables will go a long way!
There are some people who can benefit from reduced carbohydrate intake, but it is entirely dependent on the TYPE of carbohydrates consumed.
If you need some help implementing this type of change into your own diet, LET’S CHAT! Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call TODAY by clicking the calendar below and we can see if we’re a good fit for one another! ❤️