Your views on 'CARBOHYDRATES'

Sidesteal

So I have to say that I am a fan of carbs, and fat, and protein. They're all important and all serve a purpose

I'm going to have to ask you to turn around so I can get a better assessment of the overall effects of carb intake. For the benefit of science, of course.

ZipperJJ

You guys do realize that no one is eating "no carbs" but a lot of us are doing quite well on "low carbs" right?

I eat fruits (berries, melons), veggies (lettuce and cabbage families), dairy (cheese and heavy creams), grains (flax meal, Wassa bread) and nuts. I eat red meat 2-3 times a week. I eat lots of eggs, pork, poultry, soy.

What is missing from my diet? Oranges? (plenty of broccoli for vitamin C) Sliced bread? (plenty of fiber from veggies) Granola bars? (I eat protein bars with 10x the protein in a granola bar) Pasta? I never ate that BEFORE!

Everybody's body is different, and if you can lose weight while eating a lot of high GI fruits and pastas and bread then that's what's right for your body. Those of us who had to significantly cut swaths of high GI items from our diets and it works for us, then good for us.

"Are carbs bad?" is such a loaded and ignorant question. It's barely a valid question.

odusgolp

This entire thread makes my *kitten* itch uncontrollably...

I wish I could get a gif or video clip of Gordon Ramsay saying "You're making my sh1t ITCH. And it hasnt come out yet..."

I must find this clip!

joejccva71

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.

Carbohydrates are essential to life. They help the brain produce seratonin which makes us happy. If you went 100% carb free you would be very ill. Ask any doctor. That is why the atkins diet does not work. Anyone who thinks you do not need a good balance between carba, protein and fats is just fooling themselves.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/414187-why-do-we-need-carbohydrates-in-our-diet/

Carbohydrates is one of the three macronutrients found in food, along with protein and fat. Each macronutrient has a different role, but all of them provide energy or calories to help your body go through your daily activities. Carbohydrates are actually made up of starches, sugars and fibers and can be found in grains, such as breakfast cereals, rice, pasta, granola bars, baked goods, crackers, legumes, fruits, milk, yogurt and any food that contains sugar.
Dietary Guidelines
The "2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans" recommends that about half of your daily calories, or between 45 percent to 65 percent to be exact, be provided by carbohydrates. This amount of carbohydrates corresponds to between 225 g and 325 g of total carbohydrates, of which 25 g to 38 g should be fiber, based on a 2,000-calorie diet. The carbohydrate recommendation can be met by following MyPyramid, which promotes the daily consumption of 5 to 8 oz. of grains, 1.5 to 2 cups of fruits, 3 cups of dairy and up to 265 calories' worth of sugar or processed foods, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
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Carbohydrates Role
While protein serves as a building block to repair and maintain the integrity of your cells, tissues and organs and fat is involved in the production of hormones and is a constituent of the membrane of each of your cells, the main role of carbohydrates is to provide energy. Some of your body cells, especially in your brain and your red blood cells, prefer to run on glucose, a type of sugar that can be obtained through the consumption of carbohydrates. When you exercise, your muscles can also use glucose as their main source of fuel.
Low-Carbohydrate Diets
Many low-carb eating plans recommend restricting your carbohydrate intake below 20 percent of your calories, which corresponds to 100 g or less of total carbohydrates a day. Although it is generally advised that the bulk of your calories be provided by carbohydrates, "the lower limit of dietary carbohydrate compatible with life apparently is zero, provided that adequate amounts of protein and fat are consumed," according to the "Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids," published by the Institute of Medicine in 2005. The glucose that is needed by the brain and red blood cells can be manufactured from protein if you reduce your carbohydrate intake. Moreover, if you lower your carbohydrate intake, your body adjusts and switches to using fat as its main source of fuel, providing ketones which can also be used by your brain and various organs as a source of energy. Although carbohydrates provide energy, it is not an essential nutrient if your diet includes adequate amounts of protein and fat.
Finding The Right Amount of Carbs for You
Although the recommended carbohydrate intake corresponds to 225 g to 325 g a day, some people benefit from lowering their carbohydrate intake, whether it is to promote fat loss, better manage blood sugar levels or improve blood cholesterol levels. The best way to find out what works best for you is to change your carbohydrate intake, by either increasing or decreasing it, until you find the level that helps you feel energized while helping you reach your weight loss and health goals.
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Type 2 Diabetes Food Tips Recipes, Meal Planners, and Tools to Help Lead a Healthier Lifestyle. merckengage.com
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References
U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans"
My Pyramid: Food Groups
"Dietary Reference Intakes for Energy, Carbohydrate, Fiber, Fat, Fatty Acids, Cholesterol, Protein, and Amino Acids"; Institute of Medicine Food and Nutrition Board; 2005
"Nutrition & Metabolism"; The case for low carbohydrate diets in diabetes management; Surender K. Arora, et al.; July 2005
"Annals of Internal Medicine"; A Low-Carbohydrate, Ketogenic Diet versus a Low-Fat Diet To Treat Obesity and Hyperlipidemia; William S. Yancy Jr. et al; 2004


Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/414187-why-do-we-need-carbohydrates-in-our-diet/#ixzz1rfREfqoR

The human body is able to make glucose as much as the brain needs on a day-to-day basis from other sources. So, AGAIN, carbs are not essential.

From your own article that you originally posted:

"I should mention that the body is not able to provide sufficient carbohydrate to fuel high intensity exercise such as sprinting or weight training and carbs might be considered essential for individuals who want to do that type of exercise."

Ok and what's your point? This is not what we're talking about. We were discussing ESSENTIAL FOR LIFE. That was the argument. Then someone else brought up the argument about how carbs aren't even essential for athletic performance, and then I SAID "An NFL Offensive Lineman is going to have a rough time performing without carbs.".

odusgolp

If carbs will cause me to break out with tattoos, I'm not down

:noway:

jfan175

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

Source of that info?

To save you from reading a wall of text, I'll just post a link for your reading enjoyment.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/how-many-carbohydrates-do-you-need.html

So... you go to the personal blog of an "expert". I am always sceptical of using one piece of info, besides that if you read the whole article you will see that Mr. MacDonald also states that for survival with no physical effort there is no need for additional carbs, but goes on to say that for physical activity your body cannot produce enough carbs.

Not bad for someone who got his BS in Physiological Science (BTW Nutrition is not a required subject at UCLA for this degree, which requires a minimum of C average to graduate).

I am not saying that his theories are not valid but to always question the source of information and if you wish to learn more make it your own project of research. Be aware of soft science and never base your conclusions on one study

I've been reading and studying nutrition for the last 25 years, and as far as I can tell. Lyle McDonald makes more sense than just about anyone else. He is very up front about the pitfalls and risks of any diet approach, and doesn't manipulate the results of studies to make his point. The one thing that I really like about him and his site is that he doesn't push any brand of supplements and doesn't seem like he's in this to get rich. His website is loaded with studies and useful info without pushing products.
I just joined MFP yesterday, but I didn't come here to pimp Mr. McDonald. I just find his material very
useful and informative, and I think the people here may also.

joejccva71

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

Source of that info?

To save you from reading a wall of text, I'll just post a link for your reading enjoyment.

http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/nutrition/how-many-carbohydrates-do-you-need.html

So... you go to the personal blog of an "expert". I am always sceptical of using one piece of info, besides that if you read the whole article you will see that Mr. MacDonald also states that for survival with no physical effort there is no need for additional carbs, but goes on to say that for physical activity your body cannot produce enough carbs.

Not bad for someone who got his BS in Physiological Science (BTW Nutrition is not a required subject at UCLA for this degree, which requires a minimum of C average to graduate).

I am not saying that his theories are not valid but to always question the source of information and if you wish to learn more make it your own project of research. Be aware of soft science and never base your conclusions on one study

Lyle McDonald and Alan Aragon are considered geniuses in the nutrition AND fitness world.

Acg67

Lmbo... yes yes yes - to some of you, life is a bore and you wish a little fun, that's all cool. My main point, REAL FOOD - that's it. If it's God made, I eat it... If it's MAN MADE I avoid it.

Complex carbs are GOD made... GOOD!

Carbs - such as what many love and are addicted to, are man made and is responsible for making us obese in the first place, while giving us diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and a multitude of other diseases.

Personally, when I eat real food... I feel great, don't gain weight, nor suffer with the above list - I don't count calories, I eat what I love, and not just meat and eggs. I eat loads of nuts, delicious fresh fruits, green leaf vegetables, peppers and herbs, coconut flour and almond flour makes wonderful HEALTHY breads and desserts, so... I miss nothing. PLUS I get to lose weight and stay healthy... it's a win win.

Good to hear coconut and almond flour are found in nature, where does one find these flours?

And are you going to substantiate your claim fats are the "best" source of fuel for humans, or continue to make things up?

Coconut flour comes from taking the meat of the coconut and grinding it up. Because it's ground down, which I do... from the real coconut... it is real food and I use it to make breads. The same goes for Almond flour. Take almonds, grind them up - but not too much, or you'll get almond butter... which is fine, but if you wishing to bake healthy bread, pulse the almond until it is just find enough to bake it into bread.

