If you’re thinking about losing weight, chances are you’re considering cutting carbs from your diet.
While there some research that suggests eating fewer carbs can help shed unwanted kilos, Australian dietitian Lyndi Cohen doesn’t believe anyone should ditch carbs altogether.
‘Anytime you pull out one food group, you’re going to end up eating more of another, and this creates an imbalance,’ Ms Cohen told FEMAIL.
Dietitian Lyndi Cohen (pictured) said she doesn’t think people who were trying to lose weight should consider ditching carbs altogether
She said recent studies have shown a diet that includes carbs – particularly those which are slow-burning, and low-processed – can help you lose weight.
This is because diets that are fibre-rich and packed with slow-release complex carbs can help with feelings of fullness, Ms Cohen explained.
Complex carbs include quinoa, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, legumes, dairy and starchy vegetables like sweet potato. These are processed by the body at a slower rate and don’t cause a quick energy spike.
Eating slow-release carbs such as those found in whole foods like brown rice, quinoa, legumes and beans can help with weight loss (stock image)
Simple carbs including white bread, white pasta, pastries, white rice and sugary drinks were those generally linked to weight gain.
This is because they are quickly converted to sugars and if they’re not burned off can be stored more easily as fat.
Ms Cohen said people often believed that by giving up a food group, like carbs, could result in weight loss.
‘If you pull anything out of your diet you will lose weight,’ she said.
‘Anytime you pull out one food group, you’re going to end up eating more of another, and this creates an imbalance,’ said Ms Cohen
Simple carbs including processed white bread, white pasta, pastries, white rice and sugary drinks were those generally linked to weight gain (stock image)
Additionally, Ms Cohen said carbs were a necessary part of a well-balanced diet.
‘Without carbs, it’s hard to make sure you are eating enough fibre and fibre is important because it protects against cancers of the bowel or gastrointestinal tract.’
Ms Cohen also said that while eliminating carbs came with short-term benefits, it was unlikely that this could be sustained long-term.
Complex carbs such as starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes are converted to energy by the body at a much slower rate
‘You might be happy to live without bread for a month or even six months, but chances are you won’t want to live your life without bread or pasta again.
‘So even if you do lose weight, when you start eating carbs again, you will regain any of the weight you’ve lost.’
For those looking for a way to lose weight, Ms Cohen suggested taking a more well-rounded approach.
The dietitian said rather than eating fewer carbs, people would do better to focus on limiting their alcohol and sugar intake (stock image)
She said it’s a given that weight loss comes with a certain amount of willpower. But rather than using this to eat fewer carbs, the dietitian recommended people use this to limit their alcohol and sugar intake.
Eating slow release carbs has many benefits including more energy and mental stamina
‘Having a piece of wholegrain toast for breakfast isn’t the reason people gain weight – eating too many sweet treats is the thing people should be focusing on instead.’
Her advice on eating carbs applies to those she considers slow release or complex because she believes these have the biggest effects on health and energy.
‘When you start eating slow-burning carbs you are able to exercise more strongly and more consistently,’ she said.
‘Not only that you have more energy throughout the day, your gut functions well. You have the energy you need to concentrate better and won’t feel lethargic during the day,’ Ms Cohen concluded.