The truth about carbs revealed…and why you should be eating MORE pasta and bread
CARBS glorious carbs…a bowl of pasta and pizza.
If you’re trying to lose weight chances are this is nothing but a figment of your hungry imagination. But does it really need to be?
When it comes to sorting carb fact from fiction, it can be a bit of a minefield. But, Harley Street nutritionist is here to set us straight – and it’s good news if you can’t imagine your life without carbs in it.
While cutting carbohydrates was once hailed as THE answer to all our weight-loss woes, Rhiannon told The Sun, The Atkins diet and others like it helped “fuel the myth” that carbs make you fat.
“These diets avoid all bread, potatoes and pasta in favour of loading up on protein sources like bacon and eggs and high fat foods,” she said.
“All this heightened the already widespread misconception that all carbs make you fat.
“The view that all carbohydrates should be cut from someone’s diet is quite simply wrong.”
That’s because the trusty carb is vital to our nutrition, providing the biggest source of energy to our diet.
Most carbs get broken down or transformed into glucose, which is then used by the body as energy for our muscles during exercise, as well as fuelling the brain.
And they can also be turned into fat, stored energy, to be used later when the body needs a boost.
Here, Rhiannon reveals the TRUTH about carbs…
Get carb-conscious
There is definitely a case for reducing refined carbohydrates – the least nutritious type like white bread and white pasta.
You should opt for complex carbs like wholegrain bread and wholegrain rice, as they release energy slowly.
Think about “grains” rather than “carbs” – it’s far simpler to understand and remember.
Not all carbs are created equal
Carbohydrates are an important source of fuel for your brain and body.
Good wholesome starchy carbohydrates include wholegrain pasta, sweet potato, wholegrain rice and quinoa.
Refined carbohydrate foods like pastries and white bread are usually lacking in essential nutrients.
Carbs make you happy
Our brains use the glucose found in carbohydrates as fuel.
If you’ve ever been on a strict diet regime avoiding carbohydrates you’ll know that it can be hard to concentrate and you often experience severe mood swings (yes, that’s you!).
It’s because carbohydrates play an important role in creating serotonin – your happy hormone – in the brain.
Carbs keep you balanced
Complex carbs are a good source of vitamins and fibre all helping your digestive system stay healthy and keeping your blood sugar levels steady.
They contain all sorts of micronutrients that help to slowly release the energy from food keeping you fuller for longer.
Cutting carbs altogether is unsustainable
Although some people experience initial weight loss from a no-carb diet, most can’t maintain it.
A clean, balanced diet is the yardstick we should all be aiming for and if you’re looking at weight loss its more about portion control and a bit of extra activity.
So…carbs really AREN’T the dieter’s enemy
People who lobby the low-carb diet claim carbohydrates aren’t an essential nutrient for us.
Rhiannon said it is true the body can still function without any carbs at all.
The view that all carbohydrates should be cut from someone’s diet is quite simply wrong
Rhiannon Lambert, Harley Street nutritionist
But, she added: “Just because carbs are not essential for survival, that doesn’t mean they aren’t beneficial.
“Many carb-containing foods are healthy and nutritious, such as fruit and vegetables.
“These foods have all sorts of beneficial compounds and provide a variety of health benefits.
“Although it is possible to survive on a zero-carb diet, it is definitely a bad idea and not an optimal choice because you’re missing out on foods that science has shown to be beneficial.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in nutrition.
“Your optimal carb intake depends on numerous factors, such as age, gender, metabolic health, physical activity and personal preference.”
But, one thing is clear…carbs should be a part of your diet, and should be a part that’s here to stay!
Rhiannon Lambert is the author of .
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