Your views on 'CARBOHYDRATES'

myfitnessnmhoy

Different bodies react differently to different fuels, and the human body is such an amazingly adaptable machine that you can adjust it (with penalties) to run on any fuel or combination thereof that you want.

Personally, I find that my body works best and I'm the most energetic and least hungry with the pretty standard recommendation of this site as to calorie sources - somewhere just under 1/2 complex carbs, and somewhere under 1/3 of proteins, and the remainder fats. My body really appears to want a balance of the three, and too-high carbs means my energy levels get "spikey" while too-low carbs means my energy levels drop and stay down.

That's what makes this "discussion" so much fun - there's a WHOLE lot of variance of opinion as to what the human body can acually run on, because it can run on a lot of things. There's a lot of science to support any viewpoint you want to take, because the body is so flexible that you can pretty much make anything work for you, and very little solid science to support any of them because no one wants to fund studies unless they can profit from selling you something that is the result of their studies, like a book or a drug.

jamiesadler

Without including healthy carbohydrates in your diet, you are at an increased risk for certain adverse health conditions. Eliminating carbohydrates and replacing those calories with fatty sources of protein can increase your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol, known to increase your risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer. Eliminating carbohydrates also eliminates fiber from your diet, which can contribute to constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. Ketosis, a condition that occurs in the body by incomplete fat breakdown, arises with low carbohydrate intake and can cause weakness, nausea, dehydration, dizziness and irritability.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/419298-can-you-live-without-carbohydrates/#ixzz1rfU4u3Vt

10KEyes

No. Carbohydrates are NOT essential to life. You couldn't be more wrong on this.

Source of that info?

Essential is something that your body does not produce and you must consume to live. There are essential amino acids (Protein) and essential fatty acids (fat), but there is no essential carbohydrate since the body can produce it's own glucose from fat.

dianediaz

In my opinion, any diet that cuts out an entire food group is not healthy. Carbs are not bad and they don't make someone fat. Eating too much and not burning the extra calories you consume is what does make someone fat. The key is calories in and calories out and, clearly, healthy carbs are preferred. Things like whole grain bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, etc. are preferred over processed carbs.

I would also add that eating a no carb or low carb diet or doing any of the other extreme diets that limit you to certain type of foods or specific food groups are not sustainable over a lifetime. On the other hand, eating a balanced and healthy diet and exercising regularly to burn extra calories and retain fitness IS sustainable over a lifetime.

I am 5 feet tall, weight 103 pounds and do triathlons and I would never be able to maintain this level of activity if I did not consume carbs. That being said, you don't have to do triathlons in order to be able to eat carbs. But you do have to do some kind of regular exercise as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, no matter what you eat.

And I think an overall healthy lifestyle should be part of the goal.

joejccva71

I think foods with carbs are the ideal foods. Vegetables? Come on, what is healthier or tastier than vegetables? And fruit and whole grains? Delicious and nutritious!

As long as the carbs are from good sources I say bring on the carbs, baby! They keep me healthy and energetic.

Bcatts! I thought you left MFP? How have ya been?

grinch031

I'm loving this thread already. So much misinformation right off the bat.

Carbs are controversial and rightfully so. There is too much mixed data on them out there.

I'm reading a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living". Basically the authors are Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek and have been researching low-carb diets for decades with published papers. They believe that the majority of overweight people have varying degrees of intolerance to carbohydrate foods. They say that not only is a low-carbohydrate diet very healthy (often healthier than low-fat diets), but that significant amounts of carbohydrates are not required for athletic performance either.

Acg67

I'm loving this thread already. So much misinformation right off the bat.

Carbs are controversial and rightfully so. There is too much mixed data on them out there.

I'm reading a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living". Basically the authors are Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek and have been researching low-carb diets for decades with published papers. They believe that the majority of overweight people have varying degrees of intolerance to carbohydrate foods. They say that not only is a low-carbohydrate diet very healthy (often healthier than low-fat diets), but that carbohydrates are not required for athletic performance either.

Have you read their actual studies, paying particular attention to study design?

42kgirl

Carbs are so bad! They make me fat! I'm so awesome because I don't eat carbs.

42kgirl

Besides that, low carb is out. Let's all go gluten free instead.

Mkeyes44

Too many calories, regardless of their source lead to body fat. Carbs are the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain and by red blood cells. They are absolutely essential to life.

No. Carbohydrates are NOT essential to life. You couldn't be more wrong on this.

