Carbohydrates are now considered the enemy that prevents you from losing weight. But the truth is, carbs aren't bad & shouldn't be cut out of your diet. Here's why:
Obviously, when dieting we want to limit the consumption of refined and processed foods, they hold little to no nutritional value, however, all carbs should not be demonized. Good sources of carbohydrates obtained from foods like vegetables, whole grains, legumes, etc. are packed with fiber and micronutrients. Healthy carbohydrates provide energy and perform important tasks. But due to the bad image of refined carbs, healthy carbs are not given the value they deserve.
People may tell you that they achieved rapid weight loss when they cut out carbs – the truth is, they probably did. But what they lost probably wasn’t just fat, but instead, the majority of their weight loss would have been from water retention, this is because every 1g of carbs comes with ~3g of water.
Reasons why you don’t have to cut out carbohydrates to lose weight
You may not get sufficient dietary fibers
Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are the natural sources of dietary fibers. These foods are also high in carbohydrates. People who reduce their intake may also reduce the intake of healthy fibers unconsciously.
Fiber is known to improve gut health by promoting the growth of gut flora. A diet high in fiber is also linked to a lower risk of heart diseases. Foods high in fiber help you feel more satiated, so you feel fuller for longer.
You may neglect other healthy nutrients
People who cut carbs out of their diets may also miss out on other healthy nutrients like minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, etc., that carbohydrate-rich foods have. These nutrients are required to perform their specific tasks; thus, they also hold great importance.
Therefore, reducing the intake of carbs may also mean you have reduced the intake of essential nutrients. If you do not take them through alternative food sources, you may develop a nutritional deficiency. Thus, it is better to lose weight in a healthy way. Take healthy carbohydrates in a moderate amount and do exercise routinely to burn calories naturally.
Summary
When it comes to deciding whether you should take carbs or not to lose weight then remember that not all carbs are equal. Reducing the intake of “refined carbohydrates” may help you in many ways. But do not cut “healthy carbohydrates” from your diet completely. They are a primary source of energy in the body, and carb-rich foods also provide your body with many essential nutrients.
