You Can Eat Carbs. I Promise.
Posted on September 29, 2008
This morning I came across an article in the Health/Fitness section of msn.com where a reader asked why a lot of people, including nutritionists, promote reducing calories instead of reducing carbs for weight loss. The reader claimed that research has proven low-carb diets to be the best way to lose weight.
The fitness expert responding to the question went on to discuss how our bodies need the right kinds of carbohydrates for energy and normal body processes. She explained:
“People who exercise regularly (and this should be everyone!) probably shouldn’t follow a low-carb diet. The evidence is overwhelming that carbs are crucial for optimal performance, and carbs are especially helpful in curtailing the stress overload that can occur with endurance training such as long-distance running.”
Source. I recommend reading the full article.
To me, it’s unfortunate that carbs have become the enemy. There’s no question that there are some carbs that we should definitely avoid, but there’s also good sources of carbohydrates. Read more about carbohydrates and find good sources here.
I guess I just get annoyed at hearing about all the low-carb craze because I’m an endurance athlete. I know what carbohydrates do and I know why I need them.
I mean no disrespect to low-carbers and how they choose to eat. I simply choose not to and hope that everyone will realize that carbohydrates are not our enemy.
Check here to see where sources of good carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are on the Harvard School of Public Health’s Healthy Eating Pyramid.
Go eat some fruit.
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I love pasta! Yikes! It is challenging to eat minimal amounts…
I’ve been on a low carb diet before and it sucked. Yes I lost some weight, but you gain it back as soon as you start eating normally again.
Now I get my carbs from Fruits,Veggies and whole grain foods. The weight loss is slower but I’m way more energetic and healthier.
Cut out carbs can really effect you mood as well. I was very short tempered and grumpy all the time.
Another new study shows that not eating carbs is very detrimental to health, especially to the endurance athlete, supporting this assertion.