Cut the Carbs: Why Going Low-Carb is the key to Better Health

The Truth About Carbs: Why Cutting Them Can Be Beneficial

Carbohydrates have long been touted as a crucial part of a balanced diet, but recent research and trends suggest otherwise. While carbs have traditionally been viewed as the body’s primary source of energy, the truth is that they are not essential for survival. Many experts argue that cutting down on carbs—or even eliminating them—can lead to better health outcomes.

In our previous blog, we shared how we tackled challenges such as, over a 100-mile desert marathon, and a 60-mile ultra race, all while following a low-carb, high-protein diet. This approach not only helped us sustain energy and improve recovery but also proved that our bodies don’t need carbs to perform at their best. Our daughter, a full-time tennis player, follows a very high-protein diet and it has enhanced her overall performance, reduced injury, and has great skin health. Cutting carbs showed us that fat and protein are all the fuel our bodies truly need for peak performance.

What Are Carbs, and Why Are They Overrated?

Carbohydrates are sugars, starches, and fibres found in a variety of foods, from bread and pasta to fruits and vegetables. While they do provide energy, they are not the only source the body can use. Fat and protein are not only sufficient but can be superior in sustaining energy and supporting overall health.

The human body is highly adaptable. When carbs are reduced or removed, the body shifts to a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of glucose. This fat-burning mode can lead to numerous health benefits, including weight loss and improved metabolic health.

Why Carbs Are Not Necessary

1. The Body Can Thrive Without Them:

Unlike fats and proteins, which are classified as essential nutrients, there is no such thing as an “essential carbohydrate.” The liver is perfectly capable of producing glucose through a process called gluconeogenesis, ensuring the body gets the energy it needs without consuming carbs.

2. Carbs and Blood Sugar Spikes:

Carbohydrates, especially refined ones like white bread, pasta, and sugary snacks, cause rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. This rollercoaster effect can lead to energy slumps, cravings, and increased fat storage.

3. The Link Between Carbs and Chronic Disease:

Excessive carb consumption, particularly from processed and sugary foods, has been linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and inflammation. Cutting back on carbs can reduce these risks and promote overall health.

4. Improved Fat Burning:

When you reduce carbs, the body becomes more efficient at burning fat for energy. This not only supports weight loss but also helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day without the need for constant snacking.

The Benefits of Reducing Carbs

1. Weight Loss:

Lowering carb intake forces the body to burn stored fat for fuel, leading to faster and more sustainable weight loss.

2. Steady Energy Levels:

Without carb-driven blood sugar spikes and crashes, your energy stays consistent throughout the day.

3. Better Mental Clarity:

Many people report improved focus and mental sharpness when on a low-carb or ketogenic diet.

4. Reduced Inflammation:

High-carb diets, particularly those heavy in processed foods, can cause inflammation. Cutting down carbs can reduce joint pain, swelling, and other inflammation-related symptoms.

Foods to Avoid:

If you’re considering cutting carbs, steer clear of the following:

• Refined Grains: White bread, pasta, and rice. As these are difficult to digest and the gluten effect on the body, they turn into sugar very fast.

• Sugary Foods: Candy, soda, and baked goods.

• Starchy Vegetables: Potatoes, corn, and peas.

• High-sugar fruits: Bananas, mangoes, and grapes.

Debunking Common Myths About Carbs

• Myth: “You need carbs for energy.”
• Truth: Fats and proteins are excellent, steady sources of energy. Your body can function perfectly well without carbs.
• Myth: “Low-carb diets are unhealthy.”
• Truth: Research shows that low-carb and ketogenic diets can improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and support brain function.
• Myth: "You can't do a low-carb diet long term because you will cheat and crave foods."
• Truth: This is the diet you can stick with because your cravings and hunger go away.

If and when we eat traditional carbs, this is our go-to checklist:

• Organic pasta- made with flour from Italy. We are lucky we can buy this at our local farm shop
• Sourdough bread
• Potatoes, however, we prioritise sweet potatoes
• Organic Basmati rice- M&S

Cooked, cooled, and reheated white potatoes, rice, and pasta are healthier due to increased resistant starch, which lowers blood sugar spikes, supports gut health, and reduces calorie absorption. Simply cool them after cooking, then reheat to enjoy a smarter version of these carbs.

Conclusion

Carbs may have been a dietary staple for centuries, but they are far from necessary. By reducing or eliminating them, you can unlock a host of health benefits, from weight loss to improved energy and mental clarity. A Low-carb diet fixes insulin resistance which allows your body to absorb a lot more nutrients. Your body can absorb the following, potassium, magnesium, chromium and Vitamin A, E, the B vitamins, Vitamin D, and omega-6 fatty acids. With insulin resistance, you can't absorb those nutrients. It’s time to rethink the role of carbs in your diet and embrace the power of a low-carb lifestyle.

Disclaimer: The information posted above is not scientific.  It is what I have heard, seen or experienced myself