There’s a lot of confusion out there about carbs and weight loss. Some people seem to think that carbs are the enemy, while others believe that they’re essential for weight loss says Alex Gierbolini. So, what’s the truth?
It turns out that both sides are partially right. Carbs can definitely be problematic if you’re trying to lose weight, but they’re not necessarily the root cause of weight gain. Here’s a closer look at the role of carbs in weight loss, and how you can make them work for you instead of against you.
What Are Carbs?
Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients (along with protein and fat), and they’re found in everything from bread and pasta to fruits and vegetables. Carbs are basically sugar molecules that are strung together in long chains.
There are two main types of carbs: simple carbs and complex carbs. Simple carbs are made up of smaller sugar molecules, while complex carbs are made up of longer chains of sugars.
Simple carbs include things like:
- Sugar
- Honey
- Maple syrup
- Table sugar
- Candy
- Jellybeans
Complex carbs include:
- Oats
- Barley
- Brown rice
- Whole wheat bread
- Legumes
How Do Carbs Affect Weight Loss?
Carbs get a bad rap when it comes to weight loss, but the truth is that they’re only problematic if you eat too many of them says Alex Gierbolini.
Your body needs carbs for energy, and when you consume more carbs than your body can use, the excess is stored in your liver and muscles in the form of glycogen. Once your glycogen stores are full, the excess carbs are converted to fat and stored in your adipose tissue (aka body fat).
So, if you’re eating more carbs than your body can use, you’re likely to gain weight. However, if you’re eating the right amount of carbs, they can actually help with weight loss.
The key is to choose complex carbs over simple carbs, and to make sure that you’re not eating more carbs than your body can use.
How Many Carbs Should You Eat?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone’s carb needs are different. However, a general rule of thumb is to consume 50-100 grams of carbs per day if you’re trying to lose weight.
If you want to get more specific, you can use the carbohydrate loading method developed by Dr. Philip Goglia. This involves eating a high-carb diet for two days followed by two days of low carbs, and then repeating the cycle.
The idea behind this method is that you deplete your glycogen stores on the low-carb days, which forces your body to burn fat for energy explains Alex Gierbolini. Then, on the high-carb days, you replenish your glycogen stores, which give you energy for your workouts.
This method is controversial, and it’s not for everyone. However, if you want to give it a try, make sure to speak with a qualified healthcare professional first.
FAQs:
Q: Will eating carbs make me fat?
A: Not necessarily. If you’re eating more carbs than your body can use, they will be stored as glycogen or converted to fat. However, if you’re eating the right amount of carbs, they can actually help with weight loss.
Q: How many carbs should I eat per day?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as everyone’s carb needs are different. However, a general rule of thumb is to consume 50-100 grams of carbs per day if you’re trying to lose weight explains Alex Gierbolini.
Q: What are some good complex carbs to eat?
A: Some good complex carbs include oats, barley, brown rice, whole wheat bread, and legumes.
Q: What are some good simple carbs to avoid?
A: Some simple carbs to avoid include sugar, honey, maple syrup, table sugar, candy, and jellybeans.
Q: What is the carbohydrate loading method?
A: The carbohydrate loading method is a dieting technique that involves eating a high-carb diet for two days followed by two days of low carbs, and then repeating the cycle. This method is controversial, and it’s not for everyone.
Conclusion:
Carbs are an essential part of a healthy diet, but they can also be problematic if you’re trying to lose weight says Alex Gierbolini. The key is to choose complex carbs over simple carbs, and to make sure that you’re not eating more carbs than your body can use. By doing this, you’ll be able to control your weight and improve your overall health.