The Truth About Carbs

In the eyes of the average gym goer and exerciser carbs have been portrayed as a villain especially when it comes to loosing weight. There is a lot of bad publicity around carbs and in this particular blog I will give you the myths surrounding carbohydrates breaking down the true benefits of carbs.

What is Carbohydrates-" A carbohydrate is a food source that breaks down into glucose. Your body uses the glucose for energy. Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, and fiber. Your body can use glucose immediately or store it in your liver and muscles "

Why we need Carbohydrates- "Alongside fat and protein, carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients in our diet with their main function being to provide energy to the body". Carbohydrate provides about 4 calories per gram.

Carbohydrate myths-

"Carbs make you gain weight". This is actually false carbs do not make you gain weight the only way you gain weight is having poor sleep, not being active, eating above your maintenance calories and ingesting excessive amounts of processed or sugary foods.

"Carbs shouldn't be eaten at night". Also false carbs can be eaten any time of day as along as you are in a deficit or maintenance you will not put on weight.

"Carbs free diets is the best way to lose weight". Carbs free diets will do more bad than good in the long run. If you cut out crabs you will only get temporary weight loss, carbs is your body main source of energy cutting them out will leave you depleted of energy. if you want sustainable long term weight loss a balanced diet is best.

Personally I love carbs and I eat with every meal, I like to keep my energy levels high as my profession requires me to stay active throughout the day. From a general perspective carbs should make up 40-50% of your diet on a daily basis.

Simple Carbs vs Complex Carbs

"Simple carbohydrates, or sugars, are made up of shorter chains of molecules and are quicker to digest than complex carbohydrates.This fact means that simple carbohydrates produce a spike in blood glucose, providing the body with a short-lasting source of energy".

Food examples- doughnuts, fries, cereal, white bread and chocolate.

"Complex carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels for longer and produce a more lasting elevation in energy. The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide the body with energy, and complex carbohydrates do this more effectively".

Food Examples- banana, brown bread, pasta and sweet potato.

Anybody who tells you to cut out carbs unless you're an athlete in a competitive sport with a qualified trainer and a dietician I would not listen to them, carbs are essential for the bodily function.

Hope you found the information in this weeks blog helpful, make sure you stay tuned for next weeks blog.

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