Macros Part 2: Carbs and How They Can Make Your Goals Come True

Carbohydrates have gotten such a bad rap these past couple years. As fad diets have pushed and encouraged people to go Keto, or limit their carbs in order to lose weight. What often happens, though, is someone will cut carbs way low, lose several pounds, and then cravings will take over, they eat a pasta dish and put most of the weight back on just as fast. They blame themselves for their ‘failure’ but these popular diets are designed for failure.

Carbohydrates hold a crucial place in any meal plan. They provide more than just short term energy and whether you are trying to lose weight, gain weight, or just eat a little healthier, they are vital to your long and short term health. Here are a few reasons why.

Carbs are a Source for Strength

Carbohydrates are stored within our muscles as glycogen. When you lift something quickly, your muscles contract and the glycogen is used to give immediate energy to the muscle fibers. This encourages blood flow, makes lifting easier, and helps heal muscles that have been stressed. Each time we lift something heavy, the muscle tears a little, which sends a signal to the body to repair it and prepare it to lift heavier weights.

This has incredible long term benefits which include increased blood circulation, better distribution of micronutrients to the muscles, ligaments, and bones which then helps prevent osteoporosis and osteoarthritis.

Carbs are a Source for Energy

Carbohydrates are known for quick energy, but did you know that different types of carbs actually provide different types of energy? This is the macronutrient that actually differs in the way your body reacts to it, depending on which carb source you consume.

If you eat whole grain toast for instance, the fiber and micronutrients in it give you a longer form of energy lasting over an hour and reduces the blood sugar spike that often comes with simple carbs. If you eat white bread, you get a quick energy spike that dissipates in less than half an hour if it’s not combined with a longer form of energy.

When you look at carbs through this lens you can plan when you want quick energy versus a longer form of energy and change out the carb source accordingly. It becomes a tool that will help you succeed in your goals no matter what they are.

Cut Carbs Now, Binge Later

I can’t even count how many times a client has attempted Keto, only to binge carbs in 2-3 weeks time. By completely removing a macronutrient source, you are also removing vital micronutrients that the body needs and is difficult to attain in fat and protein sources. Your body will crave the carbs to fill that void. Binging becomes the body’s attempt at healing itself from the restriction. When you recognize that, then you can start the process of actually healing by creating balanced nourishing meals that fuel your body and help you to break the restrict/binge cycle.

Media is bent on demonizing any food group in order to keep you in this restrict/binge cycle, but you have the tools to break it. With each meal include approximately 1/2-1 cup of whole carbs, be it potato, whole grain toast, pasta, or rice alongside your protein and fat sources. When this becomes your habit, your body will feel strong, full, and energetic and you will be well on your way to nourishing yourself and breaking the binge cycle.

~Kristen