Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid of Carbs

 

 

I was raised in an Italian household where carbs were a way of life. Homemade pasta, bread fresh out of the oven, tender panko crisped cutlets. There is no element of the food pyramid more universally misunderstood than the good old carbohydrate.

Partially a mindset lingering from the Atkins Diet in the earlier portion of the last decade, it’s second nature to assume carbs equate to a tighter waistband yes? What people don’t realize is carbohydrates in any form still make up an essential food group. Note the use of the word essential there. We need them to survive.

So, why did carbohydrates get such a bad rap? Let’s be clear here. I am not a medical professional or nutritionist. So why the distinct avoidance; people tended to gorge themselves on carbs (myself included if we’re truly keeping it real.) Too much of anything is a bad thing.

The second, carbs have been long associated with refined sugar and products containing it. That even includes honey and maple syrup. Some consider refined sugar to be one of the worst things for us and largely responsible for the rise in obesity and diabetes.

 

Do you feel you could completely eliminate refined sugar from your diet? Instead, opting to embrace sugar free recipes at the heart of your meals. That may seem to make far more sense than cutting out an entire food group that we rely on for optimal health.

There are three main types of carbohydrates. The those found in white bread, rice and pasta. Complex carbs found in whole wheat versions of those same products, which are largely the same but containing higher amounts of dietary fiber. The third comes from root vegetables like carrots, potatoes and squash.

You may notice a pattern between all of them. They’re all classed as whole foods. So, how can they possibly be bad for you, at least if you eat them in the correct amounts?

The current recommendation is that two-thirds of your dinner plate be carbohydrate based (310 grams.) That’s a pretty sizable chunk of carbs that you’re supposed to be eating there Paleo Paula. Consumed in the right way, carbohydrates have many essential benefits to our health all included below: 

 

Boost your mood. That’s right. Carbohydrates are actually thought to have a direct correlation with your mood. Some even go as far as claiming studies have shown that those who embrace low-carb diets are far more susceptible to bouts of anxiety and depression. I’m going to embrace those claims to an extent.

All joking aside, carbs truly are essential for the chemical functions in your brain. Specifically, the levels of serotonin; the chemical that is thought to stabilize your mood.

 

Increased energy levels. Believe it or not, carbohydrates are actually your body’s main source of fuel – the athletes that eat meals that are so rich with carbs?

They need the energy to get through their extensive workout regiments. Without them, they would start fading fast.

 

Regulate your weight. Contrary to popular belief, carbs actually help you to take control of your weight issues. That doesn’t mean you should go out and eat nothing but carbohydrates, tempting as it may be.

But consumed responsibly, carbs help to keep you feel full for longer. This may eliminate the chance of you snacking on unhealthy food throughout the day.

 

Now repeat after me – carbs are our friend!

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