Ahhh carbs. Who doesn’t love them? They taste delicious, they are easy to make, and they satisfy all the cravings. But what actually are carbs and why do we love them so much? 

Carbohydrates are one of the body’s main sources of energy and at its basic molecular level consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They are one of the three macronutrients (along with protein and fiber) that our body needs to consume on a regular basis. Carbohydrates are an energy source. They provide the body with glucose which our bodies convert into energy to keep our main body systems functioning as well as for physical activity. Our bodies need carbs to function. 

Carbohydrates can be used as an umbrella term to encompass all kinds of foods. Not all carbs are created equal and some will have more vitamins and nutrients than others. Just like not all carbs are the same- neither are our bodies. Each of us has a unique body with unique needs. Some of us may have higher tolerances for certain food groups than others and it’s important to always make your eating decisions based on what is best for you, not compared to others around you. 

The most common forms of carbohydrates are sugar, fiber, and starch. Some examples of foods that are considered carbohydrates are: 

• Bread
• Beans (legumes)
• Milk
• Pasta
• Fruits
• Snack foods (chips, popcorn, pretzels, soda)
• Starchy vegetables 

So why do we love carbs? Because we need them! Carbs give us energy and fiber to keep our digestive system healthy, so our bodies need SOME each day. If we don’t consume enough carbohydrates our bodies enter into ketosis where it looks for alternative sources of energy. It can lead to headaches, fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms. I think we all agree, we need carbs. Here’s where it gets tricky- we love carbs a lot and sometimes we might love them too much. If we over consume carbs our bodies will have an excess which can lead to weight gain, increased risk for disease (particularly heart disease), poor metabolic health, and general fatigue among other symptoms. So it’s important to eat a well balanced diet that includes all food groups and comes from good sources. 

What are some of our favorite carbohydrates? 

• Quinoa
• Oats
• Black beans
• Lentils
• Sweet potatoes
• Pumpkin
• Buckwheat
• Barley
• Brown Rice
• Bananas
• Apples
• Chickpea pasta

Here at Bliss Fit we never label foods as “good or bad” unless it causes a bad reaction. We encourage our clients to include all food groups into their diets and find moderation to be the best practice for eating. 

Would you like to know more? Send us an email to gabriella@blissfit.net to set up a free nutrition consultation.