I hate to break it to you but I’m pretty sure EVERY culture loves carbs. Either rice, potatoes, bread or vegetables are found in every culture in the world.
- It’s not your culture, you just need to find balance.
- I have clients that lose weight and eat rice.
- I have clients getting healthier with bread.
And yes some are even having potatoes with their steak.
Why do you need carbs?
Carbs are your body’s main source of energy. They help fuel your brain, kidneys, heart muscles, and central nervous system. And they help boost your immune system too!
CARBS ARE NOT THE ENEMY!
The big debate we want to have is the difference between simple sugars that normally found in processed foods versus complex carbs found in whole foods.
For instance, ice cream, cookies and chips are all carbs and should be eaten in moderation. But complex carbs like oatmeal or potatoes have nutrition and FIBER which helps you stay full.
Did you know that fruit and veggies are considered carbs?
Many people don’t because we’ve trained our brains to only think of starchy foods when someone mentions carbs. And fruit and veggies are some of the best carbs because they contain fiber.
Fiber makes you FULL. That’s why no one can binge eat apples. The fiber from ONE apple makes you feel satiated. But we can binge eat ice cream because there’s no nutrition. Your body never gets a “full signal” because of the lack of fiber, protein or any other filling substance.
Enjoy the foods of your culture with healthy swaps, less processed ingredients and add fibrous or complex carbs.
Food is meant to be something we connect over. It connects us to our bodies and the people in our life. Show your body some love and fuel it with carbs!