this post was submitted on 22 Sep 2023
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That's a tough one. Proteins are a much more useful source of energy and nutrients here. There are limits though and then it doesn't really matter how you get your calories.
So obviously carbs are cheap food and pack a lot of calories which might be beneficial in this scenario.
You are right. I can't argue with that, but I would be careful with this as general advice.
It's just that too many people don't know enough about nutrition and think cutting carbs is magic.
No, the human body doesn't need carbs. But I'd rather focus on increasing high quality protein intake than cutting carbs altogether.
Ideally paired with some form of resistance training, so the body burns fat instead of muscle.
But at the end of the day, every person should choose a diet that is sustainable for them in the long term. If cutting carbs is what makes someone succeed, then that's great.
You just don't need to avoid them to have a perfectly healthy diet.
Avoid, no.
Cut down, yes. We overeat carbohydrates, especially empty carbohydrates. It's a cheap source of energy sure, but if we are inputting more than we are outputting, the excess is stored as fat, which can lead to inflammation and other health issues.
I did keto for a couple years and yes, cutting out most carbs that weren't nutrient dense did wonders. Only reason I've been moving off of it is because it's honestly difficult to eat that way in a world of excess carbohydrates. Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, has added sugars or fillers added in that increase the carb count for cheap. I did it for like 5 years, but it cost a lot of money and time. Money because it's all about eating whole, nutritious, and organic. Time because It takes time to cook and do meal prep, and sometimes I don't have that time or energy mentally.
You are right with everything you say.
Still the consumption of carbs is too normalized. Many people believe that you should have carbs with every meal which is insane. Just look at any restaurant food, fast food and everywhere. Unless you are dieting you for sure don't have to avoid carbs, but don't seek them out either.
I believe this is the single biggest reason for the obesity problem. Most meals really shouldn't have any added carbs, yet they do.
May I ask what continent you're on? That could explain our perspectives on this.
Different environments create different problems, after all
Ohh, that's an interesting take! I guess for large parts of Asia it is a bit different. It is a problem in north America as far as I can tell and in Europe where I am from.
Huh. I'm from Europe too, but I'm not really seeing it as such a big problem here
Over 50% of all adults are overweight here.
Every single meal has some form of pasta, potato or rice as a side unless you pick a salad and even then you get some complementary white bread when you eat out.
I always get weird looks when I am asking for more salad or vegetables and no frites.
Just check the menu of any random restaurant around you and look for any low carb option which is not a salad. It is really difficult where I live unless it is a tapas bar.
I'm more worried to overdo in the fat departement when eating in a restaurant. Fries, greasy salads, when I and my digestion would much prefer rice/boiled potatoes and green beans with the fat steak. Calories per volume would be lower, too.