The Zero-Carb Trap: Why Eliminating Carbs Isn’t a Weight Loss Miracle

Aug 7, 2024

2 min read

Carb Chaos: Why We’re All Sweating Over Pasta and Bread to lose weight ?

It's not uncommon to hear that the first diet adjustment people make is to throw their carbs out the window.But why? Is getting healthier or losing weight really all about saying goodbye to pasta, rice, and bread? Carbohydrates are macronutrients found in foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and they provide essential energy for our bodies. So why are these foods often cut out?

Carbs 101: Fueling Your Body and Brain with Energy

Let's start with why carbs are essential. Not only are they delicious, but they are also the main source of energy for the body, especially for our brain. Yes, the brain uses glucose as its primary fuel. To maintain our body temperature, breathe, and think, we need glucose. We don't actually eat glucose directly; instead, we consume carbohydrates that our body breaks down into glucose and other necessary components.

Carbohydrates are found in:

Grains (such as wheat, oats, barley, rice, or quinoa),
Vegetables,
Fruits,
And legumes (such as beans, peas, and lentils).

Carb Cut-Off: Why Going Cold Turkey Might Backfire

As you may imagine, breathing is quite important for our body, so if you go on a diet and stop supplying it with carbs, it will find ways to provide for itself, though not in the best way. The body will break down protein for energy, impairing your muscle mass, which is essential for health and especially for weight loss. The body can also break down fat for energy. However, while this might sound beneficial, it’s not ideal. Breaking down fat produces ketones (molecules produced when the body breaks down fats to produce energy in the absence of carbohydrates) , and their accumulation can be toxic. In extreme cases, this can cause a serious condition called ketosis (a state where the blood becomes too acidic, disrupting organ function) , which can lead to coma and even death.

Carb Harmony: The Secret to Enjoying Carbs Without Overdoing It

Usually, carbs are seen as fattening. But eating a well-balanced diet with the right amount of carbs can lead to weight loss. Perhaps you overeat carbs daily, but instead of cutting them out entirely, you should consume the right amount your body needs. Overeating any type of food can lead to weight gain; however, cutting carbs to zero is not the solution.

Not eating any carbs can be frustrating and unsustainable in the long run. More often than not, it leads to yo-yo dieting where every weight loss is followed by weight gain. Health improvements should be achievable and sustainable long-term—changes that fit into your routine, not take over it. This is why I focus on a mindful, stress-free, balanced diet and improvements that are easy to maintain without overthinking every meal.

It's more beneficial to focus on the quality of the carbs you consume. Incorporating whole, unprocessed foods and maintaining a balanced diet that includes healthy fats, proteins, and complex carbs can lead to more sustainable weight loss and overall health.