What's so horrible about carbs?

wellyourenotSKINNY

Hey guys,
After actually looking at my nutrition facts, I seem to go over on carbs (A LOT) daily.
I was wondering why exactly carbs are bad for us.

That's probably a stupid question, but I'm curious. People always say "Low carbs" but never give a reason as to why they eat that way

mrphil86

In a nut shell, they can be stored as fat. (Just like proteins)

http://www.drlwilson.com/Articles/CARBOHYDRATES.htm

They are burned really easy though, plenty of cardio and you shouldn't really worry about it. Unless you are over 100 off or so

From the website (First paragraph explains it very well):

Overeating on carbohydrates is a major cause of excessive weight gain. A common misconception is that eating fat makes one fat. However, most weight gain today is due to overeating on refined sugars and, to a lesser extent, eating complex carbohydrates in excess.

Let us explain why people believe that eating fat makes one fat, and why it is not true:

1. Carbohydrates provide four calories (energy units) per gram, while fats provide nine calories per gram. This leads many doctors and health authorities to think that fats make you fat, but carbohydrates do not. However, our bodies easily convert carbohydrates to fats through the action of insulin and other hormones.

2. Eating carbohydrates increases insulin secretion, and decreases zinc, magnesium and other vital minerals. This can contribute to weight gain and many other diseases. Eating high quality fats does not increase insulin secretion as much.

3. Breads, pasta, fruit and sweets can also alter neurotransmitter levels in ways that cause a calming effect. This can be addictive for some people, leading to overeating on these foods. Dr. Robert Atkins, MD, a cardiologist in New York City, did quite extensive research on this subject. Although he was scorned for years, his research has been shown to be valid.

Caerith

Absolutely nothing is wrong with carbs. People just think it's bad because of some fad diet a few years back, the Atkins Diet. Carbs are good!

aflane

Carbs are fine... in moderation. Just like everything else.

sekhmet13

There's nothing horrible about carbs in and of themselves. I think people get confused because carbs = sugar. However, we do need some sugar in our diet in order to function. Have you ever seen those Adkins Diet people with their darkened skin around their sunken eyes? That's because they don't eat carbs!

Everything in moderation, that's the key.

sassyg

its more about the type of carbohydrate.
simple carbs give you a quick sugar high then crash, which makes your body go ZOMG need MORE

also some people find some high-carb foods like bread, very easy to overeat on and they are quite high in energy

and, a lot of the bad snack foods are very high in simple carbs as well as fat, trying to eat low-carb can help avoid these types of foods.

carbohydrates are essential to your health, it's just all about being smart and eating the right kinds

__flexylexi

Carbs are bad if you don't exercise- But if you do, eat them!

I try to eat as much carbs as possible since I run a lot. I can tell the difference in how I feel if I carb load and if I don't on a long run.
Carbs are my friend. lol

writtenINthestars

Carbs aren't horrible but not all carbs are created equal! Some are better for you and some turn to fat more quickly. Good-whole foods, fruits, grains. Bad-Processed and refined.

MrsH06

I think carbs are fine. I worry more about sodium and fat. I think as long as the carbs are coming from good foods it shouldn't be of concern.

e1lindsay

if you don't burn up your carbs then your body stores them..my body likes to store them in my hips and thighs!

natskedat

Carbs are not bad! They are the energy that makes us go.

However, too many carbs can get stored as fat. Also, carbohydrates require water to digest and process, and thus cause us to retain water.

Eating a diet rich in complex carbohydrates (whole or sprouted wheat, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains) is your best option for losing weight, feeling full, and having energy.

Frappuzzino

As the first response says, too many bad carbs and they're stored as fat. It entirely depends on the KIND of carbs. Vegetables and fruit have carbs, but they do not spike blood sugar levels and give you plenty of long lasting energy. Processed carbs (noodles, junk food, bread) is what is bad for your body.

MANY people tend to think that ALL carbs are good, which is not the case at all. If you are not eating processed carbs then you have nothing to worry about.

NoAdditives

If you eat more carbs at one time than your body needs for energy the excess will get stored in your fat cells. They also cause your body to release insulin which prevents it from burning fat.

Pandorian

Carbs are certainly "fine" when you're picking the right ones, if you're picking whole-wheat versions of bread rather than white, brown rice or wild rice over white rice etc you're getting the healthier choice of carbs.

