I Started Eating More Carbs, Here’s What Happened
The world of health and fitness is filled with many trends that come and go from time to time eating carbs again. But one trend that seems to stay on forever relates to losing weight and building muscle by cutting down carbohydrates and drastically increasing the intake of protein in your diet.
If your one of those low carb, high protein fitness junkies, have you ever wondered what happens when you start eating carbs again? You might think that all your hard work at the gym will get drained almost instantly, and you’ll stop losing weight. What if we told you that nothing of this sort would happen? In fact, many people have recounted how they started eating carbs again and lost weight.
Yes, its true. Although doctors have prescribed low carb diets for severe type 2 diabetes and obesity, average people dont need to adhere to it. When you remove carbs from your meals as in a keto diet, you also remove many nutrient-dense foods like starchy vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes. The result? A body deprived of essential micro nutrients and prone to a host of digestive health issues. Would you want to experience that? Certainly not. Here’s how to start eating carbs again after keto diet and regain your health and vitality back.
Why Are Carbohydrates Important for You?
Person choosing fruit over donut, Credits: Pixabay
Carbs supply your body with energy, which is crucial for the functioning of organs like the brain, kidneys, and central nervous system.
The right kind of carbs like whole grains and cereals combined with fat sources, can keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
Carbs provide your body with fiber, which is important for your digestive health.
In the absence of carbs, your body uses protein for energy. It greatly compromises the protein’s real function, that is, to build and repair muscles of your body.
What Happens When You Start Eating Carbs Again after Keto Diet?
You will see various benefits after introducing carbs back in your diet after a long period of being on a low carb diet like keto.
Improved digestion.
More satisfaction after meals.
Less food fear and anxiety.
Better workouts.
Stable blood sugar.
1. Improved Digestion
Good digestive health, Credits: Pixabay
Carbohydrate food sources contain huge amounts of fiber. The lack of fiber is the number one cause of digestive problems like constipation. The constant stress of measuring carbs in every meal is removed, which promotes better digestive health. Consuming carbs that you know is good for your body will get you rid of bloating and bowel issues.
2. More Satisfaction after Meals
Person feeling full after a meal, Credits: Pixabay
After eating a low carb meal, people always complain that they haven’t felt satiated or full. Vegetables and whole fruits add water, fiber, and bulk. It means that you can eat them till you’re satisfied without counting calories. On the other hand, most protein sources also contain fat, and fat contains more calories than carbohydrates in even a small amount. You will find your cravings vanish almost immediately.
3. Less Food Fear and Anxiety
Person scrutinizing food, Credits: Pixabay
You start fearing food items high in carbohydrates anywhere you go. It leads to constant anxiety regarding what foods to consume and what not. As you’re always thinking about the number of carbohydrates that a particular food has, it turns your relationship with food unhealthy. You don’t enjoy your meals anymore. All this undue stress over food stops as you introduce more carbohydrates in your meals.
4. Better Workouts
Person working out, Credits: Pixabay
As mentioned before, carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for your body. If you want to benefit from a high-intensity workout, you need to add more carbs into your diet. A body that is low in carbs will always feel lethargic and will not have enough energy to power through workouts at the gym. After adding carbs, you will find that your workouts feel much better than before. You’re able to lift heavy, run faster and longer, and thus burn more calories.
5. Stable Blood Sugar
erson using blood sugar monitor, Credits: Pixabay
Complex carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables, take time to get digested by your body. It does not cause an undue spike in your blood sugar levels. You will not find the need to snack more often when you’re eating sufficient carbohydrates as you’ll always be full and satisfied.
At the end of the day, it all boils down to eating nourishing food from various food items. Elimination of any one food group in favor of another will only lead to nutritional deficiencies and consequently, health issues. Eliminating carbs from your diet has a similar effect. By excluding carb-rich, nutrient-dense food items, you will do your body no good.