Demonizing carbohydrates in the diet has become a constant in recent years. Some nutritional trends have put them in the crosshairs, often accusing them of not being a relevant macronutrient. To the point that, in many cases, the only thing they seem to do is raise the glycemic peak and trigger an almost immediate sense of hunger after consuming them.
As is evident, nothing could be further from the truth. Carbohydrates are one of the three major macronutrients – alongside proteins and fats – and they can be perfectly part of a balanced diet. Although they are not strictly essential, removing them entirely from the diet is not usually necessary. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t know how to integrate them, or that our diet should depend solely on them.
Something we have discussed frequently at THE OBJECTIVE and which doctors and nutritionists also address repeatedly. This is the case with cardiologist Aurelio Rojas, one of the most popular voices in medical outreach on social media, who explained on his Instagram account the everyday changes he has made regarding carbohydrates.
Carbohydrates also fit in dinner
One of the most repeated mantras about carbohydrates is that it is not advisable to take them at night. According to the myth, the mistake lies in them being an energy source that, if not consumed, will accumulate as fat. Although the rule may make some sense at first glance, the reality is far more complex. What matters most is the daily energy balance, not simply when you consume them.
In fact, this is how carbs are accused of, since we don’t maintain the same activity level at night, we won’t burn them off. That seems inconsistent, as our body continues to operate at a different pace, yet maintains vital functions and also carries out certain repair processes.
The matter, obviously, is how to integrate carbohydrates into the day. So it’s not simply about believing that at night they will be a calorie bomb. The mistake, as is logical, lies in what we accompany them with at dinner. In that case, we sometimes blame the carbohydrates for what happens with their companions, such as a very dense and fatty sauce on pasta, to name an example.
View this post on Instagram
James Whitaker
I’m James Whitaker, a UK-based journalist focused on emerging trends and everyday stories gaining attention across the country. I cover the topics people start talking about before they fully break into the mainstream. My work aims to stay clear, factual, and closely connected to how news is actually consumed today.