As for me, "making things up concerning fats" - do your research. If you truly care so much about your body, and wish to give it the best you can, find out for yourself. I used to WASTE my TIME giving people facts... but I find, when they search for them on their own TIME for their own BENEFIT... they realize... there is a TRUTH out there.

Find the TRUTH for yourself... for your health... or... you can continue to be sarcastic and nasty... another trait of eating man-made carbs... it can cause brain damage and nasty dispositions.

I apologize to all if I came off preachy - I thought we were here to encourage, build up, and share truths about reaching a goal we are all striving for. Good health...

Ciao... my time is precious... I'm not here to out - smart or out wit - I'm here to share certain truths... don't take my word for it, do your homework...

Cognitive dissonance much?

and beleive it or not I have done my research, but you made the claim so the burden of proof is on you. I was particularly interested in you substantiating fat is the best fuel for athletic and cognitive performance

"Find the TRUTH for yourself... for your health... or... you can continue to be sarcastic and nasty... another trait of eating man-made carbs... it can cause brain damage and nasty dispositions. "

or maybe low carb causes nasty dispositions

Post hoc analysis showed that at week 52 the scores on the POMS subscales of anger-hostility (P = .006), confusion-bewilderment (P = .02), and depression-dejection (P = .05) and the TMDS score (P = .001) were significantly lower in the LF group than in the LC group

http://archinte.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/169/20/1873#IOI90085F2

Sidesteal

Lyle McDonald and Alan Aragon are considered geniuses in the nutrition world.

^ This.

mslack01

I watch my carbs. I try to get as many of them as I can from whole grains but I do eat small portions of desserts semi-regularly. I don't drink sugary drinks however or add sugar to foods.

lordsangel

Your body requires some carbs but make sure you get the healthy kind. i.e. whole wheat bread vs. white bread, or whole wheat pasta vs the reular pasta. But don't overdo it.

kennethmgreen

This thread has all the trappings of a comment trap.

1. Ask question you already have a strong opinion about.

2. Do not express opinion in original post.

3. Wait for juiciest reply, and jump all over them.

This is so true I printed it out and put it in my Trapper Keeper.

bcattoes

Lyle McDonald and Alan Aragon are considered geniuses in the nutrition world.

^ This.

By whom? Laymen reading the internet, or other experts in the field of nutrition?

beckajw

Carbs are awesome!

They do not stall weight loss.

They do not turn into fat any more than protein or fat does.

Everyone has his own perfect balance of fat to carbs to protein. You really have to test it for yourself and find out.

But really, can you imagine never again eating mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese or ice cream!? No? Me either.

I focus on "good" carbs like veggies, fruit and whole grains, but will indulge in the "not so good" carbs on occassion--just to keep me feeling sane.

reneegee23

I like Swedish fish....

Sidesteal

To the people who are claiming that carbohydrates are essential (and let me be clear that I'm not a low-carb person), can you define why they are essential, specifically?

When I say essential, I mean required from a biological standpoint, like EFA and EAA.

BryGuy2

I agree that carbs are essential to life and functioning. It's a big source of energy, so I wouldnt avoid them. The amount you want to eat will depend on your overall goals.

Rachel5K

So carb withdrawal is real? How does the body adapt?

Yes it is real. The body adapts much the same way as a someone kicking a cocaine habit. Sugar (which is what it turns into) activates the same part of the brain that cocaine does as demonstrated on 60 minutes last week. Much like a drug, sugar is hard to get off of for many.

so i shouldn't nix the coke and carbs all at once then. ok.

I am using coke to kick the carbs myself.

Sidesteal

Lyle McDonald and Alan Aragon are considered geniuses in the nutrition world.

^ This.

By whom? Laymen reading the internet, or other experts in the field of nutrition?

The latter.

Editing since I sound like a douche.

MelissaGraham7

For every article one finds against carbs, we can find one for carbs, etc. I personally agree with going more along the Primal Blueprint - or - plants and animals and avoiding the processed stuff. I found in my first week of weaning into that type of eating style, even though I had been on whole grains and more "healthy" carbs, my body went through an almost withdrawal type of symptoms with lightheadedness, nausea, and general irritability, not unlike when I was trying to wean from processes sugars. So, for me personally, I have determined that those carbs are just not good for me. Fruits and vegetables have some natural carbs and those are what work for me, personally.

Ripken818836701

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.

