There are many myths around carbohydrates that are far from the truth, and the most common one is that they make you gain weight. Tamannaah Bhatia’s trainer Siddharth Singh took to his Instagram account to clarify that this is not the case.
What are carbohydrates and why are they necessary?
Simply put, carbohydrates are made up of starch, fibre, and sugars. These are essential nutrients that the body needs to produce energy and stay healthy. It is important to consume them in moderation, as overconsumption leads to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), while not consuming enough leads to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
For weight loss, many people, especially women, are told to avoid carbs altogether, which Siddharth Singh shared is not the correct thing to do. He called carbs ‘friends’ and shared three common lies women are told about them.
3 lies about carbohydrates
You should cut carbs to lose weight: “In reality, cutting carbs may show quick water weight loss, but in the long term it leads to cravings, low energy, and inconsistency,” he said.
Bread, rice, and roti are bad foods: He called them “staple foods” used in Indian diets every day, adding, “Paired with the right amount of protein and vegetables, they are perfectly healthy.”
Carbs shouldn’t be eaten after 6 pm: “Eating carbs at night does not magically turn them into fat. What really matters is your total intake across the day,” he added.
He also shared that carbs are the main fuel that your body and brain need, so it’s only wiser to use them intelligently.
This is also backed by Malaika Arora, who is a huge fitness enthusiast. On Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, she shared that many people think they are supposed to avoid carbs. Sharing some of its repercussions, she said it leads to hair fall, feeling faint, and not being able to do any work because there are no carbs in their diet, and thus, no energy.
She added, “You have to have a little bit of everything. I truly believe in portion control; that is something I really do. I've done this my entire life, actually… I rarely eat on a plate. I always eat in a katori (bowl) because that is the portion size that I should eat. I mean, you could have three meals a day or four meals a day, but I'll only eat that in a katori.”
FAQs on Carbohydrate Diet
1. Do carbohydrates make you gain weight?
No, carbohydrates alone do not make you gain weight. Overconsumption of any nutrient can lead to weight gain.
2. Are carbohydrates necessary for the body?
Yes, carbohydrates are essential nutrients that provide energy and help maintain overall health.
3. Is it okay to eat carbs after 6 pm?
Yes, what matters is your total carbohydrate intake throughout the day, not the specific time you consume them.
4. Should I avoid carbohydrates for weight loss?
No, avoiding carbohydrates can lead to cravings, low energy, and inconsistency. Moderation and balance are key.
5. Are bread, rice, and roti unhealthy?
No, when paired with the right amount of protein and vegetables, these staple foods are perfectly healthy.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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