It seems like cutting carbs, no carb diets, or no carbs after 1pm is the new thing now. In reality though, carbohydrates are an essential part of our diet and body fuel and just need to be eaten in the right way and of the right type to promote healthy weight loss.
In fact, cutting carbs may slow down your weight loss plans entirely.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms below, you may need to be increasing your carbs instead of cutting them out:
1. Difficulty concentrating - The brain requires glucose to function. This is the only fuel source it is able to break down and use, and it does so very efficiently. Glucose comes from carbohydrates. When we don't have enough carbohydrates however, the brain cannot function at optimal capacity. This leads to symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, slowed intellectual processing, forgetfulness and even a state of constant brain fog. Fix this by eating carbohydrates every 4-5 hours.
2. Constantly lethargic - when you consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into glucose, the usable fuel source of the body. Some of this glucose is used immediately to meet our current energy needs and some is stored as glucose for later use. When you don't have enough energy stored or available for use however, your body can't fuel your muscles and this makes you feel constantly lethargic and tired. Everything you do seems like a task and all you really want to do is sit down and not move. Replenish your energy sources with carbohydrates and you'll be good to go!
3. Tired upon waking - Overnight, the body I fasting. Typically from the time we have dinner to the time we eat breakfast is between 12 and 14 hours. This is an important test period for the body and allows it to perform necessary recovery functions, but it needs to have a store of glucose (glycogen) to be able to compete the tasks, as well as offer adequate fuel for you when you wake up. That means, that if you notice you wake up tired and lacking in energy, you may not be consuming enough carbohydrates for adequate overnight stores. Ensure you eat carbohydrates regularly throughout the day to compensate for this.
4. Exercise tires you - Exercise is a great way to increase your energy, reawaken you, stimulate brain function and reduce fatigue. If it seems to have the opposite affect on you however, it may be lack of carbs to blame. Carbohydrates are the most efficient fuel source for the body. This means the body will use them first, and most easily when it comes to fueling for exercise. When they aren't there to use however, the body experiences fatigue and poor exercise recovery due to inadequate fuel. Nourish your body with complex carbohydrates to fuel up for your fitness!
5. Low mood - maybe you wouldn't go so far as to say you are depressed, but lately, you haven't really felt yourself either. You've been feeling kind of sad and down, and things that once used to excite you and get you really fired up, now don't really seem to work at all. As mentioned above, the only source of fuel for the brain is glucose, which comes from carbohydrates. The brain requires adequate carbohydrates to complete this glucose requirement and in turn to be able to carry out essential tasks such as concentrating, performing cognitive tasks and developing intellectually.
6. Constant headaches - Headaches are a symptom the body presents when something is wrong. It is a very common symptom to experience as a result of dehydration and also due to low blood sugar. Both of these deficiencies present potential problems for the brain in terms of optimal function, and hence it exhibits a symptom in response. Increasing blood sugar levels is most efficiently done by consuming carbohydrates.
Like that? Also check out "Why Diets Fail & Life Changes Succeed!"
Leave a comment