Carbohydrates, now popularly known as Carbs, are an essential macronutrient that provides energy to the body. In the recent times, everyone wants to avoid or cut down carbs to shed those extra kilos. People often turn to low-carb or keto diets as a quick way to lose weight.
However, not all carbs are bad as many carb-heavy foods are rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
“Recently at a family gathering, I noticed the host was enjoying a hearty bowl of dal with just a side salad. Curious, I asked if she’d like some chapatis. Her immediate reaction was to pull her plate away. Intrigued, I couldn’t help but ask why she wasn’t eating rice or chapati, if she was well! It was a no-brainer for me to hear her say that she has ‘cut down on carbs, especially at night’,” Dietician Komal Patel told Financial Express.com.
As a nutritionist and dietician, I’ve noticed a common trend: people are adopting healthier eating habits. They’re incorporating millets, lean proteins, vegetables, and even ghee (which was once unfairly blamed for health issues) into their diets whilst mistakenly abandoning rotis and chawal, she said.
“You ought to know that carbohydrates play a crucial role in providing our bodies with energy. They are the primary source of fuel for our brain, muscles, and other organs. Let me break this down a bit. What if I say that if our body were a car, carbs are the fuel that propels it without which even the best car with top-notch parts and a skilled driver can’t move,” the dietician explained.
Similarly, without carbs, your body, no matter how healthy it may be with proteins, minerals, and other nutrients, won’t have the energy to function properly.
While it’s true that too many refined carbs can be harmful, completely cutting them out and replacing them with salads, soups, and lean proteins might not be the healthiest approach.
“You could end up feeling tired all the time due to low blood sugar, struggling to concentrate, and even losing muscle mass, especially if you’re working out. This is because your body might turn to muscles for energy when it doesn’t have enough carbs,” she added. Research has shown that a diet low in whole grains and fiber can increase your risk of heart problems.
“Moreover, I have observed most folks skipping their breakfast to stay true to their notion of intermittent fasting. While the methodology does have its benefits, it is important to approach it cautiously. You don’t want to start your day running on empty. In my opinion, traditional Indian meals are perfectly designed for our lifestyles. With theirunique blend of flavors and textures, they offer a delicious way to nourish our bodies,” she explained.
From salads, papads, pickles, and chutneys to the main course, Indian meals provide a balanced combination of carbs, proteins, minerals and essential nutrients.
These meals often go unnoticed for their health benefits, leading many to turn to restrictive diets that might not be suitable. Instead of looking for quick fixes, we should appreciate the nutritional value of our traditional cuisine, she highlighted.