Dear carb lovers, indulge yourself

Header image for Interrobang article CREDIT: MARILYNA / THINKSTOCK
Giving up carbs is a common practice, but what people don't know is that they don't have to. Replace processed carbohydrates with healthy whole grain carbohydrates and there is no need to give up your love.

I love carbohydrates. I like to be around people who like carbohydrates too because they are generally happier than those who fear or severely limit them.

So let me tell you why I love carbs and hopefully convince you to do the same.

Food is a necessity, we need it to survive, thrive and maintain our energy levels. Food is the best source for energy compared to protein and fat. We also need them because they are the only source of fibre necessary to eliminate waste and lower bad LDL cholesterol.

Many people refer to particular foods as carbs, but this is incorrect. A carbohydrate is a macronutrient found in plant foods and the ratio of carbohydrates, protein and fat varies depending on the source.

For example, avocados are a fruit that contain some carbs, lots of healthy fats and a little protein. Another example is grains such as quinoa, which has some carbohydrates, a little fat and a high amount of protein.

Foods like potatoes are mostly carbohydrates, but do contain a small amount of protein in the skin.

Usually when you hear someone is giving up carbs they are most often referring to foods such as white potatoes, white flour pasta and processed all purpose flour foods such as crackers, breads and cereals.

These foods however can also be found in much healthier varieties if they are completely whole grain and contain natural sugars like honey or cane and other natural ingredients. Sweet potatoes and yams in small amounts are a better alternative to white potatoes.

So why do people want to give up on carbs? The problem is that if you eat too much and don’t burn it off, the sugars are stored as fat and can lead to weight gain.

Weight gain can happen from too many calories consumed and not enough output; the same can happen from too much fat. Protein is not stored so whatever your body doesn’t use it eliminates.

Don’t give up on carbs, just make the right choices instead. Fruits are like nature’s candy and these sweet treats are full of fibre and essential vitamins and minerals that have antioxidant, cancer-preventing benefits.

Vegetables and whole grains, likes oats, brown rice and wheat, help us feel full and provide nutrients and fibre essential for metabolism and disease prevention.

You will also find carbs in beans, lentils, milk and yogurt. All of these foods provide energy, immune boosting nutrients and help synthesize mood-enhancing hormones.

Bottom line: you need carbohydrates to survive, so choose the best from the worst. Stay away from or limit processed foods and choose whole foods more often.