“Carbs are bad” is one of the worst weight loss myths. Carbs are crucial for anyone’s diet. They’re part of a balanced nutrition regime. And, they’re responsible for giving us energy and regulating weight. That—and more—is why carbs matter.
So, why do they get such a bad reputation? The truth is that most people don’t know how carbs work.
Moreover, unused carbs turn into fat. So, “experts” take that as a shortcut: cut them entirely.
Today, you’ll learn why that’s wrong.
We rarely understand why carbs matter
Carbs offer energy, yes. But, they do much more than that. Sadly, we settle with knowing the first part. We think that carbs come from sugar, pasta, and bread.
Yet, they have countless sources:
- Fruits.
- Vegetables.
- Grains.
- Seeds.
- Nuts.
- Legumes.
Basically, you consume carbs regardless of your diet. And, that’s a good thing because they’re essential nutrients.
There are many carb types
Likewise, carbs come in different shapes. Each carb type differs in complexity, source, and even benefits. For instance, diabetic people must avoid simple carbs.
Below, you can find the three basic categories:
- Sugar is the simplest, and you find it naturally in fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Fructose, lactose, and sucrose fall in this category.
- Starch is more complex: bonds between sugar units. This is what you find in bread, dry beans, and peas.
- Finally, fiber is also a carbohydrate. Yet, we rarely see it grouped with them.
Energy is only the start of why carbs matter
Of course, carbs provide energy. In fact, they’re our bodies’ main source of fuel. Sugar and starch relate directly to this. They turn into simpler sugars and go into the bloodstream. That’s when they turn into blood glucose.
But, they have a couple more benefits:
- Fiber could be vital for reducing cardiovascular issues.
- Eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can help with weight control. That’s because complex carbs make you feel full for longer.
Most “experts” don’t know why carbs matter
Again, fitness “experts” and many trainers agree that carbs are bad. But, that’s usually a shortcut to avoid explaining too much. Luckily, that’s starting to change.
The main goal with carbs isn’t to get rid of them. It’s to understand how to eat them properly.
The key to fitness is balance
You can’t shed carbs completely since you’d run out of energy. That goes beyond feeling tired or fatigued. Your kidneys, brain, heart, and nervous system also need energy.
Thus, your goal is to eat them properly.
Then, what’s the issue? Carbs matter in the right dosages
Most experts agree that carbs should make up 45-65% of your daily calorie intake. In most cases, a 2,000-calorie diet is ideal. That would make up around 225 and 325 grams of carbs every day.
Why are they the main target in many diets?
That’s because eliminating some carbs can be quite effective. But, low-carb diets are typically short-term. It’s hard to maintain your new weight.
However, eating mainly complex carbs, like fiber, can help is great for losing weight.
The right carbohydrates: Why carbs matter in the end
But, that doesn’t mean is optimal. Your main goal must be to eat properly. So, focus on getting carbs from the following:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Whole grains, like whole wheat.
- Nuts, seeds, legumes, and grains.
The holistic takeaway
As usual, the answer isn’t as simple as “avoid this or that.” You need to plan your diet carefully—preferably with professional help. At least, you now know why carbs matter.
If you want to find a great diet that follows this advice, check out The Cinderella Solution. It’s a fantastic program that focuses on food combining and exercise.
To learn more about it, check out my official review.
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