Fact or fiction? Carbs Make You Gain Weight.
Diet culture contains many misconceptions; one of the most common is that carbohydrates cause weight gain. Many people avoid carbs or think a low-carb diet is the best for weight loss, but this isn’t true. Let’s hope after this article you will be thinking more about if your favorite bagel shop is open and less about “do carbs make you gain weight.” Carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet, providing the energy needed for daily activities and overall health. In this blog, we’ll delve into what carbohydrates really are and why this belief is a myth. Also if you are ready for it, consider why your focus is on weight to begin with. But first we will talk more about carbs and circle back on that thought at the end.
What are carbohydrates and why are they important?
Carbohydrates, along with fats and proteins, are essential nutrients that our bodies need to function well. When you eat carbs, they break down into glucose in your gut and enter your bloodstream. This glucose is like fuel for your cells, giving you the energy you need for everyday activities. Carbohydrates are especially important for your brain, which relies on them as its main energy source. They also help support vital organs like your kidneys, heart, and central nervous system.
Skipping carbs leads to a range of unpleasant symptoms and health issues. Without enough carbohydrates, you might experience headaches, fatigue, trouble concentrating, nausea, constipation, and even bad breath. Over time, avoiding carbs results in deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals, making you feel weaker and less healthy overall. So, instead of viewing carbs as the enemy, it’s important to understand their vital role in keeping your body and mind functioning at their best.
Types of Carbohydrates
Simple carbohydrates are quickly digested and boost blood glucose levels to provide quick energy these include fruits, juice, and bread. Then there are complex carbohydrates, which digest at a slower pace and are in foods like whole grains and legumes, providing a steady energy release. Complex carbs also contain fiber, aiding digestion and promoting satiety. Just as often as we see folks asking “will carbs make me gain weight” we also hear “but you shouldn’t have simple carbs, right?” No, you can have both kinds of carbs, our body can use both simple and complex carbs, think of it as quick energy and longer lasting energy. Our tastebuds would also like to have both as well, and that is also important. Food is not purely functional, it’s meant to be enojoyed as well.
Myths & Truths on Carbs
Dispelling the Carbohydrate Myth: “Do Carbs Make You Gain Weight?”
Various factors can impact our body weight, such as our sleep patterns, hormonal balance, the types and quantities of food we eat, and our level of physical activity. There is no one food group alone that simply by consuming it will cause weight gain, although diet culture might suggest that just looking at a bagel will make you gain weight. Many people fear carbohydrates because of their sugar content. However, the sugar naturally found in fruits and vegetables, fructose, includes essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants that contribute to overall health.
The idea that drastically reducing or completely eliminating carbohydrates leads to rapid and sustainable weight loss is a common misconception. While initially, cutting carbs may result in some weight loss due to reduced calorie intake and water weight, this approach can have downsides. Severely limiting carbohydrates can lead to decreased energy levels, nutrient deficiencies, brain fog, fatigue, and may not be sustainable in the long run.
The Bottom Line on Carbs
If you’re finding yourself craving carbs more often, don’t worry, they’re your body’s way of telling you something! Ignoring these cravings can make them worse. All kinds of carbs have their place in a balanced diet, offering essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber which are crucial for your body to thrive. Plus, they can add excitement to your meals, whether exploring new cuisines or sharing moments with loved ones. We would even go a step further to say, if you are cutting entire food groups, such as carbohydrates that’s not how are bodies were intended to be efficiently fuled. Further more if you are cutting foods you like, exerpiences and constantly worried about “carbohydrates making you gain weight” It can be worth while to explore with a therapist and dietitian why you have a fear of weight gain, how much food rules are affecting you and how to work on your relationship with food further. Food isn’t just fuel—it’s meant to be savored and enjoyed!
