Do you really need carbs?
Before I trick you into thinking the answer might be “no,” you can stand up and rejoice because the answer is a resounding “yes!” To prove it, I’m munching on pretzel crisps as I type this.
This topic has been on my mind lately, especially as I scroll through social media. (Side note: I really need to work harder on liking and commenting on posts I want to see more of so the algorithm gets to know me better and stops feeding me diet content. Anyone else?) Despite my hopes that we might be past the era of carb-shaming, I still come across posts every day that demonize carbs.
I haven’t been super active on social media lately, but part of me really hoped we’d be over this by now! Alas, that’s not the case. But don’t worry, your dietitian bestie is here to help you understand the truth about carbs.
Let’s Get Real About Carbs
First things first: ALL carbohydrates eventually become glucose in your body. It doesn’t matter if it’s candy or an apple (or, as the season approaches us, a candy apple!) — they both turn into glucose. The difference is that some carbs, like sugary candy, are closer to their simplest form, while others, like apples, are further away.
While it’s beneficial to consume foods that take longer to break down (think whole grains, fruits, and veggies), your body is incredibly well-equipped to use all carbs for energy. Let’s take a quick journey through your body’s energy production process:
- You eat carbs.
- Your body processes them through digestion, metabolism, and absorption.
- Glucose is sent to your cells, where it’s converted into the molecule that fuels your energy production cycle.
- Your body creates energy quickly and efficiently, so you can stay awesome and productive — not sluggish and tired.
The Case for Carbs
Honestly, I could go on about the benefits of carbs, but I don’t think I need to. They make the case for themselves.