Ah, the diet trends. One minute carbs are the enemy, the next, fat is the villain, and somehow, we’re all supposed to survive on a magical combination of air and kale (gross!).
I’m here to tell you why that “carbs are the devil” mentality, or whatever version of food group demonization you're hearing, is not doing your body any favours. Instead of falling into the trap of cutting things out, let’s break down why balance is the only way to go.
Your Body Needs a Variety of Nutrients to Function Properly
Each food group—whether it’s carbs, proteins, or fats—serves a specific purpose in keeping you alive and functioning. It’s not about being "good" or "bad," it’s about working together.
Carbs: Public enemy number one, right? Wrong. Carbs are your body’s go-to source of energy. Your brain, muscles, and pretty much every cell in your body rely on glucose (from carbs) to keep you moving and thinking. Cut out carbs, and you’re basically running on fumes.
Fats: These aren’t the dietary villain they were made out to be in the '90s. Healthy fats (think avocados, nuts, olive oil) are essential for brain function, hormone production, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K). So, unless you want to be nutrient-deficient and have the mental clarity of a potato, fats need to stick around.
Proteins: You probably know protein helps build muscle, but it does more than just beef up your biceps. Protein is the building block of literally every tissue in your body. Without it, your skin, hair, nails, and organs suffer. It’s like trying to build a house without bricks.
So, cutting out an entire food group is like firing one of your body’s star players. The rest of the team can only compensate for so long before things fall apart!
Extreme Diets Make You Miserable
No one enjoys cutting out foods they love. Swearing off carbs? Say goodbye to bread, pasta, and the joy of eating pizza. Nixing fats? Forget about cheese, nuts, and anything that remotely tastes good. It’s no wonder that most extreme diets end up with a binge-fest the second you break down and inhale an entire box of donuts.
When you eliminate whole food groups, you’re setting yourself up for a mental tug-of-war. Your body starts craving what it’s missing, and you’re left feeling deprived, irritable, and more likely to overeat down the road.
Life’s too short to spend it fighting your own hunger just because someone on Instagram said carbs are evil.
It’s Not Sustainable Long-Term
Here’s a cold hard truth—any diet that tells you to cut out an entire food group isn’t something you can stick with forever. Can you really see yourself never eating a sandwich again? Or avoiding cheese for the rest of your life? Didn't think so. That would be a hard no for me!
When you drastically restrict one part of your diet, you might see results at first (hello, short-term weight loss), but you’ll likely gain it all back once you reintroduce that food group. Why? Because cutting out entire categories messes with your metabolism and your mindset. Your body’s like, “Oh hey, carbs are back? Let me store every single one of them as fat since I don’t know when you’ll try to starve me again.”
In the end, this yo-yo of extreme diets and reintroductions is not only exhausting but also harmful to your metabolism, mental health, and overall well-being.
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Balance is Key—And It’s Way Easier Than You Think
The key to a healthy diet isn’t cutting things out—it’s balance. Your body thrives when it gets a mix of nutrients from all food groups. Carbs, fats, and proteins all play essential roles, and when you include them in balanced portions, you're giving your body what it needs without depriving it.
So instead of going to extremes, try this:
Include carbs: Whole grains, fruits, and veggies are your friends. They give you energy, fibre, and essential nutrients.
Embrace healthy fats: Avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are great sources of fat that keep you full and support brain health.
Eat your protein: Make sure each meal has some protein to keep you satisfied and build muscle. Beans, eggs, lean meats, tofu—whatever floats your boat.
Add color: The more colorful your plate, the better. Aim for a variety of veggies and fruits to ensure you're getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
Cutting Carbs (or Fats, or Anything Else) Won’t Solve Your Problems
If you're looking for a quick fix to drop a few pounds, cutting out food groups might seem tempting. But long-term health isn't about quick fixes or punishing your body for enjoying a cookie. It’s about creating habits that you can stick with for life—habits that don’t involve avoiding entire food groups and dreaming about the day you can eat bread again.
Your body was designed to handle a variety of foods. When you give it what it needs in the right amounts, it’ll respond by feeling stronger, more energized, and healthier overall.
Bottom Line: All Foods Have a Place
Carbs, fats, and proteins all belong in your diet. Cutting out an entire food group might seem like a shortcut to health, but it’s really just a detour that’ll leave you frustrated, deprived, and probably eating a whole loaf of bread when no one's looking. Instead of falling into the "all or nothing" trap, aim for balance. You’ll be happier, healthier, and won’t have to say goodbye to your favorite foods forever.
And let’s face it—life’s just better when carbs are involved!
If you liked this read, check out this one about what I do as a trainer when I'm struggling!
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