Carbs are Killing you?!

Do I have your attention? 

Good.

Because

Carbs

Aren't

Killing

You!

They aren't making you fat either. I know, I know all the diet advice out there is telling you to cut carbs and you will lose weight. That isn't actually true. Well actually it is true, but not for the reason you think. All weight loss is is a calories deficit, calories in vs calories out. Simply: to lose weight you need to consume less calories than you burn off in a day. You want to know a super easy way to take in less calories a day? Cut out one of the higher calorie food groups and your calories consumed per day goes down. It's great news for those of you trying to lose weight....unless you actually really love bread, pasta and grains or like me if you cut those out of your diet completely your workouts suffer, you're tired all the time, going to the bathroom becomes a struggle and you slight hate life because you are hungry and grumpy all the time. 

So what is a carb and why do we need them? Carbohydrates are a macro nutrient, which are nutrients the body needs daily in large quantities. Carbohydrates can be broken down into three categories:

Starches/ complex carbs: grains, legumes and vegetables like corn and potatoes

Fiber: can't be broken down by the body but helps you poop

Sugar/simple carbs: fruits, dairy products (natural sugar) and processed sugars/foods (added sugars)

Carbs are the main source of energy for our body. The complex variety stay with us awhile helping us feel fuller longer and create a sustained energy. The simple variety is broken down quickly and gives us quick energy and also a quick crash. Think sugar high. It's important to note that dairy doesn't do this because it also contains protein which sticks with us longer so though we have the quick sugar spike the protein helps keep our energy leveled out. This is one of the reasons I love paring my fruits with a protein.

Carbs also help with our digestive system, fuel our muscles and gives us energy and mental focus.

Lack of carbs in your diet can cause headaches, fatigue, constipation, bad breath and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. 

If you've read my other blogs I am team macro not team food group so here is my personal opinion. EAT CARBS!  I eat 180 grams a day from multiple sources: rice, fruits and veggies, whole grains etc. but do what works best for you. Gluten intolerant? Carb up with fruits, veggies and dairy. You can hit carb numbers with out whole grains. Most people still need them but it's ok to reduce them. However my personal opinion is that I can't back any diet or lifestyle change that tells you not to have fruits and vegetables. I know they aren't really exciting, I know they aren't that great BUT they provide key nutrients you need. So suck it up butter cup and at least get some veggies and fruits in your life. 

and seriously CARBS ARE NOT KILLING YOU! If you want them, eat them. It is about balance and what works for you and your body. Please research before you start anything new and listen to your body. If it makes you feel like crap it probably isn't the lifestyle thing for you.