Carbs are just the current "fall guy" like eggs were in the 80's, fat was in the 90's, trouble is its a broad brush, oh some carbs / types of fats are bad so ALL are bad. They're not.

Look into glycemic index and glycemic load to see some of your healthier choices.

LillysGranny

Personally, I only think carbs are "bad" if they are in the form of refined grains, processed fruits and vegetable or added sugar. Whole grains are satisfying and healthy and as long as you eat whole fruits and skip juice, even the sugar in fruits should not be a problem for most people. Another poster said carbs can be stored as fat, but really ANY excess calories can and will be stored as fat. If your carbs are good carbs (again, whole grains, whole fruits and veggies) and you're not crowding out proteins and fats then I wouldn't worry excessively about it, especially if you feel satisfied and you're meeting your goals.

lissababe

Pretty muchh theres "good carbs" and "bad carbs". Good carbs are the ones found in veggies and WHOLE GRAINS. crappy bread,chips, and cheap boxed pastas,ect are considered bad carbs. Pretty much they dont contain any or much fiber so the body breaks it down super quick then turns it into sugar. Sugar then turns into fat when not used up. Thats what ive come to know. As long as you stay away from processed carbs and stick with high fiber options and veggies your good.

lissababe

Pretty muchh theres "good carbs" and "bad carbs". Good carbs are the ones found in veggies and WHOLE GRAINS. crappy bread,chips, and cheap boxed pastas,ect are considered bad carbs. Pretty much they dont contain any or much fiber so the body breaks it down super quick then turns it into sugar. Sugar then turns into fat when not used up. Thats what ive come to know. As long as you stay away from processed carbs and stick with high fiber options and veggies your good.

concordancia

Carbs can mess with your blood chemistry - your body reacts to them faster than proteins or fats, so they can send your body on a rollercoaster of ups and downs.

Carbs in and of themselves are not bad - fiber is critical to your bodies functions, for example. However, the easiest way to avoid the problematic carbs is by limiting total carbs.

One of the advantages of the South Beach Diet books is that he takes the time to explain the science. AND while it comes out lower carb than the average american diet, it is not as extreme as most "low carb" diets.

CakeFit21

I don't eat low carb. My body does very well with good, healthy carbs. My husband does better on a low carb diet. He has more energy and feels better all around. I completely bottom out. You really have to pay attention to how your body behaves and responds, not just go along with what everybody else is saying. I think a lot of people have made this mistake with "low-carb". It could really work for you or it may not and I'm not just speaking about weight loss. I'm talking about how you feel over all. A lot of people can do low-carb for a while but they can't sustain it because they feel like crap. My hubby prefers to eat low carb because he feels better, weight loss is a bonus. For him it's part of his lifestyle.

stevemcknight

Carbs are fine... in moderation. Just like everything else.

Just like cocaine, heroine, gasoline..... hmmmmmmmmmmm.... maybe not!

Sorry - I don't mean to be a jerk - this everything in moderation line makes me angry. There are a lot of problems with carbs. But first, you have to look at where they're coming from.

Veggies are carbs. Most of us know that I assume - but surprisingly, some don't. They are.....

Gina - I was going to go through the whole thing, but I just don't have the patience to say it all yet again.

Don't eat grains folks. There's abundant information out there if you'd like to see why, or you can just trust me. Or you can call me a jerk. I don't care really.

Read these things before you keep feeding yourself insulin-spiking grains.

http://whole9life.com/2010/03/the-grain-manifesto/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-grains-are-unhealthy/

http://robbwolf.com/book-resources/

http://www.kellyfrankson.com/2010/10/robb-wolf-exert-4-what-grains-do/

http://www.livingpaleo.com/avoiding-grains-part-2/

jenbusick

I don't think there's anything categorically wrong with "carbs." However, I do find that if I eat too many simple starches and/or sugars, I crave more simple starches/sugars, and I will either overeat or go crazy trying not to. So I do limit my intake of simple starches and sugars.

Another thing I have observed is that some combinations cause me real problems. For example, I can eat potatoes, if they're baked, and do just fine. I don't feel compelled to finish a baked potato. I left one unfinished today at lunch, matter of fact. But boy howdy, FRY the darn things, and a) I can eat them until I'm literally sick, and still want them, and b) they show up on my scale the next day out of all proportion to whatever I actually took in. Fried carbohydrates are, for reasons I canNOT explain, very very bad for me.

I don't think this is true for everyone. If my husband eats sugars, he burns them off, and he doesn't seem to suffer from any sort of temptation to overeat carbs or sugars. Every body is different. My body? Needs me to limit my intake of simple starches (especially fried ones) and sugars.

jenbusick

. You really have to pay attention to how your body behaves and responds, not just go along with what everybody else is saying.

This.

mrphil86

Carbs are fine... in moderation. Just like everything else.

Just like cocaine, heroine, gasoline..... hmmmmmmmmmmm.... maybe not!

Sorry - I don't mean to be a jerk - this everything in moderation line makes me angry. There are a lot of problems with carbs. But first, you have to look at where they're coming from.

Veggies are carbs. Most of us know that I assume - but surprisingly, some don't. They are.....

Gina - I was going to go through the whole thing, but I just don't have the patience to say it all yet again.

Don't eat grains folks. There's abundant information out there if you'd like to see why, or you can just trust me. Or you can call me a jerk. I don't care really.

Read these things before you keep feeding yourself insulin-spiking grains.

http://whole9life.com/2010/03/the-grain-manifesto/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-grains-are-unhealthy/

http://robbwolf.com/book-resources/

http://www.kellyfrankson.com/2010/10/robb-wolf-exert-4-what-grains-do/

http://www.livingpaleo.com/avoiding-grains-part-2/

So... According to all this, our ancestors who ate grains should of died 100's of years ago... It's no wonder humans don't exist anymore! Oh wait...

Besides, isn't paleo dieting also know as a caveman diet? Eating food that our ancestors ate to which they thrived on? I mean... How does that make sense at all?

lodro

Carbs are not bad! They are the energy that makes us go.

However, too many carbs can get stored as fat. Also, carbohydrates require water to digest and process, and thus cause us to retain water.

Eating a diet rich in complex carbohydrates (whole or sprouted wheat, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains) is your best option for losing weight, feeling full, and having energy.

Not if you're insulin resistant it isn't. So here, as elsewhere it depends on the type of person who's on the diet.

GiGi76

Carbs are fine... in moderation. Just like everything else.

Just like cocaine, heroine, gasoline..... hmmmmmmmmmmm.... maybe not!

Sorry - I don't mean to be a jerk - this everything in moderation line makes me angry. There are a lot of problems with carbs. But first, you have to look at where they're coming from.

Veggies are carbs. Most of us know that I assume - but surprisingly, some don't. They are.....

Gina - I was going to go through the whole thing, but I just don't have the patience to say it all yet again.

Don't eat grains folks. There's abundant information out there if you'd like to see why, or you can just trust me. Or you can call me a jerk. I don't care really.

Read these things before you keep feeding yourself insulin-spiking grains.

http://whole9life.com/2010/03/the-grain-manifesto/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-grains-are-unhealthy/

http://robbwolf.com/book-resources/

http://www.kellyfrankson.com/2010/10/robb-wolf-exert-4-what-grains-do/

http://www.livingpaleo.com/avoiding-grains-part-2/

So... According to all this, our ancestors who ate grains should of died 100's of years ago... It's no wonder humans don't exist anymore! Oh wait...

Besides, isn't paleo dieting also know as a caveman diet? Eating food that our ancestors ate to which they thrived on? I mean... How does that make sense at all?

The whole point is that we all eat to much carbs (sugars) from processed foods.... just go back 100 yrs before all the processed foods came along.... people werent as obese as we have become in recent years!!! And the only reason we are living longer has everything to do with all the doctors and medicine we have now and nothing to do with the way we eat so dont try to compare the two!!! Do your research and see for your self, no one is saying stay away from carbs completely but instead to make sure they come from the right place (fruit, vegs and very little to no grains)!!!!

Pebble321

I agree with (some) of the PP's - carbs seem to be the latest culprit that "make us fat". We know now that low fat eating doesn't necessarily equal weight loss and I'm sure it is going to be the same conclusion with low carb eating at some point.

My opinion is that the overly refined carbs (white flour, sugar, corn syrup etc) and snack foods packed with these carbs plus low quality fats ARE pretty horrible, whereas brown rice, potatoes, fruit etc (in other words carbs which aren't so processed) don't do me any harm.

To me this isn't just about the carbs, it's about the amount of processing that happens to a food (or "edible food like" substance as Michael Pollen would say) before it gets in my mouth that is the issue.

mrphil86

Carbs are fine... in moderation. Just like everything else.

Just like cocaine, heroine, gasoline..... hmmmmmmmmmmm.... maybe not!

Sorry - I don't mean to be a jerk - this everything in moderation line makes me angry. There are a lot of problems with carbs. But first, you have to look at where they're coming from.

Veggies are carbs. Most of us know that I assume - but surprisingly, some don't. They are.....

Gina - I was going to go through the whole thing, but I just don't have the patience to say it all yet again.

Don't eat grains folks. There's abundant information out there if you'd like to see why, or you can just trust me. Or you can call me a jerk. I don't care really.

Read these things before you keep feeding yourself insulin-spiking grains.

http://whole9life.com/2010/03/the-grain-manifesto/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-grains-are-unhealthy/

http://robbwolf.com/book-resources/

http://www.kellyfrankson.com/2010/10/robb-wolf-exert-4-what-grains-do/

http://www.livingpaleo.com/avoiding-grains-part-2/

So... According to all this, our ancestors who ate grains should of died 100's of years ago... It's no wonder humans don't exist anymore! Oh wait...

Besides, isn't paleo dieting also know as a caveman diet? Eating food that our ancestors ate to which they thrived on? I mean... How does that make sense at all?

The whole point is that we all eat to much carbs (sugars) from processed foods.... just go back 100 yrs before all the processed foods came along.... people werent as obese as we have become in recent years!!! And the only reason we are living longer has everything to do with all the doctors and medicine we have now and nothing to do with the way we eat so dont try to compare the two!!! Do your research and see for your self, no one is saying stay away from carbs completely but instead to make sure they come from the right place (fruit, vegs and very little to no grains)!!!!

So complex carbs are worse than simple carbs? I find that hard to believe. I'm not saying carbs are good.bad, I'm saying they have a place in our diet. Both simple and complex.

(I do more research on this than you think.)

Grains were part of diets long before us. I'm pretty sure they are not bad for you.

GiGi76

Carbs are fine... in moderation. Just like everything else.

Just like cocaine, heroine, gasoline..... hmmmmmmmmmmm.... maybe not!

Sorry - I don't mean to be a jerk - this everything in moderation line makes me angry. There are a lot of problems with carbs. But first, you have to look at where they're coming from.

Veggies are carbs. Most of us know that I assume - but surprisingly, some don't. They are.....

Gina - I was going to go through the whole thing, but I just don't have the patience to say it all yet again.

Don't eat grains folks. There's abundant information out there if you'd like to see why, or you can just trust me. Or you can call me a jerk. I don't care really.

Read these things before you keep feeding yourself insulin-spiking grains.

http://whole9life.com/2010/03/the-grain-manifesto/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/why-grains-are-unhealthy/

http://robbwolf.com/book-resources/

http://www.kellyfrankson.com/2010/10/robb-wolf-exert-4-what-grains-do/

http://www.livingpaleo.com/avoiding-grains-part-2/

So... According to all this, our ancestors who ate grains should of died 100's of years ago... It's no wonder humans don't exist anymore! Oh wait...

Besides, isn't paleo dieting also know as a caveman diet? Eating food that our ancestors ate to which they thrived on? I mean... How does that make sense at all?

The whole point is that we all eat to much carbs (sugars) from processed foods.... just go back 100 yrs before all the processed foods came along.... people werent as obese as we have become in recent years!!! And the only reason we are living longer has everything to do with all the doctors and medicine we have now and nothing to do with the way we eat so dont try to compare the two!!! Do your research and see for your self, no one is saying stay away from carbs completely but instead to make sure they come from the right place (fruit, vegs and very little to no grains)!!!!

So complex carbs are worse than simple carbs? I find that hard to believe. I'm not saying carbs are good.bad, I'm saying they have a place in our diet. Both simple and complex.

(I do more research on this than you think.)

Grains were part of diets long before us. I'm pretty sure they are not bad for you.

