6 carb myths busted so you can finally lose weight

Apr. 8

If you are finally ready to lose weight you need to know these carb myths! Is cutting or eliminating carbs really the best plan to slim down?

Do you know what carbs do when it comes to your overall health?

Do you know why carbs have such a bad rep?

One of the most popular low-carb diets is Keto, more of my thoughts on that in this recent article 6 things you need to know when exercising on a keto diet but is that really the answer to finally lose the weight?

Sure, if you cut out bagels, pasta and potatoes you may lose some weight because you are consuming fewer calories, however, following a low-carb or no-carb diet has not been shown to be more effective when it comes to your weight loss than a regular balanced diet.

So before you cut the carbohydrates from your menu — let’s dive into 6 carb myths so you can finally lose weight:

1. ALL CARBS ARE THE SAME

This is not true guys. We have complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates. What the hell does that mean? In simple terms, simple carbs/refined carbs don’t offer us many nutrition benefits. Complex carbs, provide your body with what it needs to function properly day to day.

Those refined carbs don’t need to be eliminated completely. That can lead to a miserable life and diet. You can just try to reduce the number of refined carbs you consume with a high glycemic index. Why? They are quickly digested by your body and your blood glucose levels can rise which can increase your chance of diabetes and also mess with your hunger levels and body signals.

2. CARBS MAKE YOU FAT

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it isn’t the carbs that are making you fat. It is the sugar and calories.

If you eat too much of anything it can be fattening, so no need to blame carbs for this. When people who currently eat a lot of simple carbs and sugar cut back on carbs, they lose weight so all of a sudden we think carbs are the devil. Keep some complex carbohydrates in your diet and focus on the number of other foods you are eating and I assure you that you can finally lose weight without having to say goodbye to your favourite carbs.

3. FRUIT IS BAD BECAUSE IT IS HIGH IN CARBS

Fruit has natural sugar in it called fructose and is dense in nutrients including fibre. Don’t eliminate fruit because you are scared of carbs. Instead, watch your overall calorie intake and portion sizes of fruits and you can continue to eat fruit and lose weight. Frozen fruit without added sugar makes a great option to add to smoothies or yogurt.

4. CARBS = BRAIN FOG

This is not true at all. Your energy comes from every single cell in your body using carbohydrates. Think about those athletes that carb load before a strenuous event. You can do the same when it comes to your energy levels. If you go low-carb or no-carb you run the risk of being exhausted and not being able to get through your hectic day. Carbs do not leave you with brain fog, when enough of the nutrient-dense carbs are consumed you can get through your day feeling energized and alert. Try some of these healthy snacks which contain a moderate amount of carbs and can help stop cravings.

5. LOW-CARB DIETS ARE HEALTHY

Sticking to a low-carb diet long term can be tricky. When you go low-carb, you eliminate a lot of food groups which can leave to feeling deprived and for a lot of my clients before they work with me the low-carb diet they have been following results to some sort of overindulgence or binge. Another thing to consider when following a low-carb diet is the lack of nutrients and minerals you are now feeding your body. If losing weight is your #1 goal, I encourage you to seek alternative methods before sticking to a low-carb diet for the rest of your life.

6. DON’T EAT CARBS BEFORE WORKING OUT

If you are going to eat before working out, eat carbs! Especially if you want to really take your workout to the next level and burn fat. Your body will use the complex carbohydrates as it’s energy source during your workout. By consuming carbs before you workout, you will have the endurance to lift heavier, move more quickly and get better results to help you finally lose weight.

Examples of what to eat before and after a workout can be found here.