Why Carbs are NOT the Enemy

Navigating an understanding of the nutrients that your body needs to survive can be absolutely exhausting. You know that you need to eat so many fruits and so many vegetables, or that you have to have enough protein in order to function, but with so much information constantly being thrown at you about what you are or are not supposed to eat, choosing what to consume can seem impossible.

With so many different diets out there, more times than not we have been led to believe that carbs are the enemy. But did you know that carbs a one of three macronutrients that you body needs in order to function properly? YEP. YOU HEARD IT HERE: YOU NEED CARBS! However, before I encourage you to enter into your sourdough era, let's talk a little but about carbs.

What are Carbohydrates?

Carbs, or carbohydrates, are one of three micronutrients that your body needs in order to simply function appropriately. While fats and protein are important macronutrients, carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source, providing energy to the body. When you consume carbs, they can immediately be used as a source of fuel, or can be stored in the body as glycogen in specific cells. Carbohydrates put in the most work with our brain, muscles, and Central Nervous System (CNS).

There are three types of carbohydrates: sugar, starch, and fiber, each created differently as well as digested differently. You can find carbohydrates in vegetables, grains, pasta, rice, and beans.

One of the most commonly known carbs is fiber, which is most known for it's role in regulating the body's digestive system. Most carbs are broken down into sugar molecules, but fiber cannot be. Therefore, fiber does it's job by promoting regular bowel movements and assisting with maintaining a health gut microbiome. Over 70% of your immune system is in your gut, and your gut is directly related to your brain, so having a healthy gut microbiome affects more than just your regularly scheduled trips to the bathroom.

Carbohydrates also assist in the production of serotonin, which is known as the happy hormone. With carbs naturally raising our serotonin levels, we can see an increase in our mood, as well as better concentration and improved mental performance.

The Healthiest Carbohydrates

Many people just think about bread when it comes to eating carbs, and while bread is good (especially a good sourdough), carbs can be found in many different foods. Some options include:

• Fruits: Bananas, Berries, Mangoes, Pineapples

• Vegetables: Broccoli, Carrots, Corn, Sweet Potato

• Beans

• Unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains

At the end of it all, carbs are not the enemy. Carbs are fuel and are necessary for your body to properly function, from your brain to the muscles in your calves. As with anything in life, it is all about moderation! When it comes to consuming carbs, before you considering cutting them out entirely, try to make healthier choices and find balance!