create an account

Create an account to track orders, manage your meal plan, and update your delivery preferences.

Already have an account with us?

pinterest Save

Here’s why the body thrives on carbs

Over the last few years, carbs have received a bad rap, as low carb diets have seemed to skyrocket in popularity. But, is restricting your carbohydrate intake really all that healthy? For years, research has shown that carbs serve as the optimal fuel source for the body, and this still holds true today. 

Read on to learn about why carbohydrates are still the body’s preferred fuel source and why the body thrives on nutrient-dense complex carbs.

 

4 Reasons the Body Thrives on Carbs

 

 

#1 Our Muscles Run on Carbs

There’s a reason why athletes notoriously fuel up on a carb-heavy meal before a big athletic event. This all has to do with the fact that our muscles rely on glycogen (aka carbs that are stored in our muscles and liver). By fueling your body with plant-based carbohydrate-rich foods before exercise, you can be sure that your muscles have their preferred energy source.

 

#2 The Brain Needs Carbs

Just like our muscles need carbs, our brain does too. The brain’s preferred energy source is glucose, and you get glucose from carbs.

Think about the last time you went a while without eating or if you went all day without carbs. Chances are, you felt fuzzy and maybe even irritable. This brain needs carbs to help us stay focused and have the mental stamina to power through the day.

 

#3 Healthy Carbs May Help With Fat Loss

Ditch the idea that all carbs are bad and that all carbs make you fat. Researchers at Brigham Young University in Utah actually found that those who boosted their fiber-rich food intake (which are generally rich in complex carbs) lost weight.

Those who lowered the amount of fiber they consumed, gained weight. This gives us the information we need to know that complex carbs like beans, lentils, and starchy veggies may be great for our waistline.

 


#4 Restricting You Carb Intake May Have Consequences

Drastic restriction of any food group is bound to have long-term health repercussions. And, avoiding carbs may not be the best thing for overall health.

When you cut carbs, you may be more prone to feeling fatigued and experience brain fog. Studies have also found that low carb diets may be linked to a greater chance of heart disease.

 

The Healthiest Plant-based Carbs to Add to Your Diet

 

Ok, so we get that the body needs carbs to thrive, but not all carbs are created equal. The rule of thumb here is to steer clear of refined and processed carbs. Things like white bread, pasta, pastries, and candy should be avoided—all that sugar isn’t going to do the body any good. It’s the complex carb, fiber-rich foods that our body relies on for energy.

Here are some of the most nutrient-dense carbohydrate options to add to your plant-based diet.

  • Quinoa
  • Brown rice
  • Lentils
  • Beans
  • Chickpeas
  • Starchy veggies (like sweet potatoes and squash)

 

 

Eat the Carbs

If all the talk about low carb diets has you confused and wondering about your own carbohydrate intake, don’t sweat it. Studies still indicate that healthy carbohydrate consumption from plant-based and high fiber sources is beneficial for overall health.

So long as you are limiting your intake of refined carbohydrates, consuming complex carbs can be a really great way to create a well-rounded plant-based diet to support overall health.

 

Veestro.com

Related Blog Posts

the best ways to stick to your resolutions

5 winter superfoods for more energy

5 tips for plant-based eating while traveling

plant foods that boost your energy

what difference can one person make by going vegan?

5 plant-based foods to ease anxiety

foods that help your body produce collagen naturally

5 hacks for a plant-based july 4th bbq

snacks: eat this, not that!

5 high protein veggies to add to your diet 

how long do vegetables last?

fresh is not always best: 4 surprising benefits of frozen food

5 ways plants power us in 2021

4 reasons why a plant-based diet will give you healthy, vibrant skin

what are food deserts and food justice?

5 easy and healthy vegan holiday side dishes 

benefits of fermented foods for gut health

tofu: is it good or bad for you?

the surprising benefits of chocolate for health and well-being

here’s why eating vegan isn’t just good for you, it’s good for the environment

benefits of eating beans

5 easy plant-based substitutes

3 easy vegan recipes for dinner

5 delicious and refreshing vegan summer beverages

5 advantages of plant-based diets for children

use this one hack to make going vegan easy 

here’s how a plant-based diet may reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes 

easy plant-based breakfast ideas

6 reasons why veestro is the best vegan meal delivery service

eat these 5 foods to get all the necessary vitamins and minerals

how protein and fiber help digestion and muscle recovery (and where to get them on a plant based diet)

how to stay hydrated this summer

5 foods that are good for your gut health

5 plant-based foods for better sleep

when cravings hit; eat this, not that!

5 superfoods that help boost immunity

5 real superfoods + 3 that are all hype

not all carbs are created equal: complex vs. simple carbs

5 foods for beautiful skin

breakfast: eat this, not that

top 5 mood-boosting foods to add to your diet

how can eating more plants help your heart? 3 benefits

5 health-boosting spices

here’s why the body thrives on carbs

the power of choosing beans over beef

how to boost your immune system for the cold and flu season

is oat milk healthy?

what you eat can impact climate change

an easy approach to reducing your risk of breast cancer

why does magnesium matter? 5 magnesium-rich foods

3 simple tips for losing weight starting today

deaths linked to heart disease are on the rise: here’s how a plant-based diet can help

your second brain - tips for a healthier gut

microwaves and nutrition: do microwaves kill our food?