I second that you couldn't be more wrong. The BEST fuel ever... is FAT! Please read my blog on the BIG Fat Lie! I am on a high fat, protein and mineral lifestyle change. We can ALL live without Carbs - "manmade" but we cannot live healthy without FAT! I have more energy than I've ever had, and I don't take in hardly ANY Carbs.

I don't eat ANY bread whatsoever! No pasta - at all... no more! No crackers, no processed foods of any kind, no cereals, anything to do with the grain family... it is ALL bad for you. Serves as NO benefits AT ALL!

I don't count calories, I eat what I want as long as it's real food, and all of it is loaded with FAT! The fat that is good for you comes from, butter, coconut oil, olive oil, animal fat -(LARD)- Omega's ie; fish oils, almond oils!

Bad fats - Vegetable oils of any kind - margarine - reduced fat, or lites... these are all man-made and in fact are killing us! Do some research, you'll be shocked at what you'll find.

So far, since January 19th - I've lost 30lbs - eating real foods, and not cutting my healthy fats. I don't eat anything, that says, fat-free, low-fat, or reduced fat... anything that says that... is BAD BAD BAD for you! Stay away. God made fats from animals, nuts, and healthy real foods, are absolutely healthy in every way!

Real foods: Meats, Poultry, Fish, Nuts, Greens and dark berry fruits... to lose weight, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. When I say carbs... I'm not talking about complex carbs - vegetables and fruits... all healthy if not over cooked.

Carbs - unhealthy... is ANYTHING coming out of a box, or a freezer which has a LOOOOONG expiry date on it.

All healthy food sources should be traced back ONCE to it's original source, if you can't trace it back ONCE - don't eat it! But fats, from real foods, are healthy and essential.

Carbs out of a card board box... not! Also... if you can't get to fresh vegetables, as long as you eat grass fed animals, their liver, heart, etc. and meats with fat... you'll be fine - you'll be healthy!

joejccva71

I'm loving this thread already. So much misinformation right off the bat.

Carbs are controversial and rightfully so. There is too much mixed data on them out there.

I'm reading a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living". Basically the authors are Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek and have been researching low-carb diets for decades with published papers. They believe that the majority of overweight people have varying degrees of intolerance to carbohydrate foods. They say that not only is a low-carbohydrate diet very healthy (often healthier than low-fat diets), but that significant amounts of carbohydrates are not required for athletic performance either.

There's a fine line in your last statement. Depends on the type of athletic performance you are referring to. I can guarantee that an offensive lineman in the NFL would not do well at all without a good amount of carbs in his diet. (Just using this as an example)

grinch031

I'm loving this thread already. So much misinformation right off the bat.

Carbs are controversial and rightfully so. There is too much mixed data on them out there.

I'm reading a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living". Basically the authors are Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek and have been researching low-carb diets for decades with published papers. They believe that the majority of overweight people have varying degrees of intolerance to carbohydrate foods. They say that not only is a low-carbohydrate diet very healthy (often healthier than low-fat diets), but that significant amounts of carbohydrates are not required for athletic performance either.

There's a fine line in your last statement. Depends on the type of athletic performance you are referring to. I can guarantee that an offensive lineman in the NFL would not do well at all without a good amount of carbs in his diet. (Just using this as an example)

Well as soon as we have NFL lineman on MFP asking for dietary advice, then this might really matter.

bcattoes

I think foods with carbs are the ideal foods. Vegetables? Come on, what is healthier or tastier than vegetables? And fruit and whole grains? Delicious and nutritious!

As long as the carbs are from good sources I say bring on the carbs, baby! They keep me healthy and energetic.

Bcatts! I thought you left MFP? How have ya been?

Nope, still here. I'm doing fine. Yourself?

joejccva71

I'm loving this thread already. So much misinformation right off the bat.

Carbs are controversial and rightfully so. There is too much mixed data on them out there.

I'm reading a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living". Basically the authors are Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek and have been researching low-carb diets for decades with published papers. They believe that the majority of overweight people have varying degrees of intolerance to carbohydrate foods. They say that not only is a low-carbohydrate diet very healthy (often healthier than low-fat diets), but that significant amounts of carbohydrates are not required for athletic performance either.

There's a fine line in your last statement. Depends on the type of athletic performance you are referring to. I can guarantee that an offensive lineman in the NFL would not do well at all without a good amount of carbs in his diet. (Just using this as an example)

Well as soon as we have NFL lineman on MFP asking for dietary advice, then this might really matter.

