The Truth About Carbs

Lately, it seems like my husband is always hungry and always eating! Based on what I learned from a book called “The Glucose Revolution”, I’m thinking it might be a blood sugar thing. Which means it could be a “carb thing”... Is he eating too many carbs? Not enough? It’s tough to know with all the wild advice out there. Here’s the truth. 

Carbohydrates & Your Energy Levels

First, carbs aren’t bad, they’re actually your body’s preferred energy source.That means when it comes to your energy levels, it all depends on how you use them.

If you’re not eating enough of the right carbohydrates, you might notice:

• Afternoon energy crashes
• Feeling exhausted after workouts (or during)
• Poor sleep quality
• Mood swings or brain fog

I see this all the time when my clients first come to me (and with my husband). They think they need to go low-carb to lose weight, but instead, they just end up feeling drained and struggling to get through the day. 

How to fix it: If you’re dragging, try adding slow-digesting carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, or oats. This is especially important at breakfast or post-workout. 

On the flip side, some types of carbs can zap your energy instead of fueling it.

If you’re eating too many processed carbs, you might notice:

• A quick burst of energy, then a hard crash
• Constant cravings for sweets or snacks
• Feeling sluggish after meals

How to fix it:  Swap out processed carbs (like white bread, pastries, or sugary snacks) for fiber-rich fruits, veggies, and whole grains that keep your energy levels stable.

Eating the right carbs is what makes the difference between feeling steady all day or riding a rollercoaster of cravings and energy dips.

A Few More Tips

Your body needs carbohydrates to stay fueled, and it’s about finding the right balance for your body. Try keeping a food diary for a few days while also tracking your energy levels throughout the day. You may see some surprising patterns! And if you are going to eat processed carbs, take some advice from that book I mentioned: try eating fresh veggies first or drink a glass of water with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Both will help you digest the carbs a bit more slowly to help avoid that energy crash.