So, you want to lose weight. But you are just not sure how or where to start. So you hop on Google and search, “will eating less carbs help me lose weight?”  The research begins and, with so much information on the internet pulling you in different directions, you get overwhelmed and decide to go with the message you see the most: “Yes, stop eating carbs.” Seems simple enough.  A few days into your new eating plan, you feel ok. Sure, you miss eating rolls at dinner, but it’s nothing you can’t handle...until you really start thinking about how all your favorite meals have carbs.  Then, a few weeks into your new diet you start to feel tired all day long and you don’t have any energy to exercise. Now you are having to avoid all your favorite meals, and you feel fatigued and discouraged. And don’t even start with the cravings! Next thing you know you are going from carb deprived to carb overload, snacking on every cookie, cracker, and bread product you can get your hands on. You tell yourself, it’s just a few carbs; I can’t avoid all my favorite foods forever.  Before you know it, you find yourself right back where you started. The weight you did lose in the first few weeks has all come back and then some.  Great…now what? This cycle is all too common. I see it happen with the women I coach through my Burn Fat and Feast program. They come to me discouraged and feeling hopeless because their goal of getting healthy and losing weight by restricting carbs backfires again and again.  The good news is there is another way! And it does not require you to cut your carbs because your body needs carbohydrates to thrive.   

Health Benefits of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a key element in maintaining a healthy diet. There are so many options when it comes to how you are going to consume your carbs. And yes, some are healthier than others. But it comes down to choosing the most nutritious options and eating those carbs! Because...   

Carbs are Your Body’s Main Source of Energy 

Carbohydrates give your body the fuel and energy it needs to function properly throughout the day. When you eat and digest carbs, they are broken down into simple sugars in your body and are absorbed in your bloodstream. Once in your bloodstream, this blood glucose enters the cells in your body and is used for energy.  This energy is needed for everyday activities like going to the grocery store, but it also aids in more strenuous activities like exercising. Your body can also store this energy to be used at a later time.  

Carbs are Good for Your Heart 

Evidence shows that when you eat nutritious carbohydrates that are full of fiber, you decrease your risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Not to mention that fiber aids in food digestion and is great for gut health.   

Carbs can Actually Aid in Weight Control 

Whereas most people view carbs as a barrier to weight loss, studies have shown that eating the right type of carbs can actually help you maintain your weight and lose excess fat, as the components of carbs help you feel full and stay full for longer periods of time without eating an excessive amount of calories.  The benefits of carbohydrates are vast, and it is no wonder that excluding them from your diet can be detrimental to your health.   

Dangers of Low Carb Diets

While short-term weight loss is considered a benefit of low carb diets, the long-term results are more devastating than otherwise. Evidence shows that “Complications such as heart arrhythmias, cardiac contractile function impairment, sudden death, osteoporosis, kidney damage, increased cancer risk, impairment of physical activity and lipid abnormalities can all be linked to long-term restriction of carbohydrates in the diet.” The extreme health risks are not worth the temporary weight loss from low carb diets. Instead, focus on incorporating healthy carbohydrates into your diet daily.   

Choosing the Best Carbohydrates for Your Body 

While carbs do have these many health benefits mentioned above, it is important to remember that not all carbs are created equal. There are some--those that come in the form of packaged and processed foods--that are bad for you overall. So, what’s considered a “good” and “healthy” carb?  

Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are full of fiber and nutrients and are the number one source of healthy carbohydrates which you can and should consume daily. Some fruits that are high in fiber and vitamins are:

• Bananas 
• Oranges
• Blueberries
• Grapefruit
• Apples

  Whole Carbs Rather than Refined Carbs

Whole carbs and whole grains are also full of fiber and are more nutritious than processed grains. Some great whole carbs to incorporate into your diet are:

• Quinoa 
• Oats
• Buckwheat 

  Legumes 

Beans, peas, and lentils are carbohydrates that add a great source of fiber to your diet. They also have robust amounts of folate, potassium, iron, and magnesium and protein. Try creating dishes that include:

• Kidney Beans
• Chickpeas 

There are so many fun and creative ways to incorporate these healthy carb options into your meals everyday. You can get creative in the kitchen today and accomplish your health goals with the food you eat.   

Intermittent Fasting is the Best Way to Lose Fat Through Food

Cutting carbs is not the best way to lose weight because it isn’t sustainable. Instead, try intermittent fasting (IF). With intermittent fasting you do not have to cut carbs to effectively lose fat and accomplish your fitness goals. Instead, you eat whole, nutritious meals that boost your metabolism, increase energy, and aid in fat loss.  Fortunately, rather than having to browse Google for more information about IF, you can  check out my FREE video series, The Ultimate Guide to Intermittent Fasting For Women. I am passionate about helping women accomplish their health and fitness goals through my Burn Fat & Feast program for women over the age of 30. With over 20 years of experience, I provide you with the resources, tools, and support you need to lose weight in the healthiest and most effective ways possible. Learn more about the Burn Fat & Feast program today!