Not sure how to take this. :P

VanessaMFaulkner

Lol...if granola & bread are so essential to health...why did our ancestors (cave men) survive (on plants & mainly meat)? We have grown dependent on them...I eat no bread, pasta, or granola. My zero starch, no sugar & carbs has left me healthy. No longer on migraine mess, no longer on LIFELONG heart meds, no longer on asthma meds, I was taking so many prescribed meds...& I was borderline diabetic. That is no longer the case. I take 1 multi vit, magnesium & a b complex...that's it. A usual day for me is lots of water, high fiber veg, lean meat for lunch, same for dinner...3 snacks in between...2 fruits, 2pc of melba toast. Healthiest I've ever been & that's with a doctor following my eating habits.

joejccva71

I think foods with carbs are the ideal foods. Vegetables? Come on, what is healthier or tastier than vegetables? And fruit and whole grains? Delicious and nutritious!

As long as the carbs are from good sources I say bring on the carbs, baby! They keep me healthy and energetic.

Bcatts! I thought you left MFP? How have ya been?

Nope, still here. I'm doing fine. Yourself?

Between breaking some bones, surgery, and then breaking another bone, and trying to get back in the gym full time along with dieting, I'm doing good. Thanks for asking!

grinch031

I'm loving this thread already. So much misinformation right off the bat.

Carbs are controversial and rightfully so. There is too much mixed data on them out there.

I'm reading a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living". Basically the authors are Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek and have been researching low-carb diets for decades with published papers. They believe that the majority of overweight people have varying degrees of intolerance to carbohydrate foods. They say that not only is a low-carbohydrate diet very healthy (often healthier than low-fat diets), but that significant amounts of carbohydrates are not required for athletic performance either.

There's a fine line in your last statement. Depends on the type of athletic performance you are referring to. I can guarantee that an offensive lineman in the NFL would not do well at all without a good amount of carbs in his diet. (Just using this as an example)

Well as soon as we have NFL lineman on MFP asking for dietary advice, then this might really matter.

Not sure how to take this. :P

Take it as, you can get farther than most MFPers need to get without a whole lot of carbs.

joejccva71

I'm loving this thread already. So much misinformation right off the bat.

Carbs are controversial and rightfully so. There is too much mixed data on them out there.

I'm reading a book called "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living". Basically the authors are Stephen Phinney and Jeff Volek and have been researching low-carb diets for decades with published papers. They believe that the majority of overweight people have varying degrees of intolerance to carbohydrate foods. They say that not only is a low-carbohydrate diet very healthy (often healthier than low-fat diets), but that significant amounts of carbohydrates are not required for athletic performance either.

There's a fine line in your last statement. Depends on the type of athletic performance you are referring to. I can guarantee that an offensive lineman in the NFL would not do well at all without a good amount of carbs in his diet. (Just using this as an example)

Well as soon as we have NFL lineman on MFP asking for dietary advice, then this might really matter.

Not sure how to take this. :P

Take it as, you can get farther than most MFPers need to get without a whole lot of carbs.

Preaching to the choir buddy. My point was talking about your "athletic performance" statement. I made a retort was all. Politely. (which surprised me)

Scott613

I don't eat ANY bread whatsoever! No pasta - at all... no more! No crackers, no processed foods of any kind, no cereals, anything to do with the grain family... it is ALL bad for you. Serves as NO benefits AT ALL!

What no sammiches:noway: I like sammiches. I put chips and crackers in mine:happy: You are missing out!

Kimmerz020202

I have a problem with carbohydrates and my Dr. said I should limit them to 50-75 grams per day to lose weight as they convert to cortisol, which is stored as fat. The more carbs I eat, the more I want, so I am modifying my diet to east less carbohydrates. It is amazing, one of my favorite foods, non-fat yogurt, is loaded with carbs.

jamiesadler

Lol...if granola & bread are so essential to health...why did our ancestors (cave men) survive (on plants & mainly meat)? We have grown dependent on them...I eat no bread, pasta, or granola. My zero starch, no sugar & carbs has left me healthy. No longer on migraine mess, no longer on LIFELONG heart meds, no longer on asthma meds, I was taking so many prescribed meds...& I was borderline diabetic. That is no longer the case. I take 1 multi vit, magnesium & a b complex...that's it. A usual day for me is lots of water, high fiber veg, lean meat for lunch, same for dinner...3 snacks in between...2 fruits, 2pc of melba toast. Healthiest I've ever been & that's with a doctor following my eating habits.

You do realize that vegetables have carbs right? And melba toast is bread?

MoooveOverFluffy

Too many calories, regardless of their source lead to body fat. Carbs are the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain and by red blood cells. They are absolutely essential to life.