Well Im not an NFL player but on the advice of a couple paleo wacko's at the gym ( even though they dont look much different now than they did 13 months ago when I met them) I tried a low carb diet for a couple weeks, I felt weak, lost strength in my lifts and wasnt able to put the same intensity into my workouts. As soon as I raised my carbs everything returned to normal. I have no doubt that if I didnt eat a diet that was very high in carbs I wouldnt be anywhere close to where I am now. I'm not saying everyone should do it, but for me I'm sticking with carbs.

bcattoes

Lyle McDonald and Alan Aragon are considered geniuses in the nutrition world.

^ This.

By whom? Laymen reading the internet, or other experts in the field of nutrition?

The latter.

Editing since I sound like a douche.

I actually saw it before you changed it and I didn't think you sounded like a douche. It was a legit question. I've read quite a few nutrition journals and never seen them mentioned or seen articles by them. Never heard of them in fact until I joined MFP.

Where, other than their blogs or websites (or MFP), would I find them published or refered to in the field of nutrition?

joejccva71

Lyle McDonald and Alan Aragon are considered geniuses in the nutrition world.

^ This.

By whom? Laymen reading the internet, or other experts in the field of nutrition?

Both of them (Lyle and Alan) are world renowned by not just other nutrition and fitness experts, but they are sought after by professional sports/nutrition coaches, nutrition and PT's that work with actors to prepare for movies, the list goes on. It's not even about their "degrees" or "years of experience" in the field. It's the reputation and recognition they have received.

beckajw

To the people who are claiming that carbohydrates are essential (and let me be clear that I'm not a low-carb person), can you define why they are essential, specifically?

When I say essential, I mean required from a biological standpoint, like EFA and EAA.

Carbohydrate foods are vital for good health. They provide a quick source of fuel for our brains which cannot derive energy from other types of food. (This is basic biology c6h12o6--remember?). Plant foods are our only source of fiber, and insufficient fiber in the diet has been associated with insulin resistance.

They make us happy, literally, by feeding our neurotransmitters. And people who eat three servings of whole grains a day are 30 per cent less likely to develop type 2 diabetes.

brendansmom1

I never really thought it was true, but some people are very resistant to carbs....I am for sure. My weight loss took a complete HALT...for over 6 months...tried working out more, tried eating more, tried eating less....you name it, I tried it.

I went back to cutting carbs....wala....weight is coming off again. I am eating SOME carbs....just complex...right now mostly fruit and veggies.....I was TERRIFIED thinking I was not going to have energy for my workouts....(I do a lot of Tae Bo, and it is high cardio) but, ya know what? I am fine....go figure.

I am not saying I will never eat a piece of bread or a cookie again in my lifetime...just saying that I am adding more of the good carbs in to my diet....it is all about balance.

It is easy to fall into the "high fat" low carb eating style...that is where I am trying to be careful...its a challenge and many low fat things are high carb....ahh, the viscous cycle. LOL

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.

Well Im not an NFL player but on the advice of a couple paleo wacko's at the gym ( even though they dont look much different now than they did 13 months ago when I met them) I tried a low carb diet for a couple weeks, I felt weak, lost strength in my lifts and wasnt able to put the same intensity into my workouts. As soon as I raised my carbs everything returned to normal. I have no doubt that if I didnt eat a diet that was very high in carbs I wouldnt be anywhere close to where I am now. I'm not saying everyone should do it, but for me I'm sticking with carbs.

I think you read my posts wrong bud. I wasn't talking about the argument earlier where people think carbs are essential for human life, which they aren't. For athletic performance in a variety of different types, they are needed for obvious reasons. But to survive, they are not.

HardcorePork

I went back to cutting carbs....wala....weight is coming off again.

Oh my.

For all intensive purposes, your post peaked my interest.

UpEarly

Me view on Carbohydrates?

<gollum impression> They are young, they are tender, they are nice! Eat them! EAT THEM!!!</gollum>

Carbohydrates are nature's ready made energy source and the body knows it. That's why it'll store the extra ones as fat. Just don't eat more than you need and you won't have a problem.

Yes, one should know the difference between complex and simple carbs and focus on consuming the former rather than the latter.

There is only one way to eat a brace of coneys!

Sidesteal

Where, other than their blogs or websites (or MFP), would I find them published or refered to in the field of nutrition?

Why would you discount websites? It's a very valid form of publication now. Do a google search on Alan Aragon and see how many places his name comes up that are external to alanaragon.com and you'll see him referenced all over the place. He is a contributor to (correct me if I'm wrong peeps) Livestrong.com and Mens Health Magazine. He consults the Los Angeles Lakers and Stone Cold Steve Austin to name a few bigger names.

myak623

Carbs - such as what many love and are addicted to, are man made and is responsible for making us obese in the first place, while giving us diabetes, cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, and a multitude of other diseases.

Really? Carbs made people fat? It had nothing to do with excess calories?