Why do carbs have such a bad rep?
VividVegan
Posts: 200 Member
I hear/see all of this chat about how horrible carbs are and how fats are more beneficial and all these weight loss stories with low carb. My question is, then why do some people function better on high carb? For example, I've tried low carb a few times which resulted in crankiness, tiredness, constipation, underperformance when exercising, and low carb was also the only time I would occasionally go over my calories (never satisfied/full). On high carb though, I perform well when exercising, am not cranky, am "regular", and lost a massive amount of weight. It also keeps my appetite under control. What's weird is when I do research on these eating lifestyles, the claims are exact opposite from my positive experience on carbs. I eat high carb, high protein, low fat. Have lost around 70 pounds. Lift weights, do cardio HIIT and/or yoga every other day, and daily walks. Can anyone else here relate? Do you operate better on carbs as well (along with better fitness results)?
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I exercise and lift 5 times a week, during the day I have sedentary lifestyle. Have been on low carb, high protein lifestyle for over 15 years and no energy issues.1
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It's from the Atkins diet.0
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Carbs are essential for our bodies and our brains. Our bodies needs carbs. We just need to be careful not to load up on the refined carbs which have little or no food value.1
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Publicity.
Same as back when fat was the boogey man. A few preliminary studies get taken out of context, news is made, people panic.
As Tommy Lee Jones said in the timeless classic Men in Black: "A person is smart. People are dumb, panicky dangerous animals and you know it."18 -
Whatever works for each of us.
All things in moderation for me. Worked taking the weight off, and has worked for 30 months on maintenance.
As bellabonbons says, carbs are essential. We need them.0 -
Something has always got to be the bad guy. Fat, beef, GMOs, pesticides, sugar, aspartame. Without an evil the health reporting narrative falls to pieces and many books, shakes, and diet plans will go unsold. Eventually the economy would collapse and the world will be plunged into a new dark age.8
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My mother-in-law was given irradiated glucose and scanned to determine if she had cancer. The cancer showed up as a bright spot on the scan. So this tells me that carbs / sugar is a food for cancer. So with this thinking I do my best limit my carbs to vegetables, protein and a little fruit. The rest of my calories come from fat.0
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kingrat2014 wrote: »My mother-in-law was given irradiated glucose and scanned to determine if she had cancer. The cancer showed up as a bright spot on the scan. So this tells me that carbs / sugar is a food for cancer. So with this thinking I do my best limit my carbs to vegetables, protein and a little fruit. The rest of my calories come from fat.
Carbs are food for all your cells.11 -
kingrat2014 wrote: »My mother-in-law was given irradiated glucose and scanned to determine if she had cancer. The cancer showed up as a bright spot on the scan. So this tells me that carbs / sugar is a food for cancer. So with this thinking I do my best limit my carbs to vegetables, protein and a little fruit. The rest of my calories come from fat.
Glucose is the fuel for the body. Whether you eat it in the form of carbs or produce it from fats through gluconeogenesis, it will still be the same fuel. Not eating carbs or limiting carbs doesn't prevent cancer. Genetics will have a much greater impact than anything you will ever eat.
OP, most people just want something to fear/blame and don't understand the science. And for whatever reason, people want to most difficult answer to why they are overweight, rather than the simple answer of eating too much and moving too little.4 -
Your body uses carbs as a quick energy source. There are nothing wrong with eating them. Problem is people group carbs from vegetables and whole grains(which provide fiber and other essential nutrients) with refined carbs (highly processed, high in calorie and low in nutrients). Your body uses refined carbs in the same way as sugar, a really fast energy source. That's why you feel hungry shortly after eating them. While there is nothing wrong with eating them in moderation, making them part of your daily diet can lead you to overeating since you don't feel satiated and that can lead to weight gain.0
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I do about 55% carbs (including a fair amount of SUGAR... gasp!). A carb-focused eating plan keeps me energetic, happy, satisfied, and (yes) FULL. I followed a low-carb plan years ago when I was still doing fad diets, and I've never known such misery and physical discomfort. I stuck with it for about six months until I just couldn't do it anymore. I lost about the same amount of weight I did on other plans with comparable calorie intake, but I felt sluggish, bloated, and had tons of headaches. I never had energy for anything. I know some people say you have a 'carb flu' for a few weeks after you start a low carb plan, but for me it lasted half a year. It just wasn't the right nutritional plan for me. I lost 60 pounds eating 55 carb/15 protein/30 fat (give or take) and have been at goal for over four years now.0
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Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.1 -
Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Protein and carbohydrates both contain 4 calories per gram, while fat provides 9 calories per gram. Carbs don't have more calories than anything else.5 -
Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Protein and carbohydrates both contain 4 calories per gram, while fat provides 9 calories per gram. Carbs don't have more calories than anything else.
Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt. And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.1 -
Colorscheme wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Protein and carbohydrates both contain 4 calories per gram, while fat provides 9 calories per gram. Carbs don't have more calories than anything else.
Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt. And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
Well... the fruit, the veggies, and the yogurt you listed are all mostly carbs, too. The yogurt has some protein, but most yogurts still get most of their calories from carbs. A chocolate donut may not be nutrient packed, but I still think you can have a healthy diet that includes occasional donuts and other foods made from white flour.
But like you said... and I totally agree "In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not." :-)
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Colorscheme wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Protein and carbohydrates both contain 4 calories per gram, while fat provides 9 calories per gram. Carbs don't have more calories than anything else.
Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt. And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
That's actually because the fruit/vegetable contains more water than a baked good. And stuff like donuts tends to get 50% of their calories from fat too.2 -
Depends on who you hear it from. I don't advocate they are bad. I just tell people not to overconsume because it can lead to surplus.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Colorscheme wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Protein and carbohydrates both contain 4 calories per gram, while fat provides 9 calories per gram. Carbs don't have more calories than anything else.
Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt. And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
Well... the fruit, the veggies, and the yogurt you listed are all mostly carbs, too. The yogurt has some protein, but most yogurts still get most of their calories from carbs. A chocolate donut may not be nutrient packed, but I still think you can have a healthy diet that includes occasional donuts and other foods made from white flour.
But like you said... and I totally agree "In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not." :-)
Oh, I agree you can eat donuts and have moderation. My life would be sad without bagels, pasta, pizza, etc.1 -
Colorscheme wrote: »Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt.
But that is becuse the donut has more fat. A KrispyKreme chocolate filled donut has about 400 cals, but has the same carb content as a 170g (large) banana (which is half the cals of the donut).Colorscheme wrote: »And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
Isn't true. bread, cake, pasta, pancakes all have nutritional value. Many flours are fortified to add in micro-nutrients but even without - Carbohydrate is nutritionally important.
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We are all different and have to find what works for each of us individually. If I had to put a label on my eating habits I guess it would be low carb. I eat plenty of protein and healthy fats and almost all of my carbs come from veggies. I feel great, have plenty of energy for workouts and am losing weight at a sustainable rate.
I find that if I eat breads and cereals or anything sugary I get hungry again very quickly and start getting cravings.
That's just what suits me.....it won't suit everyone and I respect that.
All macros are essential but we should be mindful of the quality and nutritional content of the sources we choose.
You look fantastic OP and I applaud you for sticking to what works for you and all of your hard work.1 -
Colorscheme wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Protein and carbohydrates both contain 4 calories per gram, while fat provides 9 calories per gram. Carbs don't have more calories than anything else.
Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt. And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
Well... the fruit, the veggies, and the yogurt you listed are all mostly carbs, too. The yogurt has some protein, but most yogurts still get most of their calories from carbs. A chocolate donut may not be nutrient packed, but I still think you can have a healthy diet that includes occasional donuts and other foods made from white flour.
But like you said... and I totally agree "In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not." :-)
Oh, I agree you can eat donuts and have moderation. My life would be sad without bagels, pasta, pizza, etc.
Sounds like we're on the same page! :-)0 -
Some people don't tolerate carbs well and they get better results eating low carb. Others are the exact opposite. If what you're doing is working and you feel good, good job. Keep doing that -- it's ok if it's different than what someone else is doing.
If you're interested in the research Calories Proper has some blog posts on the subject.
Insulin sensitive dieters lost more weight on a high carb diet than a low carb diet (10.4 vs 8.6 kg). Insulin resistant dieters lost more weight on low carb (9.6 vs 7.4 kg). Notably, of all four groups, the most weight was lost on a high carb diet (10.4 kg) despite low carbers consistently getting more protein. Source1 -
StealthHealth wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt.
But that is becuse the donut has more fat. A KrispyKreme chocolate filled donut has about 400 cals, but has the same carb content as a 170g (large) banana (which is half the cals of the donut).Colorscheme wrote: »And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
Isn't true. bread, cake, pasta, pancakes all have nutritional value. Many flours are fortified to add in micro-nutrients but even without - Carbohydrate is nutritionally important.
I am talking about the flour only, not pre-packaged products of pasta or pancakes. I bake and I know for a fact white flour has only a little iron and 3 grams of protein for a quarter cup. Whole wheat flour has more fiber and protein in comparison.
The reason why flour is fortified now is because of an outbreak of pellagra back in the day which is from lack of niacin.0 -
Colorscheme wrote: »StealthHealth wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt.
But that is becuse the donut has more fat. A KrispyKreme chocolate filled donut has about 400 cals, but has the same carb content as a 170g (large) banana (which is half the cals of the donut).Colorscheme wrote: »And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
Isn't true. bread, cake, pasta, pancakes all have nutritional value. Many flours are fortified to add in micro-nutrients but even without - Carbohydrate is nutritionally important.
I am talking about the flour only, not pre-packaged products of pasta or pancakes. I bake and I know for a fact white flour has only a little iron and 3 grams of protein for a quarter cup. Whole wheat flour has more fiber and protein in comparison.
The reason why flour is fortified now is because of an outbreak of pellagra back in the day which is from lack of niacin.
I guess I was confused by your comment because you said:Colorscheme wrote: »And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
rather than
"white four tends to be..."
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Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Obesity is caused by too many calories. Type II is correlated to genetics, obesity and inactivity. Neither is directly tied to just carbs.
And all the things you listed are heavy in carbs, fats and salts. In fact, many deserts how more calories from fat. But unfortunately, many see things like cookies and cake as only having carbs as that's the trends.0 -
Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Obesity is caused by too many calories. Type II is correlated to genetics, obesity and inactivity. Neither is directly tied to just carbs.
And all the things you listed are heavy in carbs, fats and salts. In fact, many deserts how more calories from fat. But unfortunately, many see things like cookies and cake as only having carbs as that's the trends.
Yes I know. But what are the obese eating? not lots of fruit and vegs, it's processed stuff that carb, fat and salt heavy. Now, carbs are good in moderation as your body uses it for fuel but people like to find something to blame rather than admit they got fat from eating too many calories.0 -
FeedMeFish wrote: »My question is, then why do some people function better on high carb?
Not all do.
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Colorscheme wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Two things:
-because of the increasing rates type 2 diabetes and obesity.
-because carbs do tend to have more calories than anything else
I don't think they're bad and I couldn't do a low carb diet. But I do know carb heavy foods like bagels, pasta, etc have more calories and it doesn't always fill people up.
In the end, it's about cals in vs cals out, low carb or not.
Obesity is caused by too many calories. Type II is correlated to genetics, obesity and inactivity. Neither is directly tied to just carbs.
And all the things you listed are heavy in carbs, fats and salts. In fact, many deserts how more calories from fat. But unfortunately, many see things like cookies and cake as only having carbs as that's the trends.
Yes I know. But what are the obese eating? not lots of fruit and vegs, it's processed stuff that carb, fat and salt heavy. Now, carbs are good in moderation as your body uses it for fuel but people like to find something to blame rather than admit they got fat from eating too many calories.
I don't disagree. I got fat from eating too many calories but mainly in the form of fat and proteins (burgers, wings, cheesesteaks) and I stopped being so active.
Another big problem is too many people drink too many calories which makes is very easy to add up quickly.0 -
The only people who need to be concerned about carbs is people with insulin issues. I have PCOS, and I have to be careful about carbs. I try to limit myself to only one carb per meal (choose potato OR bread, not both), and I try to eat as many of my carbs whole-grain as possible. But even those with insulin issues need carbs. I just have to make sure I have the right kind of carbs.
I agree, too, with StealthHealth--something has to be the "bad guy" because no one wants to acknowledge that the main problem is overeating combined with a sedentary lifestyle.0 -
Colorscheme wrote: »StealthHealth wrote: »Colorscheme wrote: »Yeah but I meant it like: a chocolate donut has more calories than say, some fruit, plain vegetables, or a small container of yogurt.
But that is becuse the donut has more fat. A KrispyKreme chocolate filled donut has about 400 cals, but has the same carb content as a 170g (large) banana (which is half the cals of the donut).Colorscheme wrote: »And products made with white flour tend to be nutritionally devoid.
Isn't true. bread, cake, pasta, pancakes all have nutritional value. Many flours are fortified to add in micro-nutrients but even without - Carbohydrate is nutritionally important.
I am talking about the flour only, not pre-packaged products of pasta or pancakes. I bake and I know for a fact white flour has only a little iron and 3 grams of protein for a quarter cup. Whole wheat flour has more fiber and protein in comparison.
The reason why flour is fortified now is because of an outbreak of pellagra back in the day which is from lack of niacin.
A lot of white flour actually has more iron than whole wheat due to fortification. For example, take King Arthur Flour as a brand. Their unbleached white flour has 33% more iron than their whole wheat flour, equal protein, and equal or greater amounts of all the micronutrients on the label. It certainly has a lot less fiber (that's what's removed when the bran is taken away).0
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