Carbohydrates are probably the most misunderstood nutritional block of our diets. Whenever guys want to lose weight, carbs are the first thing to go. To an extent, our carb intake should be monitored carefully. But that’s the case with everything we eat, not just carbs. We need carbs in our diet. They contain glucose, which our bodies use as fuel to power through everyday activities and our workouts. With less carbs in our system, our bodies have to resort to stored energy sources to keep going. Those stored sources can be fat, but sometimes, we can lose muscle, too. Before you decide to go carb-free, consider these factors.
Benefits of Carbs
Carbs have lots of other positive effects on our lives. Healthy carbs contain lots of fiber. Consuming the right amount of fiber daily helps reduce bloating and push out the body’s impurities. Also, if you want to master a tough cardio session, carbs are your best friend. This is where your energy comes from. Additionally, carbs are the one energy source that your body can start using right away. Fats and proteins need to be broken down and processed over several hours before they provide energy. Carbs go to work almost immediately upon being consumed. For an athlete that’s in the gym or on the trail daily, that’s a huge advantage.