Your questions about carbs - answered

When I think of carbs, my mind immediately pictures bread, potatoes and pasta. I then think about how I could never live without any of these foods, yet I’m surrounded by people who are cutting carbs out of their diet because they’re ‘bad for you’. But I’ve also heard that carbs give you energy, so cutting them out completely can’t be the answer. To clear up the confusion, we asked Australian nutritionist and Helga's Lower Carb Bread Ambassador, Susie Burrell to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about carbohydrates.
1. Are there ‘good’ carbs and ‘bad’ carbs?
While no one food is inherently bad, there are some types of carb-rich foods that don’t offer much nutritionally. Simple sugars, white bread and white rice, soft drinks and confectionery are all carb-rich foods that you could call far worse options than wholegrains, fruits, dairy and veggies.
2. Is cutting out carbs the key to weight loss?
Generally, cutting back, not cutting out. With more sedentary lifestyles, we need far less carbs than we once did, but the muscle does need some to burn body fat. It is easy to cut back with simple food swaps like regular white bread for Helga’s Lower Carb Bread (which uses a mixture of seeds to replace 25 per cent of the carb content) or enjoying just 1/2 to one cup of grains, rather than filling your entire plate with pasta, rice or cous cous.
3. Are ‘low carb’ foods better for you?
‘Low carb' foods often replace the calories with artificial sweeteners, fat and or protein.
bh tip: Since ‘low carb’ foods are laden with different kinds of calories, make sure you always read the label.
4. Do carbs cause bloating?
For people who are sensitive to some of the sugars or FODMAPS in foods, yes - some wheat-based foods can cause bloating. But this depends on the individual.
5. You shouldn’t eat carbs at night. True or false?
Most people don’t need to consume a lot of carbs at night, because it’s typically a time when we are sitting (using little energy), plus we tend to eat late as it is. Half to one cup of carbohydrates is more than enough for most people.
6. Can eating too much carbs have a negative impact on the body?
Eating too much of anything can cause weight gain over time. More to the point, an excessive intake of refined, high-GI carbs (like soft drinks, pasta and beer) can cause increased blood glucose levels and weight gain over time.
Did any of the answers above surprise you? Is there anything else you’d like to know about carbs?
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74 Member Comments
Great information !!
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Why are carbs so delicious :(
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Great article & Thanks for sharing BH.
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I can't live without carbs! I just try to use portion control
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We do need carbs for energy - aiming to get them more from vegetables than from grains
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I love carbs but I try to limit them. I eat everything in moderation to maintain a healthy weight.
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Carbs are essential if you exercise a lot
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I very rarely eat bread, pasta or rice, so I don't think I eat excessive amounts of carbs.
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I believe carbs play a valuable part in our diet and I exercise daily, so will say I need them too
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I probably eat too much carbs.
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i have cut down on carbs
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I love carbs! I try to stay away from them but ..... The temptation is driving me crazy! :(
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Bread stay away from bread if you want help loosing weight.
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I love my carbs and try to cut down but because I am exercising I feel I need them too
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Everyone's body is different and what works for one person won't work for another. Some people can eat heaps of carbohydrates and remain healthy, while others can't.
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Sounds like sensible advice
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I tried that Slendier pasta yesterday, made from Konjab, a plant. It was very different but not too bad
yes some low fat products are full of sugar, I found mayonniase to be very bad
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Carbohydrates convert to blood sugar. Some convert much quicker than others, give you a quick burst of energy, then you are tired and lethargic. (I am talking from experience). Others convert slowly and give you a balanced level of energy. You must balance your protein/carbohydrate levels.
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good advice ladies
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Everything in moderation - as always!
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I read the label of light mayo and even though it had half the calories, it had double the sugar and tasted so sweet even I did not like it
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I prefer to focus on health, instead of weight, so I could never cut out carbs - I make sure I eat wholegrain all the time to maximise my fibre. I love sushi, pasta, bread too much!
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Sushi is one of my pleasures in life, I could not give that up.
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Haha me too!! Love it so much !!
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Great Information.
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