Carb based foods often get a bad reputation, especially in the world of diet trends. We often hear clients say “my doctor told me to stop eating carbs” or “carbs are bad” or “carbs make me gain weight”. If you have said any of these quotes above, we have good news for you!
Food has no moral value so carb based foods are not evil… they are actually a good source of energy for your body! Cutting carbs too drastically can actually backfire—and here’s why.
Why Cutting Carbs Can Backfire
Carbs are your body’s preferred source of energy, especially for your brain and muscles. Think of carbs as “gas” for the “car”. Your body = the car, carbs = fuel. When you cut them too low, you may experience:
- Low energy
- Brain fog
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Lack of focus
- Intense cravings – which often leads to overeating later and potentially spiking blood sugar levels
What to Do Instead
Don’t ditch carbs—choose more nutrient-rich carbs. Focus on nutrient-rich carbs that are full of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
These include:
- Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice
- Fruits and vegetables
- Legumes like beans and lentils
- Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes
These options provide steady energy, support digestion, and help regulate blood sugar levels.
Remember, carbs are good for your body and it is important to learn how to use carbs to fuel the body. Working with a dietitian can help you understand how many carbs you should be eating at each meal (and snacks) to better manage your blood sugar levels.
Final Thoughts
Carbs aren’t the enemy—they’re important for a healthy, balanced life. Choose more nutrient-rich carbs and feel the difference in your energy, mood, and gut health. Check out the 4 Ingredient High Fiber Cereal that Samantha the Dietitian eats every single week to support her digestion and blood sugar levels!
4 Ingredient High Fiber Cereal
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In an airtight container, add 1 box of Grapenuts.
- Using a 1 measuring cup (or spoon), add 1 cup of chia seeds, 1 cup of ground flaxseeds, and 1 cup of pumpkin seeds to the airtight container.
- Put the lid on the container and shake until all of the ingredients are blended.
Notes
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fats: 8 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Fiber: 7.5 g
Want help creating a nutrition plan to help you meet your health goals? Schedule An Appointment with One of Our Dietitians!
Although Samantha Turner is a registered dietitian, she is not YOUR registered dietitian. All content in this post is for informational and educational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice, and does not establish any kind of patient-client relationship by your use of these courses, OakStone Health and Nutrition website, and any other OakStone Health and Nutrition programs. Although OakStone Health and Nutrition aims to provide evidence-based general nutrition information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Always consult a healthcare professional in the area for your particular needs before making any medical decisions.
