Bread is the Enemy!

ls the rebellion against carbs right for your health? In the health and fitness industry, carbs are one of those trigger words. Yet, it seems people are getting fed on how bad they are for you. So, the question is, “are carbs bad?”

Let’s look at what carbohydrates are and what they aren’t.

Carbs Benefits

• They are the most important energy provider. In fact, your central nervous system runs near completely off carbs (99%).
• Some carbohydrates provide the necessary dietary fiber for your nutritional needs.
• Some carbohydrate food sources are nutritionally dense. Ultimately, they are good sources of your vitamin and minerals.

Carbs are not

• Just a sugary substance added to your foods and fizzy drinks. Yes, they are sugars technically. But, more on that later.

That’s a lot of positive benefits, right? So, why the bad reputation? In some instances, carbs get blamed for weight gain and even the obesity crisis. Are they to blame? Realistically, no! As we mentioned in our last blog, my wife loves bread and eats a ton of it. She does not have a weight issue. Likewise, Tour de France competitors eat tons of carbohydrates. Thus, if carbs make you “fat,” those cyclists would be topping the charts. Neither my wife or the TDF riders are in any weight gain dilemma. The answer we hear, “is because they are active.” BINGO! Additionally, they are calorie neutral.

How Activity Plays a Role

Everyone asks, “don’t excess carbs get stored as fat?” Yes and no! They do get stored. However, it can be stored for later energy use as glycogen or fat. This depends on extra carbs in your system. Fun fact, all excess macronutrients (protein, fat, and carbs) can be stored as fat. So, the importance of activity is it first calls on the use of carbs in the form of glucose. Therefore, your movement matters. As our movement decreases, we continue to face health crisis related to weight gain. If you don’t know where to start, connect with a coach.

Calorie Control

Another question we get is, “what if I am not active or can’t be?” The simple truth is a good health/ fitness professional can find ways based on your level to add movement in your day. Yet, if that is not possible, you would need help with your caloric intake. Why? In today’s climate, we are bombarded with food. On top of that, our portion sizes have dramatically increased. What does that mean for me? Unfortunately, these issues have caused too many people to over consume food products well above their metabolic need. This overage is causing our obesity problems. In turn, a incremental increase in health challenges. To make improvements, it is all about choice and accountability. Let’s us be your accountability coach.

Rise and shine, my fitness friends!

Sarah & Jerry