Never stop eating potatoes, pasta and bread if you want to lose weight, says expert
Melissa Meier says that carbs are an 'energy-boosting superfood'
FOR YEAR, we've all been told that carbs are the enemy of weight loss.
But according to one dietitian, that's simply not the case.
Melissa Meier says that we shouldn't just be eating things like veggies and rice that we should be eating - pasta and potatoes are back on the menu too.
She told that there are five main reasons why we should never cut carbs, regardless of our body goals.
1. Carbs are "energy-boosting superfoods"
"Beans, chickpeas and lentils aren’t just a good source of long-lasting energy, they're also a great plant-based protein that helps to promote muscle growth and repair," Melissa explains.
"These vegetables are one of the few foods I’d actually label a true ‘superfood’ and are a good source of fibre for a healthy gut."
So next time you're eyeing up a pot of hummus or thinking about having a dhal for dinner, remember that they're really nutritious.
2. Potatoes are "nutritionally necessary"
Yep, you read that right - your tatties are an important part of your diet.
When you eat them in the correct amounts (no one is saying that a daily dose of chips is particularly good for you), starchy veg like potatoes are healthy additions.
"They can help to balance out a meal and also provide some valuable, nutritional perks," says Melissa.
"Take potatoes that have been cooked and cooled down, they develop resistant starch, a type of fibre that feeds the good bacteria in your gut.
"Sweet potatoes on the other hand are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A in the body and supports eye health."
3. Fruits support our immune systems
Some people try to swerve fruit because of the sugar content. While they do contain naturally occurring sugars, they're also super nutritious and fibrous. And naturally occurring sugars aren't the same as the white table stuff which experts are trying to get us to cut down on.
Melissa says that every single day, we should be eating two pieces of fruit.
"What’s more, you should aim to vary the types of fruit you eat as much as possible, as each different coloured fruit provides a different range of disease-fighting antioxidants."
It'll help you reach your daily fibre target and provide a load of vitamins and minerals which will help to maintain a healthy immune system.
February flu, be gone!
4. Carbs are an essential part of a balanced diet
A healthy, balanced diet consists of proteins, fats and carbs. You need all three for a good balance.
Carbs come in many different forms - from fruit and veg, to grains, and even to dairy.
Dairy contains carbs in the form of the natural sugar lactose.
Melissa explains: "Milk, yoghurt and cheese are a good source of protein and are rich in calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth.
"Plus, dairy provides many essential micronutrients like Vitamin A for eye health, Vitamin B12 for blood and nervous system function and potassium for heart and muscle function."
5. They make us live longer
Science has already shown that eating carbs can help us to live longer.
Eating grains has been linked to a longer life, as well as reducing the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
We revealed last month that a whopping 90 per cent of Brits aren't getting enough fibre in their diets - putting them at risk of all kinds of chronic and potentially fatal illnesses.
And where do you get fibre from? Carbs. Oats, wholegrain pasta, hummus, bananas, potatoes...they all contain fibre.
Melissa said: "Of course, I wouldn't recommend that you dive into a huge bowl of spaghetti every day.
"All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t be afraid to have a good quality cereal for breakfast, a slice or two of bread for a sandwich, or a sensible portion of rice or pasta with dinner."
MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS
So there you go - eat carbs and stay healthy.
In moderation, favourites like pasta and bread can help you to stay fuller for longer and therefore, less likely to snack.
Remember, no one ever died from having enough fibre!
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368. You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours