Carbs - friend or foe?

Disciplined74

I'm SO confused on nutrition in general. But my specific concern today is carbs. Are they good or bad?

Is it a source issue (like fruit sugars aren't as bad as refined sugar)?

How many should I be eating a day?

Is it one of those things I could/should minimize?

Does low carb create a carb defienciency and cause medical problems?

Any help would be appreciated?

bflicker11

BUMP!!! Great questions and I'm dying to know the answers.

mapexdrummer69

Carbs=sugar.


They will not slow down your weight loss. There are no advantages to a low carb diet vs. a "normal" diet of the same calories in terms of weight loss. If you count calories, then all you have to do is get an adequate amount of protein and fat and remain in a calorie deficit. You can enjoy carbs all you want inside your caloric budget.



The source of the carbs can be important for overall health, but don't play a role in weight loss or gain. Again, carbs are sugars. You will find a lot more vitamins and minerals in whole foods vs. table sugar however.


If you don't like to count, dropping carbs is a sure fire way to lower overall calorie intake, which would in turn make it easier to stay in a deficit and lose weight.

There is no such thing as a carb deficiency. Carbohydrates are not "needed" by the body, and many people stay under 30 grams a day and function fine.



But to answer your question, no, carbs are not bad.

christinathompson1

do what MFP suggests for your carbs..
CARBS ARE MY FRIEND!
whole wheat pasta has carbs, multi grain bread has carbs.. brown rice has carbs.. but those are good carbs!
the bad carbs are the carbs that is in ice cream because those carbs are sugar and sugar isn't bad either but in small quantities. i always have a hard time staying under my sugar though..

FairyMiss

carbs can be friend or foe depends on your personal chemistry. Myself the are defiantly foe. I can be perfect on a caloriies but if too much carbs i hit a brick wall. other can eat almost all the cals in carbs and still have the weight fly off. you just have to figure out what works for you

mapexdrummer69

Ah yes, I forgot to mention that carbs affect people with metabolic disorders a bit differently than someone with no MDs. Nothing to worry about if you're not diabetic/insulin resistant.

Shanzstar

Your body does feel more satisfied with higher nutritional foods. for example, eat carbs but try to add the right ones into your diet. You will feel more satisfied with whole grains, fruits, veggies, and my fave yogurt! ( i love chaboni with fruit.) rather than, white bread, pastas, white potatoes, and potato chips. Also, add protein into every meal and drink lots of water. I love the biggest loser approach to weight loss and over all eating healthy. Its by far the best advice I ever took but just my opinion. good luck.

mynameisuntz

Nothing wrong with carbs assuming:

1) You stay in your caloric deficit.
2) You eat ample protein.
3) You don't have a condition like insulin resistance.

fmorpurgo

I love carbs, and am right now taking the plunge to eat much less of them because I dont lose when I eat them in the evenings. My son was encased in pasta when I was pregnant with him, and now he is addicted to the stuff too!! They are good for B vitamins though, especially the wholemeal variety, which is good for brain function-if you are anything like me, you will need all the brain function you can get your hands on!! Good luck

TK421NotAtPost

carbs can be friend or foe depends on your personal chemistry. Myself the are defiantly foe. I can be perfect on a caloriies but if too much carbs i hit a brick wall. other can eat almost all the cals in carbs and still have the weight fly off. you just have to figure out what works for you

Agreed. You need to find what works best for you. My GF can eat all the carbs she wants and still be energetic and non-bloated afterward (I hate her). I, on the other hand, do better with a low-to moderate carb eating plan.

At the risk of overgeneralizing, if a person is overweight, then it's a pretty good bet they are sensitive to carbs. Ultimately it's about creating a caloric deficit, but for a person who is sensitive to carbs, eating a moderate to low-carb diet is an effective tool in creating that deficit. A very low carb diet can also be an effective tool for someone who is already thin but wants to shed that last bit of stubborn body-fat.

getxsleazyy

only eat excessive carbs if you are planning on doing something to burn them later. ie don't eat bread before bed, that kind of thing. carbs are for energy and if you eat a lot of carbs and then just like sit around that's what can be bad for you. xx

jmula

carbs are needed in your daily diet. Use complex, not simple carbs. heres a link of which is which. http://howtothinkthin.com/instincts2.htm

Keep the majority of your meals protein. At least 60% of total caloric intake should be protein. followed by carbs, then fat.
There is an alternative if you are working out really intense. Keep the protein intake the same, but have more fats then carbs (fat=more readily available energy) this is an old 70's body builders trick. And those guys have the best looking physiques in the industry. IMO.
I use them as an example because of there lean physiques. And these guys never did cardio. and they were lean!

ImperfektAngel

only eat excessive carbs if you are planning on doing something to burn them later. ie don't eat bread before bed, that kind of thing. carbs are for energy and if you eat a lot of carbs and then just like sit around that's what can be bad for you. xx

YES! days I dont go to the gym I am only suppse to eat 25% of what I would eat on a gym day of carbs! with that said, its easier said than done lol I try though

Barneystinson

Nothing wrong with carbs assuming:

1) You stay in your caloric deficit.
2) You eat ample protein.
3) You don't have a condition like insulin resistance.

Yep, this.

jessradtke

I think that everyone is different. I personally can NOT eat a high protein diet. My health suffers in several ways when I try. I do best on a high fiber, higher carb diet than most people, but they have to be high quality, high fiber carbs. No white flours, white rice, or refined sugars. I feel and look my best when I eat LOTS of fresh fruits and veggies and a moderate amount of whole grains and legumes. I have found that "heavy" carbs - whole grain pasta, for example - seem to be digested better on days when I am more physically active. (Along these same lines, my body does not react the same way to all sugars either.)

mynameisuntz

only eat excessive carbs if you are planning on doing something to burn them later. ie don't eat bread before bed, that kind of thing. carbs are for energy and if you eat a lot of carbs and then just like sit around that's what can be bad for you. xx

False. Doesn't matter when you eat your carbs.

absie107

No... no it does matter to some extent when you eat carbs.

I kind of disagree with some people... there is something wrong with carbs when you're eating mostly refined stuff and lots of grain products. We can get all the nutrients we need and plenty of fiber from other food groups, and grains have only been in the human diet for 15,000 - 10,000 years or so. Athletes have a lot of carbs in their diet so they can refuel their stores. You can change your body so that you burn fat instead of carbohydrates, but a lot of people are averse to 'low carb diets.' I like moderation... as in, less sugar in general, mostly carbohydrates from vegetables and some fruits and nuts and occasionally legumes and even more occasionally whole grain items.

Carbohydrates cause insulin spikes which can lead to fat storage - here... just read this - http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/

mynameisuntz

No... no it does matter to some extent when you eat carbs.

I kind of disagree with some people... there is something wrong with carbs when you're eating mostly refined stuff and lots of grain products. We can get all the nutrients we need and plenty of fiber from other food groups, and grains have only been in the human diet for 15,000 - 10,000 years or so. Athletes have a lot of carbs in their diet so they can refuel their stores. You can change your body so that you burn fat instead of carbohydrates, but a lot of people are averse to 'low carb diets.' I like moderation... as in, less sugar in general, mostly carbohydrates from vegetables and some fruits and nuts and occasionally legumes and even more occasionally whole grain items.

Carbohydrates cause insulin spikes which can lead to fat storage - here... just read this - http://www.marksdailyapple.com/diabetes/

Marksdailyapple is one of the most irresponsible sources of "information" I have ever said. After all, this coming from the guy who claimed 150+g carbs per day = insidious, steady weight gain. I try to be polite, but let me be clear when I say that guy's IQ is below room temperature. He has absolutely zero idea what he's talking about when it comes to nutrition.

The timing of carb intake means nothing. Absolutely nothing. OUTSIDE of those who perform multiple glycogen-depleting exercises per day, or those who exercise after fasting for well over a day. Your body could not care less when you eat carbs.

If you really want to learn about insulin: http://weightology.net/weightologyweekly/?page_id=319

The paleo diet is healthy, but their claims are downright laughable.

jmula

actually, it does. if you eat hi carbs before bed, you will not have the needed protein that is required for the 6-8 hrs of starvation during sleep. you will also wake up feeling more hungry in the morning. I stopped eating carbs after 6PM years ago, and never wake starving, or with a rumbling stomach.

PaigeMcCane

I'm currently taking a nutrition class for my degree and have learned a bunch about carbs. You need them. Period. Don't buy into that low-carb, high-protein diet. Its absolutely ridiculous and a fad diet. It only works for so long. This is the deal, you need to eat your recommended amount.

Carbohydrates should contribute 45-65% of your daily kcalorie amounts. Fats should be 20-35% and protein should be 10-35%. I always try to be as close to the middle of all of these as possible, without exceeding 100% of course

Carbohydrates are important because they contribute glucose. Glucose is the ONLY SOURCE of energy your brain and nervous system uses. When you deprive yourself of carbohydrates, your body starts breaking down protein into glucose to fuel the brain. But your body breaks down so much more protein to create glucose than carbohydrates. And think about it, protein has other jobs to do: create genes, make new cells for everything in your body, build and maintain muscles. The last thing you need to do to your body is make it take away the amino acids it needs to do these things, all because you didn't want to eat your RDA of carbohydrates.

And this happens when you don't eat 45% of your diet in carbs. This doesn't happen over a period of time. Your brain uses glucose everyday. And fat is not converted to glucose for your brain to use. It doesn't work that way. Its so important to eat at least 45%.

Hope this helps.

jmula

I'm currently taking a nutrition class for my degree and have learned a bunch about carbs. You need them. Period. Don't buy into that low-carb, high-protein diet. Its absolutely ridiculous and a fad diet. It only works for so long. This is the deal, you need to eat your recommended amount.

Carbohydrates should contribute 45-65% of your daily kcalorie amounts. Fats should be 20-35% and protein should be 10-35%. I always try to be as close to the middle of all of these as possible, without exceeding 100% of course

Carbohydrates are important because they contribute glucose. Glucose is the ONLY SOURCE of energy your brain and nervous system uses. When you deprive yourself of carbohydrates, your body starts breaking down protein into glucose to fuel the brain. But your body breaks down so much more protein to create glucose than carbohydrates. And think about it, protein has other jobs to do: create genes, make new cells for everything in your body, build and maintain muscles. The last thing you need to do to your body is make it take away the amino acids it needs to do these things, all because you didn't want to eat your RDA of carbohydrates.

And this happens when you don't eat 45% of your diet in carbs. This doesn't happen over a period of time. Your brain uses glucose everyday. And fat is not converted to glucose for your brain to use. It doesn't work that way. Its so important to eat at least 45%.

Hope this helps.

This may be true for the [average person]. but to a body builder or someone looking to gain muscle mass.they will need more protein then the average in order to promote muscle growth.
here is an article from bodybuilding.com ( a site where professional athletes and scientists are major contributors).
http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/maki1.htm

mynameisuntz

actually, it does. if you eat hi carbs before bed, you will not have the needed protein that is required for the 6-8 hrs of starvation during sleep. you will also wake up feeling more hungry in the morning. I stopped eating carbs after 6PM years ago, and never wake starving, or with a rumbling stomach.

Haha, wow. Body starving in 6-8 hours, eh? You should drop the Men's Health and pick up some scientific literature, my friend. Your body will not go starving in 6-8 hours. Your body won't go starving in 24 hours.

I'm currently taking a nutrition class for my degree and have learned a bunch about carbs. You need them. Period. Don't buy into that low-carb, high-protein diet. Its absolutely ridiculous and a fad diet. It only works for so long. This is the deal, you need to eat your recommended amount.

Carbohydrates should contribute 45-65% of your daily kcalorie amounts. Fats should be 20-35% and protein should be 10-35%. I always try to be as close to the middle of all of these as possible, without exceeding 100% of course

Why? I would like to hear a rationale. And using dietary ratios is so universal. Kind of silly to use ratios when some people will be eating a diet of 1,400 calories per day, and others will be eating 3,000, don't you think?

Carbohydrates are important because they contribute glucose. Glucose is the ONLY SOURCE of energy your brain and nervous system uses. When you deprive yourself of carbohydrates, your body starts breaking down protein into glucose to fuel the brain. But your body breaks down so much more protein to create glucose than carbohydrates. And think about it, protein has other jobs to do: create genes, make new cells for everything in your body, build and maintain muscles. The last thing you need to do to your body is make it take away the amino acids it needs to do these things, all because you didn't want to eat your RDA of carbohydrates.

Do you know what ketone bodies are...? Might want to Google that.

The ketogenic diet is a legitimate diet, and it works. If you eat enough protein/fat, you can satisfy your body's needs via gluconeogenesis and your brain using ketone bodies as fuel. You really DON'T need dietary glucose. In fact, carbohydrates are extremely unessential in terms of diet simply because of the gluconeogenesis process.

jmula

actually, it does. if you eat hi carbs before bed, you will not have the needed protein that is required for the 6-8 hrs of starvation during sleep. you will also wake up feeling more hungry in the morning. I stopped eating carbs after 6PM years ago, and never wake starving, or with a rumbling stomach.

um. the term starvation mode is a term. Not to be taken literally (DUH)

Nice to see we have such a sarcastic know it all on board though >:/

mynameisuntz

um. the term starvation mode is a term. Not to be taken literally (DUH)

Nice to see we have such a sarcastic know it all on board though >:/

Oh, I know what 'starvation mode' typically refers to. Catabolism and/or slowed metabolism? My statement still stands. If you eat a higher protein diet, you will NOT see "starvation mode" in a matter of 5-8 hours, nor will you see it in a matter of 24 hours. I last ate at 11 pm last night, and it is now 6:20 pm. Do the math there.

Just telling you that you are mistaken. The timing of calories/macronutrients is irrelevant to body composition UNLESS you fast for extremely long periods of time (well over 24 hours) and/or perform MULTIPLE glycogen-depleting exercises in a single day.

jmula

um. the term starvation mode is a term. Not to be taken literally (DUH)

Nice to see we have such a sarcastic know it all on board though >:/

Oh, I know what 'starvation mode' typically refers to. Catabolism and/or slowed metabolism? My statement still stands. If you eat a higher protein diet, you will NOT see "starvation mode" in a matter of 5-8 hours, nor will you see it in a matter of 24 hours. I last ate at 11 pm last night, and it is now 6:20 pm. Do the math there.

Just telling you that you are mistaken. The timing of calories/macronutrients is irrelevant to body composition UNLESS you fast for extremely long periods of time (well over 24 hours) and/or perform MULTIPLE glycogen-depleting exercises in a single day.

For me, and my body. eating my last meal about 7;00 PM, then eating my next at 6:00 am, having my last meal with high protein relieves me feeling hungry when I wake up and eat 11 hrs later. i am talking from personal experience with "my body" and "my results" (yours may differ).
if eat a high carb meal before bed, feel very hungry in the am. which is why i suggested the OP to try it.

mom23nuts

do a search on here and read my post of apple pear avacado, dieting for your body type

for me carbs are bad....they are not the devil I just cut out most carbs that don't have a fruit or veg and that go over 30grams a meal.

so you can still eat watermelon and berries but if you go bizerk on them you will trigger your blood sugar to spike but it is less of a spike than a snickers bar.

If you tend to gain weight and hold weight in your belly and it is the 1st to gain there and last to go there you have to reduce carbs....I have PCOS and Insulin Resistance so this is where I know I can make a difference in my body and what I have to do to see results.

If you have biger buns and hips you can have more carbs but not a ton

I suggest the book Women's Health...The Perfect body book where it tells you what to weigh for your height and your wrist measurement tells you what frame size you are.

It gives you tons of advice and formulas to figure out exactly how many carbsw and fats and proteins and calories for those ratios you should have for your body weight and type that will help you lose weight.

Add me and I can help you if you cannot find the book or my original post on it here.

mynameisuntz

For me, and my body. eating my last meal about 7;00 PM, then eating my next at 6:00 am, having my last meal with high protein relieves me feeling hungry when I wake up and eat 11 hrs later. i am talking from personal experience with "my body" and "my results" (yours may differ).
if eat a high carb meal before bed, feel very hungry in the am. which is why i suggested the OP to try it.

Except you said you won't get the high protein needed for 6-8 hours of starvation (sleep).

THAT is wrong. If you say you feel more full from high protein, cool, but that has nothing to do with eating carbs before bed. Carbs before bed is not wrong or bad or worse. Period.

jmula

For me, and my body. eating my last meal about 7;00 PM, then eating my next at 6:00 am, having my last meal with high protein relieves me feeling hungry when I wake up and eat 11 hrs later. i am talking from personal experience with "my body" and "my results" (yours may differ).
if eat a high carb meal before bed, feel very hungry in the am. which is why i suggested the OP to try it.

Except you said you won't get the high protein needed for 6-8 hours of starvation (sleep).

THAT is wrong. If you say you feel more full from high protein, cool, but that has nothing to do with eating carbs before bed. Carbs before bed is not wrong or bad or worse. Period.

depends on what your goals are. For body building, or just wanting to bulk up a bit, going 11 hrs without protein is not recommended. and it does hinder muscle gains. as opposed to eating carbs before bed time.

TheBraveryLover

It's up to you what you want to do. Personally, I do 100 grams a day or less and I love it! Have done so (have had a few bad days for sure) for about 2 months now.

mynameisuntz

depends on what your goals are. For body building, or just wanting to bulk up a bit, going 11 hrs without protein is not recommended. and it does hinder muscle gains. as opposed to eating carbs before bed time.

Really? I'd love to hear where you got that information from.

leangains.com

samb

I think everyone may be different. But from my personal experience, I have had A TON more energy and have lost a lot of fat and less muscle since I have gone low carb (about 75g/day). Also, every single person I have spoken with that has gotten into extremely good shape has been on low carb - less than 100g/day. I think you would do well with less than 100g a day but that is my own personal opinion and experience. Some people may be different. However, I was a vegetarian for 4 years up until about 1 month ago. I ate about 150g of carbs a day and about 45g of protein. I tried SO MANY different things over those 4 years and was constantly restricted because of the carbs, even when I would workout for 3 hours doing workouts that should have been very effective. It was a waste of time. I didn't want to eat meat again but gave in solely to go low carb and it has changed my life already. I have lost weight without the crazy workouts and have a ton more energy. I also feel far more muscular and am looking much more toned. I cut bread and pasta out completely ---- I used to only eat whole wheat now I don't eat it at all, and when I do I drag and feel bloated. I highly suggest below 100g of carbs a day.