Why Do People Think Carbs Make You Fat?

        Ok, you know how much I love to address so many of the urban legends of the fitness world with my content.  My long time  readers know I like to help people understand why they are doing what they are doing as they venture through the hills and valleys of their fitness journey.  How many times have you heard stop eating carbs after a certain time or just drop them completely if you want to lose weight?  Carbs have such a horrible reputation, and the masses don't give carbs the credit they deserve.  I have a question for you-do you know WHY carbs have this reputation? I mean really, why out of all of the macronutrients... carbs are the first thing to get sliced?

I have yet to hear anybody say "I need to drop a few pounds, WELP I guess I need to stop taking in protein."

       Here we go! According to studies conducted by Dr. Susan Ettinger (Registered Dietitian),  carbs in EXCESS of oxidative and storage capacity can convert carbohydrates into stored fat. But so many people either do not know or completely disregard what "consumption in excess" means so they just cut carbs completely out of the picture. You need carbohydrates to enhance the oxidation of insulin, the problem lies in taking in too much (especially without exercise).  Also, our bodies use carbohydrates to do certain things when it comes to physique construction.  That's what the goal is right? You want to see the fat go away, and muscles peak through [it's okay to admit it]. And I totally get it, but check this out…adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is an energy rich compound found in cells, one of its primary functions is to assist in muscle contraction. Stay with me for a second okay? When you consume carbs they go through a process to provide the muscle cell with ATP which is normally stored in small amounts [3 oz at any given time], so it has to be replenished.   Okay, let's bring all this craziness together to make it a little bit easier to digest.  We replenish ATP by consuming carbohydrates => which then turns into blood glucose => which is important in maintaining ATP production => which helps with muscle contraction => which helps with building your physique. Whew! That's a mouth full!  Carbs help with the energy production you need to build the body you want. Now think about how some people tend to feel a little sluggish when they are low on carbs. Ah Ha moment?

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do.

     You see, carbs serve a purpose,  but their ability to convert into fat from over consumption is where they became the  awkward person in the group everyone wants to avoid. Understanding how much is needed is the important part of the equation, and that varies from person to person. Your carbohydrate intake and response may be different from someone else's, and that goes into my biggest argument against "cookie cutter diets" or borrowing a friend's diet because it worked for them.  You have to learn what YOUR body needs and what YOUR body responds best to. You also need to understand why you are doing what you are doing if you want to be successful as you pursue your fitness goals. Stay Fit-T.H.E.