Again its more about the processed foods!!! Ive done a lot of research on this too! In general we have come to rely on these kinds carbs too much. Its all about finding a balance and for me having (most) of my carbs come from vegs & fruit with a little grains seems to works best!!! Im trying to cut out processed all together because if all the nutrients have been striped away what purpose do they serve other than empty calories??? Yes grains were part of our diet and have been for years but not the processed grains that are being feed to us by the food industries today!!! Now im not saying i never have these things but im working on staying away from them more and more everyday!!!

dls06

In a nut shell, they can be stored as fat. (Just like proteins)

http://www.drlwilson.com/Articles/CARBOHYDRATES.htm

They are burned really easy though, plenty of cardio and you shouldn't really worry about it. Unless you are over 100 off or so

From the website (First paragraph explains it very well):

Overeating on carbohydrates is a major cause of excessive weight gain. A common misconception is that eating fat makes one fat. However, most weight gain today is due to overeating on refined sugars and, to a lesser extent, eating complex carbohydrates in excess.

Let us explain why people believe that eating fat makes one fat, and why it is not true:

1. Carbohydrates provide four calories (energy units) per gram, while fats provide nine calories per gram. This leads many doctors and health authorities to think that fats make you fat, but carbohydrates do not. However, our bodies easily convert carbohydrates to fats through the action of insulin and other hormones.

2. Eating carbohydrates increases insulin secretion, and decreases zinc, magnesium and other vital minerals. This can contribute to weight gain and many other diseases. Eating high quality fats does not increase insulin secretion as much.

3. Breads, pasta, fruit and sweets can also alter neurotransmitter levels in ways that cause a calming effect. This can be addictive for some people, leading to overeating on these foods. Dr. Robert Atkins, MD, a cardiologist in New York City, did quite extensive research on this subject. Although he was scorned for years, his research has been shown to be valid.

Thank God! someone with intelligence!

Grokette

In a nut shell, they can be stored as fat. (Just like proteins)

http://www.drlwilson.com/Articles/CARBOHYDRATES.htm

They are burned really easy though, plenty of cardio and you shouldn't really worry about it. Unless you are over 100 off or so

From the website (First paragraph explains it very well):

Overeating on carbohydrates is a major cause of excessive weight gain. A common misconception is that eating fat makes one fat. However, most weight gain today is due to overeating on refined sugars and, to a lesser extent, eating complex carbohydrates in excess.

Let us explain why people believe that eating fat makes one fat, and why it is not true:

1. Carbohydrates provide four calories (energy units) per gram, while fats provide nine calories per gram. This leads many doctors and health authorities to think that fats make you fat, but carbohydrates do not. However, our bodies easily convert carbohydrates to fats through the action of insulin and other hormones.

2. Eating carbohydrates increases insulin secretion, and decreases zinc, magnesium and other vital minerals. This can contribute to weight gain and many other diseases. Eating high quality fats does not increase insulin secretion as much.

3. Breads, pasta, fruit and sweets can also alter neurotransmitter levels in ways that cause a calming effect. This can be addictive for some people, leading to overeating on these foods. Dr. Robert Atkins, MD, a cardiologist in New York City, did quite extensive research on this subject. Although he was scorned for years, his research has been shown to be valid.

Good post here..........

I would like to add.....

Also, foods such as grains, beans and legumes inhibit the absorbtion of calcium and can also leach calcium from the bones due to phytic acid..........

Also the casein in dairy causes inhibition of calcium absorption.

Grokette

I agree with (some) of the PP's - carbs seem to be the latest culprit that "make us fat". We know now that low fat eating doesn't necessarily equal weight loss and I'm sure it is going to be the same conclusion with low carb eating at some point.

My opinion is that the overly refined carbs (white flour, sugar, corn syrup etc) and snack foods packed with these carbs plus low quality fats ARE pretty horrible, whereas brown rice, potatoes, fruit etc (in other words carbs which aren't so processed) don't do me any harm.

To me this isn't just about the carbs, it's about the amount of processing that happens to a food (or "edible food like" substance as Michael Pollen would say) before it gets in my mouth that is the issue.

Pick up the books Why we Get Fat and Good Calories Bad Calories by Gary Taubes. He does a very good job of explaining why starches, grains, beans and legumes are not as good for us as we are told they are...............