Are carbohydrates your weight loss enemy? Why don't people hate them so much and do low carbohydrate diets really help in weight loss? Lets find out why we should not be so scared of them.
Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for our body. You need them every day in recommended levels to carry out all bodily functions. These are generally categorized in 2 forms i.e. Simple and complex carbohydrates. The latter one are grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables like potatoes and corn and former one are table sugar, refined cereals, non starchy vegetables and dairy foods. The carbohydrates that are responsible for weight gain are the simple carbohydrates and should be limited in your diet.
Completely removing carbohydrates is not the most sensible thing you can do to your body. Almost all the food groups contain carbohydrates and if you severely restricting them in your diet then you are actually harming your body by inviting future health problems. Here are some problems after consuming low carbohydrate diet.
- You will feel bloated
According to the National Institute of Digestive Diseases, belly bloat is one of the key symptoms of constipation. And constipation is a common side effect of a low-carb diet. So, if you are facing the problem of constipation and bloating then you should give a thought to what you are consuming on daily basis.
- Will increase cravings urge
Once you restrict your body with carbohydrates, your body will crave more for the same. You will face severe carbohydrate cravings for foods containing a high amount of simple carbohydrates, making it harder to follow a healthy dietary regime.
- State of ketosis occur
A lack of enough carbs leads to ketosis. Ketosis occur when you do not have enough glucose for energy, so your body breaks down stored fat, causing ketones to build up which is followed by nausea, headaches and bad breath.
- Reduce Brain function
The main fuel for your brain is carbohydrates. Due to the lack of carbohydrates in diet, the brain does not function properly which can lead to shorter attention span, memory loss and mood swings.
- Muscle cramps
Carbohydrates allow the body to store water and energy. When you consume little or no carbohydrates, the water stored in the body also reduces. This can lead to muscle cramps.
- Low carb diet make you more fatter
Low carb dieters feel stress and depressed which keep them away from getting slim because stress produces high levels of hormones, like cortisol , that boost your appetite and lead to binging.
An individual carb requirements depend on your:
- goals (fat loss, muscle gain, maintenance)
- genetics (different body types, medical conditions)
- carb source (refined versus minimally processed)
- activity level (sedentary, weight-training, endurance athlete)
But don't just eliminate those carbohydrates. Replace them with the healthier carbohydrates: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and legumes. Along with their calories, these carbohydrates have fiber, vitamins, and minerals to give you energy while helping you feel satisfied. So, when it comes to weight loss, a balanced diet is more effective, easier to manage and is more practical, you will see better result in keeping up healthy pointers in your lifestyle.
Try to keep your life simple by following instructions
- Don’t waste your energy by thinking too much only on single food group, focus more on balanced diet
- Enjoy variety of fresh, whole and minimally processed foods
- Moderation and portion control is key
- Abstinence is waste of time