Carbohydrates frequently get a bad rap when it comes to the world of health and fitness. Poor pasta, rice, and bread are chucked out of the window, and high-protein food like fish, lean meat, and eggs are stocked in the pantry.

Low-carb diets like Keto, the Atkins diet, and Paleo have become increasingly popular for weight loss. Several scientific studies have also associated a low-carb diet with weight loss.

But how does cutting carbohydrates out of your diet lead to your dream body?

 

CUTTING CARBS HELPS YOU BURN FAT

 

 

Carbohydrates are an instant source of energy. When you eat a meal that has all three major food groups; carbohydrates, protein, and fats, your body will first use carbohydrates to produce energy. Carbohydrates are made from a simple chain of glucose molecules that can be easily broken down during digestion to release energy. On the other hand, proteins and fats exist as a complex chain of molecules (amino acids and lipids) that are hard to break down.

When you keep consuming a diet rich in carbohydrates, your body will only burn carbohydrates and a small percentage of protein to release energy. The fat will be stored inside your body as a reserve in case you require energy later on.

But when you eliminate carbs completely (or a very significant portion) from your diet, your body uses up the stored fat to release energy. As the fat slowly starts to melt and is broken down to release energy, you become slimmer and leaner.

 

CUTTING CARBS MAKES YOU FEEL LESS HUNGRY

 

Just like sugar, carbohydrates are addictive. Eating some of it will make you feel like eating more. After all, carbohydrates are made from glucose molecules, and glucose is a form of sugar.

But when you give up (or greatly reduce) carbs and stick to proteins, fiber, and good fats, your body normally stops craving sugar after a week! It starts to get all the nutrients that it needs, and as a result, you feel less hungry and more energetic. Naturally, when you feel less hungry, you don’t feel the need to eat snacks every hour or so. Your Calories In Calories Out (CICO) count becomes balanced, and you only consume the calories that you require during the day.

 

CUTTING CARBS MAKES YOUR MUSCLES STRONGER

 

 

You need protein to make muscles, not carbohydrates. Always remember those excess carbohydrates will be broken down to glucose, and insulin will convert it into fatty acids. These fatty acids will be stored around your organs and muscles in the form of adipose or fatty tissues. These fatty tissues make it hard for your muscles and organs to function properly.

But when you cut down your carbohydrate intake and rely on a diet that is rich in protein and healthy fats, you make your muscles and organs stronger. The fatty acids that accumulate around the muscles and organs are broken down to produce energy and protein is used to make the muscles stronger.

 

CUTTING CARBS GIVES YOU CLEAN ENERGY

 

Carbs may give you instant energy, but they do not give your body the nutrients it needs for proper functioning and healthy growth. This is why, after eating a bowl of rice, you feel sluggish. Compared to that, protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats give you clean energy and the nutrients your body requires to stay healthy and function properly.

You will feel lighter, more active, and energetic after cutting carbohydrates from your diet. This means you will be able to workout longer and get closer to attaining your dream body.

 

CUTTING CARBS FLATTENS YOUR BELLY

 

Carbohydrates cause bloating of the stomach. People who eat more carbohydrates look like they have fat bellies, but it is only because their stomachs become bloated. When you stop eating carbohydrates, the bloating in your stomach reduces, and as a result, you get a flatter belly.

So, if you want to achieve your dream body, say no to carbohydrates and switch to a diet that is rich in proteins, good fats, and fiber.