Have you ever wondered if carbs make you fat?
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Carbohydrates, or carbs as they are commonly called, are often classed as the 'devil' in the diet world. The notion that carbs make you fat is not a new one, but it simply isn't true. So, if carbs don't make you fat, then where did this idea originate from? Since the rise of the Atkins Diet in the early 70s and more recently the Keto movement, poor carbs have been getting a pretty bad wrap by the media and self-proclaimed internet nutrition 'experts'.
The premise behind the low carb diet is that eating carbohydrates stimulates the release of insulin, leading to cravings, increased hunger and weight gain.
It's important to know that ....
Not all carbs are created equally
When people are cutting carbs, they tend to throw the baby out with the bathwater. It's great to cut out soft drinks, biscuits, cakes, chips, lollies and takeaways, but many people also remove fruit and the wonderful wholegrain and starchy carbs like rice, pasta, bread and potatoes which contain lots of vitamins and minerals that are important to maintain our overall health. Alongside proteins and fats, carbohydrates are the building blocks of life. Overall, carbs are not just delicious but important to fuel our bodies and brains each day.
It's easy to say that weight loss comes down to calories in vs calories out, but we all know that it's more complicated than that. Too much of any food will result in weight gain, not just too many carbs. There are many hurdles to achieving weight loss and everyone's situation is different.
So, what do I do if I'm trying to lose weight?
To lose weight safely and sustainably it's a good idea to get professional advice from an accredited practising dietitian before starting your weight-loss journey. A dietitian can help you navigate the minefield of misinformation and help you reach your personal goals without compromising your health and without taking the joy out of food.
So, in a nutshell, the answer is no - you don't need to cut carbs from your diet even if losing weight is your goal. You can still enjoy a bowl of pasta and a glass of red with a clear conscience. Life is too short to skip out on carbs.
written by Tayla White