Eat carbohydrates for energy
Found in a wide range of foods, carbohydrates are an essential part of your diet. Their main function is to generate energy, providing the body with glucose which is converted to support bodily functions and physical activity. Many people villainize carbs, mostly due to the fact they are an easy macronutrient to remove from your diet, but they’re a key part of nutrition and will help you achieve your goal when utilised properly and not abused. The type of carb you choose to eat plays a big part in the success of your plan.
So, do carbs make you fat?
Fundamentally, no! Any macronutrient (protein, fat or carbs) that’s eaten in excess, however, will make you fat. It’s useful to know that 1 gram of glucose from carbohydrates carries around 3 grams of water, so if you eat a pizza on Friday night and weigh yourself on Saturday morning, you will be heavier. This isn’t because you’ve put on fat, you’ve just retained more water.
Carbs are easy to overeat
Usually, carbs are the go-to food for cheat meals. Whether it’s pizza, pasta, bread or cake, carbs are very easy to overeat which may be why there is an assumption that they make you fat. Remember, it’s not carbs specifically causing weight gain, it’s overeating and excess calories.