Why do I need carbs?

kathrinnbauer

Low-Carb is pretty en vogue and there are good reasons for it. And we do need a certain amount of fat and protein, but no study (Iknow of) seems to show that we need carbs.
However, I feel terrible if I don't eat carbs and I don't lose weight but actually gain. I am always hungry, aggressive and can't concentrate or workout. I feel cold and I often get sick after a few days.
I read now that there might be a link between the thyroid and carb ingestion, but I am not sure if that would explain my problems.
Did any of you experience that? Do you have any idea why my body might react that way?

SugaryLynx

To my understanding, carbs are energy . I don't function without a decent amount myself. Not sure on the weight gain thing, as I truly believe calories in/vs out rule all. In terms of sustainability and how you feel (which is very important) , that's where balancing macronutrients to a proper level for you is important.

doIlhands

All carbs get broken down into glucose which is your bodies primary source of energy

DeltaZero

Because they are tasty.

Toblave

Here's a few resources that talk about the need for carbs, at least from a lower carb perspective. They're interesting and make sense to me, though are difficult to follow strictly thus the 80/20 rule. My personal opinion is that we do need carbs but not nearly the level that most people eat them and over restriction of them would do more damage than good.

The below sites all hinge around the Paleo movement, which does restrict certain carb sources most notably grains and oats; vegetables and to a lesser degree fruits are all on the menu though.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/#axzz2sGogiMzJ

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-succeed-with-the-primal-blueprint/#axzz2ruHlK8hH

http://thepaleodiet.com/

http://www.fatburningman.com/

ETA: If you're gaining weight then look at the number of calories you're taking in and the amount of sodium(water retention). At the end of the day, calories count no matter what diet protocol you choose to follow.

tegalicious

Because they are tasty.

You beat me to it...

twixlepennie

Because they are tasty.

+1

kathrinnbauer

Here's a few resources that talk about the need for carbs, at least from a lower carb perspective. They're interesting and make sense to me, though are difficult to follow strictly thus the 80/20 rule. My personal opinion is that we do need carbs but not nearly the level that most people eat them and over restriction of them would do more damage than good.

The below sites all hinge around the Paleo movement, which does restrict certain carb sources most notably grains and oats; vegetables and to a lesser degree fruits are all on the menu though.

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/#axzz2sGogiMzJ

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/how-to-succeed-with-the-primal-blueprint/#axzz2ruHlK8hH

http://thepaleodiet.com/

http://www.fatburningman.com/

ETA: If you're gaining weight then look at the number of calories you're taking in and the amount of sodium(water retention). At the end of the day, calories count no matter what diet protocol you choose to follow.

Thanks a lot (and also thanks to the others). The links are interesting interesting .
My theory was that the weight gain might be due to some stress induced water retention. I did take care how many calories I ingested, but I had no safe way to determine whether I gained fat or water..