Carbs get a bad rap. Lots of popular diets try to limtcarbs as much as possible. But are carbohydrates really bad for you? And what about the other nutrition powerhouse: protein? To help clear up common misconceptions, here’s a list of fast facts about both.
Carbohydrates
The Good: Let’s be realistic – you need at least some carbs. They provide your body with the energy to function. Complex carbs are especially helpful because they can help satisfy hunger, keeping you from overeating. Thinking about a weight-loss plan? Restricting carbs in a diet forces your body to turn to expend fat as opposed to carbs for energy. As a result, you’re likelier to lose weight.
The Bad: Eating too many carbs can cause you to gain weight and may even lead to heart disease. If you’re not eating enough carbs, you may increase your risk of headaches and feel less energetic down the line as your blood sugar levels drop.
Protein
The Good: Protein is necessary for muscle growth and repair. A high-protein diet can help fill you up and tends to be lower in calorie than other diets.
The Bad: A lot of high-protein foods are high in fat, especially saturated fats. Limit saturated fats by only consuming lean sources like chicken breast. Also, high-protein diets usually lack fiber, so make sure you eat nuts and other high-fiber foods to boost heart health and keep you regular.
Which is better?
Neither – you need both and they each have different roles in nutrition. Just make sure you eat lean protein sources and avoid overeating carbs to get the both worlds. Otherwise, you risk increasing the likelihood of certain health issues.
