Do we need carbs?

Carb unawareness bugs me.

 

We need both SIMPLE and COMPLEX carbs to function. Think about it like a fire. Simple carbs, that are not refined (fruits, etc.) provide quick energy, sort of like lighter fluid provides a quick flame for a fire.

 

More complex carbs are sort of like the logs on a camp fire. They are the longer lasting energy, because they take longer to burn off.

 

I see many folks here told you we need complex carbs. That is only half the story. You DO need simple carbs. What you DON’T need is refined carbs (chips, cookies, etc.). Those don’t hold much health benefit. While they are quick energy they are usually paired with unnecessary fat and don’t have enough nutrients to make it worth eating outside of “everything in moderation."

 

So in summary, yes we need carbs. We need simple carbs for quick energy (especially if you work out). You need complex carbs for satiety (to stay full) and for the plethora of health benefits that come with eating the proper allotment of fiber (25g a day). Fiber is something you can only get by eating carbs.

 

So eat your carbs. But choose the right ones!

Here’s an educational series I did on carbs if that helps.

 

http://bariatricfoodie.blogspot.com/2011/03/bf-basics-carb-confusion.html

Awesome answer. I didn't even think about the whole fruit is a simple carb thing. Way to be on the ball Nik!

Thank you for taking that in the spirit that I offered it. You are awesome!

Yeah, carbs confuse a lot of people, which is why I did the series. Well...that and I thought my head would explode if I heard one more person say you should, "only eat complex carbs, not the BAD simple ones!"

Although in the end I don't know that the information I give will cause people to think about carbs any differently, I can certainly try.

 Thank you all for the responses! This is very helpful. I guess I've been so worried about eating too many carbs, that I didn't think I could possibly eat too little! LOL

Just wanted to say Nik, I loved your response! :)

And I agree, I wish there was a way to call something a "refined" carb vs "simple".

I LOVE my fruit and veggies and they are both complex AND simple carbs.

Potato chips, tortillas, etc are more what one would called overprocessed and "refined" carbs.

It can be overwhelming to "re-learn" all this stuff about food! Once you learn it though, it makes eating (for everyone in your family) so much easier and healthier! 

Warmly,
Jackie