Both carbohydrates and fats have adverse effects on weight loss and overall health. But are all carbs and fats bad? Is a low-carbohydrate diet better for weight loss than a low-fat diet? Or are carbs a bigger threat to your health than fats?
What are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are the main fuel for the body. Carbohydrates can be good or bad for you, depending on the nature of what you are consuming.
Carbohydrates or carbs can be classified into three main categories such as
- Starches
- Sugars
- Fiber
Simple carbs are sugars that the body can digest easily and are found in milk and fruits. Complex carbs naturally occur in vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and take a longer time to digest.
Simple carbs in natural form aren’t bad, but if you consume them through refined foods such as cookies, soda, and other sugar-rich foods, it can cause complications to your health.
The carbs vs. fat energy consumption can be better understood in terms of how the body processes foods. When you eat complex carbs found in whole grains and vegetables, you feel fuller for a longer period of time. The body processes complex sugars slowly and provides the body with energy at a steady rate. Unlike simple sugars, you don’t experience a hit of energy followed by a slump; making you want to eat more.
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What are Fats?
Fat is nutrition that the body requires for its optimum functioning. The carbs vs. fat fight is useless without an understanding of the types of fats and how each of them can influence your health. Saturated fats are considered unhealthy while unsaturated fats are generally considered healthier. Saturated fat sources include both meat and dairy. Unsaturated fats (polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, omega 3s and omega 6s) are found in nuts, seeds, avocados, sunflower oil, olive oil, canola oil and fish like salmon, tuna, trout, and herring. On the other hand, unsaturated fats are considered healthier for the heart. Your body needs fats. Without adequate fat consumption, your digestion, brain function, skin texture, and your body’s ability to absorb some nutrients are affected. You must eat carbs and fats in a balanced way. Carbs and Fat for Weight Loss and Good Health. With the right carbohydrates and fats in your diet, you can lose weight and maintain good health.
Recommended Read: Good Fats vs Bad Fats
The right carbs –
-Potato is a simple carbohydrate. If you bake, steam or grill the potato with olive or sunflower oil and top it with herbs, it can be a healthy meal. If you consume potatoes in the form of chips or loaded with butter, it can contribute to an unhealthy diet.
-Eat whole grain bread and pasta instead of the white varieties.
-A high fiber diet that you can get from whole grains and vegetables is essential for losing weight.
-It is easier to maintain a weight loss diet with healthy carbs than eating low or no carbs at all.
The right fats –
-It is not possible to sustain a weight loss diet for long if it doesn’t taste good.
-Make it a habit to include natural sources of healthy fats in your diet.
-Remove all processed foods from your diet.
-A diet that includes the right fats in the right quantity cannot contribute to unhealthy weight gain.
Recommended Read: Eating Carbs and Fats Before a Workout
A carbs vs. fat debate is futile. The key to lasting weight loss and good health is a balanced diet, moderation, and an active lifestyle.
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