CARBS ARE NON-ESSENTIAL
Yes, that’s right… the consumption of carbohydrates is NOT essential as an energy source.
If you’re finding this statement very confusing, I understand. It more than likely goes against everything you may have been taught, especially if you were brought up with the old Food Pyramid where grains were listed as the biggest food group needed with fruits and veggies coming in second.
Have you ever wondered what macronutrients (fats, proteins, carbohydrates) actually do in your body?
Well, all macronutrients are a source of energy/calories but are they all absolutely needed to survive? The answer is no.
Let’s unravel the mystery and shed light on the essential functions of each macronutrient.
🥩 Protein: The Building Block Hero 🧱
▪️ Protein, especially protein from an animal source is a dense and slow burning source of energy
▪️Protein is crucial in building and repairing tissues like muscles, skin, and hair
▪️ It’s the foundation of enzymes and hormones-keeping everything running smoothly
▪️ Protein helps transport and store nutrients to where they’re needed the most.
▪️ It’s super important for the detoxification process.
▪️It’s needed to make neurotransmitters.
🥑 Fat: The Energy Dynamo 💥
▪️Fats provide a concentrated energy source that every cell in your body can use.
▪️ Fat is the backbone of hormone production and helps to maintain a delicate hormonal balance.
▪️ It’s part of healthy cell membranes which supports the proper functioning of your brain, nervous system, and vital organs.
▪️ Fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K need fat to be absorbed and utilized.
🍞 Carbohydrates: The Energy Elixir ⚡️
▪️Carbs serve as a quick and primary energy source for your body.
▪️ In the absence of carbohydrates, the body will resort to utilizing stored proteins and fats for energy A point of clarification: I do think we need carbs from veggies and fruits, not so much as an energy source, but for fiber to keep the microbiome healthy and for necessary vitamins, phytonutrients and minerals.
So, from an energy and survival point of view, carbs are non-essential. Even veggies and fruits are non-essential. But Proteins and Fats are. If you cut out grains, legumes, veggies and fruits, you basically have a carnivore diet.
Now, before think I’m promoting a carnivore diet, which is not something I recommend for most people, I’m not. I’m simply making a point of what our bodies need to actually survive at the bare minimum which is strictly protein and fats. They are satiating and slow burning, something I think we so very much need more of, especially in light of the high incidence of diabetes and sarcopenia (muscle loss) in adults, including young adults.