Carbohydrates are one of the three major macronutrients in the diet. They are a primary source of energy for the body, particularly for the brain and muscles.
Despite the bad reputation they have gotten over the years, carbs are actually an essential part of a healthy diet. When you don’t get enough carbs, your body may start to show some signs that it needs more. Here are five signs you may need more carbs in your diet:.
1. You’re Always Feeling Tired and Lethargic
Carbs are the body’s main source of energy. Without enough carbs in your diet, you may start to feel sluggish, tired, and lethargic. This is because your body is forced to rely on other sources of energy, like protein and fat.
While these nutrients can also provide energy, they are not as efficient as carbs. If you find yourself feeling tired all the time, try adding more carbs to your diet and see if it makes a difference.
2. You’re Struggling to Lose Weight
If you’re trying to lose weight, cutting carbs may seem like a good idea. However, going too low on carbs can actually make it harder to lose weight.
Carbs are important for providing energy during exercise, and when you don’t have enough energy, you may not be able to work out as intensely as you need to in order to burn calories and lose weight. Additionally, cutting carbs too much can lead to cravings for unhealthy foods, which can sabotage your weight loss efforts.
3. You’re Always Hungry
Carbs are important for keeping you feeling full and satisfied after a meal. When you don’t get enough carbs, you may find yourself feeling hungry soon after eating. This can lead to overeating and weight gain.
If you’re always hungry, try adding more healthy carbs to your diet, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
4. You’re Constipated
Fiber is a type of carb that is important for digestive health. It helps keep things moving in the digestive tract and can prevent constipation.
If you’re not getting enough fiber in your diet, you may experience constipation and other digestive issues. Adding more fiber-rich carbs to your diet, like fruits and vegetables, can help keep your digestive system healthy and functioning properly.
5. You’re Having Trouble Concentrating
The brain relies on carbs for energy, and when you don’t get enough carbs in your diet, you may experience brain fog and trouble concentrating.
If you find yourself struggling to focus or having trouble remembering things, it may be a sign that you need more carbs in your diet.
Overall, carbs are an important part of a healthy diet. If you’re experiencing any of these five signs, consider adding more carbs to your diet or speaking with a registered dietitian to get personalized nutrition advice.