5 vegetables that should be on your thanksgiving table

what's the deal with intermittent fasting?

eat these 5 foods to stay hydrated this summer

allergic to soy? these are 7 non-soy sources of protein

think fresh meals are better than frozen? think again!

what 1,500 calories looks like on a plant-based diet

your sugar detox guide

are you vitamin d deficient?

here’s what happens to your body on a juice cleanse

don't like what you see in the mirror? these 3 things are ruining your skin.

bad diets are responsible for more deaths than smoking

10 facts you didn't know about climate change

war on waste: are fresh veggies healthier than frozen?

got milk? the dairy industry’s mass deception

5 ways you save the world by eating vegan for lent

what happens to your body when you go vegan?

how easily can the pope go vegan?

supercharge your sex life

is it possible to prevent and reverse disease?

detox your body

eating your way through diabetes

eating healthy doesn’t have to be scary - 5 simple tips

5 kid-approved lunches

5 best summer drinks

the most unusual facts about berries

debunked: 5 myths about veganism

can you get enough protein from plants?

5 foods you should never eat

memorial day barbecuing - veggies worthy of the grill

spotlight on: activated charcoal

5 superfoods for women's health

ancient remedies we use today

five magnesium-rich foods for stress relief

how to make the most of earth day

why detox?

10 ways to sneak in more veggies

5 surprising benefits of coconut oil

high fiber foods you can snack on

myth vs fact: 5 things you didn't know about vitamin c

plant-based aphrodisiacs that work

5 heart-healthy foods

8 underrated veggies & why you should be eating them

probiotics - your best friend around the holidays

5 easy ways to detox after overindulging

holiday spotlight: pumpkin

how to trick your kids out of treats

the key benefits of juicing

should you take supplements?

veggie anatomy 101: carrots

mindful eating

is plant-based good for kids?

good carbs vs. bad carbs

food facts: tomatoes

frozen vs. fresh: know your veggies

why participate in meatless monday?

10 seasonal superfoods

5 summer foods to keep you hydrated

american classics redux

how much water should you really drink?

3 plant-based bbq tips for july 4th

stone fruit: five favorites for summer

men's health month: five plant-based benefits for men

protect our planet: plant-based goes mainstream

5 protein-packed veggies

5 tips for a plant-based memorial day bbq

7 tips for eating less meat

10 foods that boost your brain

five concerns about plant-based calories

5 ways to care for the planet

vitamin d: essential like the sun

10 tips for going plant-based

is soy good or bad for men?

12 foods to keep your heart happy

the sweet truth about sugar: myths and facts

get grounded with this winter superfood

how to: make winter eating your healthiest

best of 2016: meals

four reasons to go organic

5 winter squashes you need for better health right now

how to have a mindful and happy thanksgiving with 7 easy tips

5 simple ways to cut out dairy

halloween inspired veggies to help you live longer

easy halloween treats

fat vs. sugar: the battle rages on

why eating less meat is better for the environment

the soybean saga: myths and facts

5 reasons to fall in love with kale all over again

21 days with kathy patalsky: the full review

5 easy ways to dip your foot in the (vegetarian) pool, without jumping in head first

5 things you might not know about meatless monday, but should.

five reasons to get your calcium from plants

top reasons to have an apple a day

meeting your nutritional needs with veestro

just how important is breakfast?

can you can?

star-spangled weekend

celebrate strawberry season

food facts: watermelon

how to get dad to put down the meat

massage that kale

plant based protein to keep you satisfied

this memorial day rock the meatless bbq

the truth behind antioxidants and food

do you get enough energy from your food?

celebrating mom

8 weeks to summer: kickstart your weight loss

5 easy greens to add to your diet

earth day & passover-a day for celebration

attention all humans

is it a flower or a vegetable: discover the artichoke

meal replacement replacement meal

dining out on a plant-based diet

maple season-yum!

springtime holidays

leaders in plant-based nutrition

be uniquely green this st. patrick's day

6 foods that help reduce inflammation

celebrating national frozen food month

why be meatless?

jane esselstyn on women's heart health

how to survive the super bowl binge

5 ways to eat less and feel full

did you know these 5 things affect your weight?

new usda nutrition guidelines

pass around the pumpkin pie

8 crazy nights-lighten up chanukah treats

how to eat smart at the office

grains to protect your immune system this winter

plant-based thanksgiving

movember, prostate cancer, and your diet

meet the esselstyns-they're a plant-based family

linking breast cancer and diet

tips for busy back to school time

preserving the harvest

zucchini love

junk food day?

lower your cholesterol the easy way. eat more fiber.

red, white, & blue can be healthy for you!

nih guide: how to lower blood pressure with a dash eating plan

asparagus season

how to survive the summer bbq

it's cinco de mayo-get your bean on

earth day every day-for the planet and your tummy

stop the madness! treat heart disease with a healthy diet -- not drugs!

world health day & connection to vegan diet

maple sugaring

want to lower your cholesterol? a pill is not a magic bullet!

are you at risk for heart disease?

my thanksgiving secret...

losing your mind? try these memory boosting superfoods!

can eating more veggies save your eyesight?

don't have breakfast without one of these three!