Why are carbs so bad?

I eat lots of carbs. Yep that is right, lots of them. Ohh I would say about 55% of my diet is carbs. I eat bread and I enjoy it. I eat things people say we don't need to live and guess what I enjoy them to. I wouldn't say I get all my carbs from breads because I eat lots of fruits and vegetables and hardly any pasta or rice. You would know as a nutrition major that your body needs carbs for fueling as its primary source so bodily and brain function. Yes, you need a balanced diet of carbs, protein and fats. I wouldn't be afraid of carbs they have never done me wrong. Now that is just me of course but I don't think oatmeal or a slice of bread to say the least would harm your body

If you really want to know, read one of Gary Taubes books, "Good Calories, Bad Calories" or "Why we get fat". He gives the best explanation of the low sugar carb theory of nutrition out there. You can also watch the documentary "Fat Head" or go to that movie's website. I'm not advocating anything, but if you really want to know why some people think sugar carbs are bad for weight loss (or nutrition in general) those are the best sources.

Agreed... Taubes plays a huge part in people's misunderstanding of insulin and calories.

Depends. You might want to talk to a diabetic.

weight loss =/= controlling diabetes

Depends. You might want to talk to a diabetic.

weight loss =/= controlling diabetes

My mother weighs 125 pounds (5'2") and developed type 2 diabetes after she was 70. She had a primarily carb diet, but didn't eat a lot of processed sugars. Lots of potatoes, rye bread, corn, etc.

(ETA - didn't mean to press enter yet)

The only thing that keeps her blood sugar stable (she hasn't gone on insulin) is by limiting her carbs. Of course, that's contrary to the insane advice her "nutritionist" gave her, but that's par for the course.

My mother weighs 125 pounds (5'2") and developed type 2 diabetes after she was 70. She had a primarily carb diet, but didn't eat a lot of processed sugars. Lots of potatoes, rye bread, corn, etc.

(ETA - didn't mean to press enter yet)

The only thing that keeps her blood sugar stable (she hasn't gone on insulin) is by limiting her carbs. Of course, that's contrary to the insane advice her "nutritionist" gave her, but that's par for the course.

weight loss =/= controlling diabetes

If carbs are so unnecessary, why do Olympic athletes need so many? Of course they are.

Fuel.....Their workouts are like 4-6 times more demanding then ours. They burn anywhere from 4000-10000 calories a day dependent on what sport they do!

I know a sprinter with 4-5% body fat's metabolism eclipses most anyone on MFP. Think of a long distance runner. His body is muscular but lean. He eats certain types of carbs for endurance. Complex carb for a long run. Simple carb for short bursts of energy. Most serious runners have a decent protein intake but their carb intake is as much if not higher then their protein intake because they need that stored energy from a complex carb for a long run and why? because they have such a low body fat percentage and what is body fat? Body fat is stored energy!

A sprinter needs more of a simple carb for the burst of energy BUT an Olympic sprinter that trains for hours a day needs both because the body will deplete simple carbs quickly so they rely on some complex carbs in their diet for the whole day but a constant amount of simple carbs as well for instant energy.

So now lets take that sprinter that weighs 150-160lbs and tell him to go do 2 hours of hard and heavy lifting on his high carb mid level protein diet. He will falter quickly and the reason being is his body is not conditioned for this. His body is light and muscles are defined but not dense like a body builders would be.

It's like taking Mike Tyson and telling him to go do the tour de france and then telling Lance Armstrong to go 6 rounds with Lennox Lewis.

Protein=the material needed to build & rebuild muscle

Carbohydrates=the material that is fuel to move the muscle

I was trying to build, and will continue to once I am healed. And I always thought carbs were great for that. I have also read that low carb diets lead to more muscle loss.

Im trying to lose the last 10 lbs, out with an injury, and trying to figure out the best method! Or best ratio of protein/carbs/fats

Low protein leads to muscle loss but you do need carbs to fuel the body to BUILD or rebuild muscle.

I definitely get enough protein. Usually shoot for getting at least my body weight. What % of carbs would you recommend? I currently cannot do any physical activity due to bruised ribs

I believe right now I do 45/35/20-Protein/Carbs/Fats...I have to check though. I might drop the carbs down a bit though.

Carbohydrates aren't your enemy, just learn how to utilise and manage them.