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Everything you need to know about Carbs

October 14, 2019 by Ginger Hultin MS RDN

I spend a large amount of time on all my nutrition consults talking about carbs. I work with some clients on low carb or ketogenic diets  and I work with some clients on vegan and plant-based diets  which are often higher carbohydrate plans. Both have some potential benefits as well as considerations and I love my work as a dietitian – everyone gets treated as their own unique, individual! So I wanted to chat with you about everything you need to know about carbs because there’s SO much we need to talk about.

Everything you need to know about Carbs

There are three “macro nutrients”: carbohydrates, fat and protein. The body needs them all to survive. Carbs get such a bad reputation in this era of low carb diets but it’s important to understand that a) they’re just a type of fuel for the body and b) no matter what you do, you’ll be eating them. That being said, its best to be balanced and understand the ins and outs of this complex topic.

When you eat carbohydrates (and that could be eating a piece of bread, a piece of candy, an apple or some beans), it gets broken down in the stomach, the nutrients absorbed in your small intestine, and sent around the body for energy in the form of glucose. Glucose is blood sugar and the body can use it for energy by pulling it directly from the blood or storing it (or drawing it) from the muscles or liver. There’s a reason that the human body keeps about 2000 calories of energy in the body on hand in the form of carbohydrates: the brain needs it to survive! If you don’t have enough carbohydrates for the brain, which sequesters 20% of your calories to work, that’s when it starts using “ketone bodies” for fuel and burning fat stores. Children need carbs. Athletes need carbs. And YOU need carbs, no matter your age or health status.

If you or someone you know has questions about how many carbs are right for for your unique needs, please reach out to me.

What IS a carb?

One of the biggest sources of confusion I hear is exactly WHAT constitutes a carb? People will tell me that they’re ‘low carb’ and then drink a beer. Drink a juice. Drink a mocha. Guidelines state that 45-65% of our intake (that’s 225-325 grams) should come from carbohydrates. Of course there’s many ways to run your diet. Ketogenic diets restrict carb intake to <50 grams for example. Here’s a list of foods that contain carbohydrates (and this is not exhaustive):

Juice, sugar, maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, bread, oats, rice, quinoa, farro, barley, millet, grits, pasta, baked goods, pancakes and waffles, cakes, cookies, pizza, cola and ‘regular’ sodas, kombucha, coconut water, beer and wine, bean and lentils, candy, nuts and seeds, milk and dairy foods, ice cream and gelato, all fruits and vegetables, corn, potatoes, chips, popcorn, granola, crackers – let me know if you think of more.

Gluten

Gluten is different than a carb. Gluten is actually a protein found in wheat. So just because you’re gluten-free, that doesn’t mean you avoid carbs. Just because you eat carbohydrates doesn’t mean that you eat gluten. If you need to be gluten-free, definitely meet with a registered dietitian to make sure you’re doing it correctly. Here’s an article I was in recently about what happens to your body when you go gluten free and then one about getting fiber on a gluten-free diet.

Don’t eat anything ‘white’

This is nonsense. I hear this a lot but it should stop being said. What people mean is that they don’t eat sugar or processed/white bread. However, there are some amazing ‘white’ colored foods like cauliflower, onions, and garlic. Just because you avoid processed bread products, that doesn’t mean you’ll lose weight or be healthier. Instead, we need to look at the bigger picture. There may be room for a flakey croissant in your diet if that’s important to you. “Diet” is never just one food – it’s the whole diet that needs to be addressed.

Everything you need to know about Carbs

The Best Kind of Carbs

Well, I don’t like to use the terms “good” or “bad” or “best” or “worst” for foods – despite what you’ll see in some headlines about nutrition. All foods can fit and that’s what Champagne Nutrition is ALL about. That being said, there are some important carbohydrates you should include in the diet and these can fit even if you’re on a relatively low-carb diet plan.
Even on keto (especially on keto) and Paleo and Whole 30 and beyond, getting your carbs from veggies is absolutely key because it may be the only fiber you’re getting in the diet. Fruit has more carbohydrate content but it’s also an incredible source of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fluid. Whole grains like wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, quinoa, sorghum, spelt, and rye also contain fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – some that are unique only to these foods.
Finally, my favorite, beans and legumes. These foods are so often forgotten about but so wonderfully delicious and healthy that I wanted to share some of my favorite recipes with you: vegan spiced baked beans, spicy vegetarian chili, and lentil and cauliflower curry. YUM!
There are so many factors when it comes to carbs. I’m sharing articles about carb, keto, alcohol and sweeteners all month long on my Facebook, on my Twitter, and of course, on Champagne Nutrition so I hope you’ll get the chance to stop by and join me in part of the conversation.

Recent interviews about carbs if you need more reading:

This is a complex topic so please drop me a question so we can continue the conversation. If you want more updates from me at Champagne Nutrition that include my monthly themes (stress-free holidays is up next!), make sure to join my non-spammy mailing list.

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Ginger Hultin,MS, RD, CSO

An award-winning, nationally recognized nutrition expert and media spokesperson.

Thanks for visiting! If you’re like me: obsessed with eating, wine, going out and traveling, you’re in the right place. Champagne Nutrition® LLC is a Registered Dietitian-run concierge virtual practice helping clients look and feel better. On this blog, you’ll find cocktails, mocktails, and plant-based recipes that are easy to make quickly at home and pack for leftovers on your adventures.

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