No. Carbohydrates are NOT essential to life. You couldn't be more wrong on this.

THIS. They are non-essential.

They may be non-essential, but i feel like dog crap (i.e. brainfog, grouchiness, lethargic) if i don't have some daily. Why is this?

joejccva71

I have a problem with carbohydrates and my Dr. said I should limit them to 50-75 grams per day to lose weight as they convert to cortisol, which is stored as fat. The more carbs I eat, the more I want, so I am modifying my diet to east less carbohydrates. It is amazing, one of my favorite foods, non-fat yogurt, is loaded with carbs.

Carbs do not get stored as fat unless you eat a calorie surplus, and there are other factors that are involved. See de novo lipogenesis.

grinch031

Too many calories, regardless of their source lead to body fat. Carbs are the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain and by red blood cells. They are absolutely essential to life.

No. Carbohydrates are NOT essential to life. You couldn't be more wrong on this.

THIS. They are non-essential.

They may be non-essential, but i feel like dog crap (i.e. brainfog, grouchiness, lethargic) if i don't have some daily. Why is this?

It takes 2-4 weeks to fully adapt to not having them.

bcattoes

Too many calories, regardless of their source lead to body fat. Carbs are the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain and by red blood cells. They are absolutely essential to life.

No. Carbohydrates are NOT essential to life. You couldn't be more wrong on this.

I second that you couldn't be more wrong. The BEST fuel ever... is FAT! Please read my blog on the BIG Fat Lie! I am on a high fat, protein and mineral lifestyle change. We can ALL live without Carbs - "manmade" but we cannot live healthy without FAT! I have more energy than I've ever had, and I don't take in hardly ANY Carbs.

I don't eat ANY bread whatsoever! No pasta - at all... no more! No crackers, no processed foods of any kind, no cereals, anything to do with the grain family... it is ALL bad for you. Serves as NO benefits AT ALL!

I don't count calories, I eat what I want as long as it's real food, and all of it is loaded with FAT! The fat that is good for you comes from, butter, coconut oil, olive oil, animal fat -(LARD)- Omega's ie; fish oils, almond oils!

Bad fats - Vegetable oils of any kind - margarine - reduced fat, or lites... these are all man-made and in fact are killing us! Do some research, you'll be shocked at what you'll find.

So far, since January 19th - I've lost 30lbs - eating real foods, and not cutting my healthy fats. I don't eat anything, that says, fat-free, low-fat, or reduced fat... anything that says that... is BAD BAD BAD for you! Stay away. God made fats from animals, nuts, and healthy real foods, are absolutely healthy in every way!

What utter nonsense.

10KEyes

Lol...if granola & bread are so essential to health...why did our ancestors (cave men) survive (on plants & mainly meat)? We have grown dependent on them...I eat no bread, pasta, or granola. My zero starch, no sugar & carbs has left me healthy.

Agreed! I too!

Virtually anything you can find in grains, you can find an as good or better source in the veggies and fruits. The thing is grains are a convenient source not the best source for sure.

LenaMena87

I'm curious to know if the poster knows that fruits and veggies are carbs too? They fall under complex carbs but they are still carbs.

Fit_Canuck

Too many calories, regardless of their source lead to body fat. Carbs are the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain and by red blood cells. They are absolutely essential to life.

No. Carbohydrates are NOT essential to life. You couldn't be more wrong on this.

You sir are absolutely wrong, they are very much an essential part of life.

RachelsReboot

Love them, they are yummy.

That said they are not essential to life.

Some people ARE affected purely by carbohydrate intake. I am one of those people. I am medically diagnosed with Primary Carbohydrate Intolerance. It would be in my best interest to survive on a ZERO carbohydrate diet. For the purpose of having a diet that is palatable and doesn't make me want to hang myself I severely restrict my carbohydrate intake taking in aprox 20 net grams per day. I find it highly unlikely that I am the only person in the world who is affected by carbohydrate intake.


Those who say carbs are essential to life where is YOUR proof? (I'm talking about the ones you EAT)

grinch031

Too many calories, regardless of their source lead to body fat. Carbs are the only source of energy that can be utilized by the brain and by red blood cells. They are absolutely essential to life.

No. Carbohydrates are NOT essential to life. You couldn't be more wrong on this.

You sir are absolutely wrong, they are very much an essential part of life.

Dude read some of the other posts, they are not essential. Dietary carbs are not essential. Glucose is essential, but it can be generated without eating dietary carbs.