Are you afraid of carbs? Do you think they’re the root of all evil 😉 ?
We won’t be surprised if you feel that way! That is what all the diet companies want you to believe.
Well, we are here to tell you that you don’t need to be scared of carbs (HOORAY!) – in fact, your body needs carbs for energy. When most people think about what makes up a healthy diet, they usually focus on protein, fat, and vegetables – all really good things!
But what about carbs?
Believe it or not, carbs are an essential part of a balanced diet – and when you cut them out, you can harm your body and progress in the long run.
Carbohydrates are one of our 3 key macronutrients – fats and protein being the other two. They can help power your workouts and give you the energy you need to stay moving throughout the day. Furthermore, they help regulate your blood sugar levels, promote a feeling of fullness that can help with weight control, and are necessary for proper digestion and bowel function.
The key to carbs is making sure we know how to choose healthy options like whole grains and fruits instead of processed carbs or sugary snacks.
So when it comes to choosing those simple, highly processed carbs, such as pizza, cake, cookies, and your typical junk food, that’s where the fear factor comes into play. These are foods that are easy to overeat, and often contain a lot of calories that don’t benefit our bodies. These aren’t what we call nutrient-dense foods, so our bodies don’t feel satisfied, and we tend to eat a lot more. The key is to consume the good carbs while occasionally enjoying the less nutrient-dense carbs in moderation. We call this the “80/20” rule – when you look at your nutrition as a whole, 80% of the time, you should try and choose healthy, whole, nutrient dense foods, and 20% of the time, choose foods that you enjoy eating. Eat them in moderation, and enjoy them slowly and in a satisfying way!
The bottom line… carbs are not the enemy! They provide several benefits that you can’t get from other food sources. When it comes to weight loss, think quality over quantity. Choose whole-grain and high-fiber carbs instead of processed ones, and you’ll be on your way to reaching your goals without depriving yourself.
With a little bit of planning, it’s easy to include carbs in your diet without sacrificing or depriving yourself of the foods that you love. You don’t need to feel guilty or the need to punish yourself when you indulge in carbohydrates. Planning and moderation are key! And that’s why, with our Greater Purpose coaching and transformation program, the most significant piece of it is the mindset. Helping people shift their perspective, instead of perceiving food as good or bad. If you’re always thinking about foods as “off-limits” or “bad,” it’s no wonder you feel deprived and end up overeating when you finally do indulge.