WEIGH HEY I'm a dietitian - here's 4 physical signs
you need to eat MORE carbs
(1º§) Many trendy weight loss diets encourage cutting out
carbs, claiming it's the secret to dropping pounds. Both
the keto and Atkins diet say to instead focus ___ eating
protein and fats.
(2º§) As the body has less carbs to use for energy, it
burns body fat instead. But a dietician would say this is
the wrong way to approach healthy eating, and
potentially dangerous.
(3º§) The body turns to stored fat when there is a lack of
carbohydrate, but it also eats away at protein tissue such
as in the heart or muscle, The Britician Association of UK
Dieticians says.
(4º§) Each food group - carbs, proteins and fats - is
important for physical health. Carbs provide fibre to keep
bowels moving and prevent disease. They fuel the brain
and body. Without carbs, you may get a headache,
constipation, bad breath or nausea. Starchy foods, the
main source of carbs, should make up a third ___ your
daily diet, the NHS says.
(5º§) The BDA says: "We get energy from carbohydrates,
protein, fat and alcohol in our diet. "Any extra
(unneeded) energy we take in will be converted to fat no
matter what the source. "Sometimes people think
starchy foods are fattening however, the same amount
(in weight) of carbohydrate contains less than half the
calories of fat. "Studies have also shown carbohydrates
are better at satisfying our hunger."
(6º§) Nichola Ludlam-Raine, a registered dietitian, told
Insider there is "no good reason to remove carbs from
your diet". She said: "Low-carb diets have been popular
for a number of years, even decades now, but reducing
your carbohydrate intake can come with a cost."
(7º§) Here are four signs you need to up your carb intake:
Carbs are the body's main source of fuel, so if you
reduce your carb intake significantly, you'll likely notice a
depletion of your energy levels, too, Ludlam-Raine said.
"Our body can use other sources of fuel (such as fat),
although carbohydrates are able to provide a more rapid
source of energy to enable us to function optimally, both
cognitively and physically," she said.
(8º§) The primary source of energy in the brain is
glucose, which comes from eating delicious carbs. It can
rely on other stores, such as ketones. On the keto diet,
the body turns fat into ketones in the liver, which can
supply the brain. But this isn't a sustainable source of
brain power, said Ludlam-Raine. Symptoms of brain fog
can include moodiness, irritability and difficulty
concentrating.
(9º§) Ludlam-Raine said: "Consuming carbs alongside
protein helps to support the production of tryptophan,
which is then converted into serotonin, also known as the happy hormone." Ludlam-Raine said the body stores
carbohydrates as glycogen ___ the liver and muscles.
Glycogen is the main source of energy when you do
exercise, and when it's depleted, you feel fatigued. It's no
wonder that on a low carb diet, you can feel too tired to
go to the gym - which isn't beneficial for overall health.
(10º§) Mikle Molloy, a sports-nutrition coach, said in a
worst case scenario of "exercise flu" you'll feel out of it,
with a headache and muscle aches, and just want to lie
on the ground. Carbs aren't just needed pre-workout, but
post-workout too.
(11º§) Once the glycogen stores hit rock bottom, they
need replenishing, Ludlam-Raine said. "It's
recommended to consume carbohydrates alongside
protein to support recovery and enable you to feel at your
best before your next workout," she said.
(12º§) Feeling achy, sluggish or low in energy when you
go to the gym may signal poor recovery. Some carbs are
healthier options than others. Potato is best when baked,
mashed or boiled as opposed to fried.
(13º§) We all know brown bread is better for us than
white - but do you know why? Wholegrain, wholemeal
and brown breads are more fibrous and contain B
vitamins, vitamin E, fibre and a wide range of minerals.
(14º§) The same goes for pasta - try and eat wholewheat
or whole grain options. Grains, such as couscous,
oatmeal, brown rice and barley, are also important
sources of starchy carbohydrates. Fruit and vegetables
also contain carbohydrates. Ludlam-Raine recommended
getting your carbs mostly from whole grains (such as
brown bread and pasta), fruits, and vegetables.
https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/news-health/19109904/physical-signs-you-needeat-more-carbs/