There is a growing trend of eliminating carbs from the diet. Many people have started following a low-carb diet to lose weight, or simply because they think it’s a healthier form of diet. However, it is not true!
Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for your body, and without carbs, your digestion process, and your brain functions, all can get hampered. Here are a few signs that indicate a lack of carbohydrates in your body and the need to add high carb foods back into your lifestyle.
- You are always constipated.
If your bowel movements are not regular and you are constipated, your body needs more fibre. Fibres are the fuel that prevents constriction in your GI tract and helps in the elimination of stools, and carbs are one of the main sources of fibres.
However, when it comes to including carbs in the diet for constipation, the choice of carbs matters significantly. Unrefined carbs are rich in fibres, whereas refined carbs are usually stripped of all fibres. Hence, eat good carbs like unrefined whole grains to promote bowel movements and relieve constipation.
Just like your bodies, your brains also need adequate carbs to function properly. A low-carb diet can deprive your brain of the energy it needs and make you feel sluggish and weak throughout the day. Therefore, whenever you feel low energy in the body, add high carb foods back into your diet.
Addlife Tip:
When carbs and proteins are cooked or eaten together, the quality of protein enhances because certain amino acids are present in the proteins while the others are present in carbs. Together, they make a fulfilling healthy diet. Hence, we at Addlife, recommend eating rice with Dal and chicken to provide a good protein-rich diet to your body. Khichdi is also a highly nutritious carb and protein-rich diet.
- Your usual workout sessions have suddenly become exhausting.
What is the first thing your body uses to generate energy? Carbs! Therefore, when the muscle stores of carbohydrates are low, you are less likely to sustain a high-intensity workout.
Hence, if you suddenly start feeling exhausted in your usual high-intensity workout sessions, replenish your energy stores with carbs. It is best to eat good carbohydrates like a banana before and after your workout session to provide your body with instant energy.
- You are experiencing frequent headaches.
Getting headaches from time to time is normal and not a matter of concern. However, if you are getting them almost every day, it may indicate a lack of carbohydrates in your body. A low carb diet can make your blood sugar levels fall and cause frequent headaches. Therefore, if you experience headaches almost every day, start including high carb foods in your diet like apples, pears, carrots, rice, chapatis, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sago etc.
- You experience mood swings and feel irritated.
When your body is short on carbohydrates, you are more likely to experience mood swings, especially irritability. Carbs help increase the production of serotonin in the body, which is a hormone that helps balance your mood and brings about a sense of happiness. Hence, if you experience mood swings often, it is best to include carbs in your diet again.
- You don’t feel satisfied even after eating a full meal.
Not eating enough carbs can put you at risk of nutrient deficiencies and ruin your hunger and fullness cues, leaving you unsatisfied. It can also affect your digestion process and make you feel unsatisfied even after a full meal. Therefore, it is advised to eat a balanced meal with an adequate quantity of high carb foods.