If you've ever tried to lose weight or followed a weight-loss diet, you're probably familiar with the concept of elimination. All diets work on the same principle, which is the elimination of any particular food. The majority of the time, the food that is eliminated is roti, rice, or pasta, all of which are carbs. Without a doubt, carbs have a negative image in the fitness industry, with many people believing that they are only meant to make people fat. Carbohydrates are our body's primary source of energy; without them, we cannot function. So, if you've been starving yourself for weight loss or avoiding carbs for a long time, let's start by defining carbs, their types, benefits, the best times to consume them, and much more.
What Are Carbs And Their Types?
Carbs are one of the most important macronutrients that our bodies require to function. Carbs are made up of sugar, starches, and fibre, and are important for the human body because they are easily digested and provide quick energy. Carbs are classified into two types: complex carbs and simple carbs.
Complex Carbs
Complex carbs are considered good carbs because they digest slowly in the body and do not cause blood sugar spikes. Complex carbohydrates include brown rice, brown bread, sweet potatoes, and oats.
Also Read: How To Eat Whatever You Want & Not Gain Weight
Simple Carbs
Simple carbohydrates are considered unhealthy for the body because they digest quickly, leaving you hungry even after eating. The main issue with simple carbs is that they cause a higher blood sugar spike in the body, which leads to weight gain.
Benefits Of Consuming Carbs
Carbohydrates help with everything from providing quick energy to constipation. A serving of carbohydrates improves mood, lowers cholesterol, promotes satiety, increases energy, and prevents headaches and nausea.
How Many Carbs To Consume?
The consumption of carbs is solely determined by an individual's goals. Carbs should account for 60 per cent of calories if the goal is to gain weight. Depending on the person's activity level, 40 to 50 per cent of total calories in carbs is acceptable for weight loss.
Best Time To Consume Carbs
Carbs' primary function is to provide you with quick energy. So consuming carbs first thing in the morning, i.e in breakfast meal is recommended as our bodies are depleted. Consuming carbs before and after your workout is critical for fueling your workout and increasing your recovery rate. A carb serving before bedtime also aids in getting a good night's sleep.
When Carbs Can Harm You?
One gram of carbs contains four calories, and if you only focus on eating carbs and not moving your body, your body will store all of those calories as fat. If your physical level is low, you should voluntarily reduce your carb intake because your body will not be able to use it efficiently.
Also Read: Hungry After Eating? Here’s What To Add & Feel Full For Longer
Bottom Line
It's not that simple carbs are bad and cause weight gain. For example, if a person is a runner or athlete, simple carbs help them get instant energy.
Food digestion is subjective; your body may digest simple carbs more easily than complex carbs. Remember that carbs do not cause weight gain; your lifestyle and calorie intake do.
Image Credit: Freepik
