No. Carbohydrates are found naturally in many nutritious foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, milk and yogurt.
Some people think that eating carbs will make them gain weight, but carbs, like all other nutrients, are only stored as fat if you eat more than your body needs. Carbohydrate foods contain many other important nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, so avoiding carbohydrates completely is not a good idea. Additionally, if you don’t eat enough carbs, your body will have to convert protein into carbs (to replace the missing carbs).
Is a low carb diet safe and healthy?
Your body needs carbohydrates as a source of fuel (energy). If you don’t consume enough carbohydrates, your body will use stored energy from muscle or fat cells as fuel. This is what happens on the popular “keto diet”. You will eat more fat and protein than usual on such a diet, which may not be the healthiest way to eat in the long run. A low-carb diet can be high in saturated fat, which has negative health effects. There is concern that a low-carb diet could stress your kidneys because digesting protein uses up the body’s stored calcium and requires additional kidney function. Adolescents’ growing bones need enough calcium to grow and be strong. For high protein/low carb diets and there isn’t enough research to say they are safe long term.
Do low carb diets work?
A low-carb diet can help some people lose weight quickly because it limits their food choices enough that they end up eating fewer calories. Keep in mind that this weight loss is because you’re eating less food, not because you’re avoiding carbs. Studies have shown that low-carb diets are no more effective for long-term weight loss compared to other types of diets.
You can find more information about the “The Full Plate” challenge or individual “Full Plate” guidance on my website.
