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What are Carbohydrates?
🕑 Added 2022-02-15 17:26:31 +0000 UTC*Patreon bonus content. Please do not repost this PDF*
Let's talk a little about the macronutrient that everybody is afraid of......CARBS!
The fact is, carbohydrates are an important part of our diet. As mentioned in the infograph here, they are our body's preferred fuel source. When an individual severely cuts carbohydrates from their diet (keto for example), the body is forced to alter it's nature metabolic processes to adapt to this lack of a fuel source. Our bodies are so amazing that it actually finds a way to utilize the fat in our diet since there are no carbs.
But don't let that phrase fool you....."Burning fat as fuel". This is something that a lot of the keto zealots will try to tell you, but it actually refers to dietary fat (the fat you eat) and not the fat in your body. The only way to tap into the fat in your body is to be in a calorie deficit.
Hopefully the more you read and learn about carbohydrates, the more comfortable you will be incorporating them into your daily diet. As you all know, my approach is all foods fit, but we should always try to get the majority of our carbohydrates from whole food sources. This is stuff like fresh fruits, fresh veggies, whole grains, etc. But don't neglect those yummy carbs that keep you happy like the chips and cookies. These are the foods that will help you keep your sanity as you progress toward your goals :)
Carbs.....are.....friends!
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Comments
If I’m trying to Figure out the amount of carbs I need ans it say 45% how do I figure that out?
Sam & Robert Finch
I’m so glad you addressed this! It has made me so sad in the group when people are talking about trying to hit zero (net) carbs. Honestly, I have lost about 25lbs since November when I did the tdee calculator and actually upped my carbs. I feel so much better!
Zach Coen
I love hearing that individuals have learned how to fuel their body! Thanks for sharing Darley :)
Thank you. I have a long way to go but this is a great start. Please keep doing what you are doing as you are helping so many people.
I’ve had gestational diabetes with both of my pregnancies, and both times it was because I wasn’t eating carbs frequently enough. I had to eat every 3-4 hours to keep my blood sugars level. If I had a salad for lunch and didn’t eat the bread, my numbers would drop and then spike. A diet with little to no carbs just isn’t sustainable for me, so I’m loving that your recipes include protein pasta and high protein milk, so I can eat the things I love by just amping up the protein side of the balance.
Zach Coen
I'm so happy to hear that Melissa. I'm extremely proud of you! Keep it up!!
I have started following you mid January but really started to dial in more on my macros around the end of January. I am down 11.4 lbs as of this morning and I've eaten a lot of things that I love. This is the first time in a really really long time that I'm starting to have a better relationship with food. I can't thank you enough for your posts. Coming from a woman who has well over 200 lbs to lose I am trusting the process and realizing that slow and steady will win this race.
Zach Coen
Who gave you those specific numbers? If it was your doctor, I highly recommend asking them why those numbers specifically considering the fact that the American Diabetes Association recommendation is 45-60g per meal for type 2 diabetes. Granted some individuals are different, but when you pair carbohydrates with fat and protein, it changes things drastically.
Zach Coen
That’s awesome!!!
What about diabetics who aren't supposed to go over 30-45 per meal?
I’ve been following your meals for 3.5 weeks now and working out regularly and I’ve lost 6lbs. I’m not going to be afraid of carbs this time around!
