In our increasingly health-cautious world, there is a common phenomenon that carbs need to get off the plate. But someone may ask, what are carbs anyway? The terms carbs and carbohydrates are used interchangeably.

Why are carbohydrates important?

Carbohydrates consist of sugars, starches, and fibers, nutrients that provide your body with energy. Foods come in three forms, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Each one plays a specific role in keeping your body functioning. Carbohydrates are converted to energy more quickly than protein or fat. They help keep your body from burning the protein in your muscles and organs and they help metabolize fat. Carbohydrates feed your body and your brain, and many high-carb foods have vitamins and minerals that you simply cannot get anywhere else.

Why eliminating carbs may be a bad idea?

Firstly, we need to understand why some diets eliminate these. Some diets like the keto diet eliminate carbs to force the body into a state of ketosis, where your body burns stored fat. Whilst this is true, should your caloric intake be too low, your body may also start burning muscle and even organ tissue which in turn weakens you and can even threaten your health.

The misconception that carbs equal to ‘bad’ ought to be dropped already. Carbohydrates come in many forms. Healthy carbs provide value by bringing critical nutrients into the body like fibers, minerals, vitamins like magnesium and B12, and antioxidants.” These healthy carbs support metabolism, digestion, and immune health, acting as building blocks for healthy bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and even blood.

Cutting or eliminating carbs completely puts you at risk for nutrient deficiencies. You may achieve rapid weight loss as desired with a carb-free diet but this may come at a cost. It is common to experience fatigue, which can affect your ability to exercise as well as function throughout the day. If one is not getting enough potassium or magnesium, found in fruits, vegetables, beans, and dairy, one may suffer muscle cramps, especially in your legs. Weakness, shakiness, and nausea can also occur along with a lack of coordination. A diet completely free of fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains also contains no fiber, and you may struggle with constipation.

Be well-informed before eliminating carbs from your diet altogether. Weigh the long-term benefits too and not only weight loss goals. If possible get a professional to walk the journey with you.

Good luck

See you next Wednesday