The truth about CARBS

Do they give you energy or make you sluggish? Help you slim or pile on the pounds? It’s time to get the facts…

- DEBRA WATERS

Feared and adored in equal measure, we often have a complicated relationship with carbs. Pasta lovers and bread addicts fear their waist-expanding properties, but is this reputation deserved? ‘There’s a misconception that people should avoid carbs when trying to lose weight. The truth is, they play an important role both in a healthy diet and in sustainable weight loss,’ reveals Dr Jacquie Lavin, head of nutrition and research at Slimming World. We asked our experts to debunk the ‘carbfusion’…

81%

The number of adults who are uncertain whether carbs should be the main source of calories in a balanced diet*.

What are carbs?

Carbs are macronutrients (alongside fat and protein), which provide us with nourishment and energy. There are three types – fibre, starch and sugars. Fibre and starch are complex carbs found in whole foods, while sugars are simple carbs found in the food we love (but sadly doesn’t love us), such as processed food, white flour and soda.

They’re not all created equal

Nutrient-rich complex carbs are good for us – so eat whole foods such as fruit and green veg, brown rice, oats, brown bread, beans and pulses. ‘Complex carbs take longer to digest, are less likely to spike blood sugar levels, and will keep you fuller for longer,’ explains nutritional health coach Holly Zoccolan.