Trying to figure out why carbohydrates are the "bad guys"
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JuroNemo14
Posts: 101 Member
Hi guys and gals,
just a quick(and somewhat, dumb question), but why should I cut down on carbohydrates(my recommendation says I should eat about 200 g or so a day max), when you should be focusing on calories? Or is there something I don't get?
Thanks
just a quick(and somewhat, dumb question), but why should I cut down on carbohydrates(my recommendation says I should eat about 200 g or so a day max), when you should be focusing on calories? Or is there something I don't get?
Thanks
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Replies
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I think it is because they turn to sugar and are stored as fat0
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Carbohydrates that are easily digestible (sugar, soda, potatoes) lead to spikes in blood sugar and thus your insulin levels. These are called 'high glycemic' foods.
When you get higher levels of insulin, it takes all the extra sugar in your blood and stores it in your cells as fat. It also halts the breakdown of fat so you keep your blood sugar low.
This has three effects.
Short term, it makes you hungry. Which is why I get really hungry an hour after eating white rice or pancakes.
It also means you CAN'T burn fat and you DO store fat. Not what you want when you are trying to lose weight.
Long term, if you eat lots of carbs, it leads to insulin resistance and, ultimately, weight gain and diabetes.0 -
I don't worry about any macro nutrients except protein. As far as carbs, I just try to avoid the "white" ones (bread, rice, pasta, etc) as much as possible, but I don't obsess over it.0
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That's cause they are NOT the bad guys. As long as your carb intake doesn't prevent you from eating enough proteins and fats, it's fine.0
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They aren't really the "bad guys." It's the calorie count that matters IMO, but do balance your carbs between protein and fats, and I tray and stay away from some of the white carbs as mentioned above.0
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i love carbs. nomnomnom.
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Overly simplified, the way I understand it is that Carbs, Fats & Proteins all have calories. Fats and Proteins are essential (although people disagree as to how much of each you need) so most people cut calories by lowering their Carb intake.0
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this^^^^0
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There's no reason why you need to cut them down unless you have a particular sensitivity to them. We all have different macro (fat, protein, carb) requirements based on our individual goals, and our genetics. Some get on well with low carb, but for the majority it's not necessary. The thing that matters most for weight loss is calorie intake and as long as your macro's are balanced (you're not eating carbs / fat in place of protein for example) then it's really just what suits you best.
No matter whether I'm losing or gaining I am never on less than 200g carbs a day. Low carb just doesn't work for me.0 -
I think it is because they turn to sugar and are stored as fat
this is unlikely0 -
Hi guys and gals,
just a quick(and somewhat, dumb question), but why should I cut down on carbohydrates(my recommendation says I should eat about 200 g or so a day max), when you should be focusing on calories? Or is there something I don't get?
Thanks
You shouldn't. Carbs are good, not bad.
/end thread0 -
They're not.0
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I don't worry about any macro nutrients except protein. As far as carbs, I just try to avoid the "white" ones (bread, rice, pasta, etc) as much as possible, but I don't obsess over it.
Don't be a colorist! White carbs need love too. (And they are yummy!)0 -
I think it is because they turn to sugar and are stored as fat
....if you eat them beyond your TDEE (like ALL macronutrients). This is irrelevant in a calorie deficit. REALLY important caveat to this argument.0 -
*spoiler alert*
You have to wait for the plot twist. Carbohydrates have been working as a paid informant the entire time, the Police Chief is the one masterminding the assassination plot.0 -
I think it is because they turn to sugar and are stored as fat
Strong first post.0 -
The main reason to limit your carbs is to ensure you get enough protein and fats. Other than that, medical conditions aside, there really is no reason assuming you stay within your calorie limit.0
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I don't watch carbs because they're carbs, I watch carbs because a lot of foods that are high carb are also low nutritional value and don't keep me feeling satiated for long. I don't pay any attention to fruits and veggie carbs but try to limit breads, pasta, rice, etc for empty carbs.0
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I don't watch carbs because they're carbs, I watch carbs because a lot of foods that are high carb are also low nutritional value and don't keep me feeling satiated for long. I don't pay any attention to fruits and veggie carbs but try to limit breads, pasta, rice, etc for empty carbs.
I do not get why people say bread, pasta and rice are empty carbs...why is that?0 -
Oh, this again?
*quietly ducks out*0
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