Carbohydrates, or carbs play a vital role in a balanced diet and are called macronutrients along with protein and fats. Most people feel that carbohydrates are to be avoided in order to lose weight. This is not true. 

Dr. Gamadia says, “One can stay fit even after adding a suitable amount of carbs to his diet.” Having a diet packed with the appropriate types of carbs is a little-known secret to getting and staying slim for life. Carbohydrates speed up the metabolism and are natural fat burners in the body. The release of fatty acids through the digestive system by the resistant starch stimulates fat burning, especially around the abdomen. As a result, carbohydrates aid in boosting metabolism which results in weight loss. 

• What To Eat: Dr. Gamadia suggests that one can limit carbohydrates to lunch or dinner. He suggests that a person can have carbohydrates for lunch three days in a week. And for another three days, he says, one can have it for dinner. He further suggests that one can start the day with half a teaspoon of cinnamon, along with a pinch of turmeric powder, and lemon juice with hot water. This would not only help in the detoxification of the body but also result in improvements in metabolism and ensure a healthy liver. One can try either Poha or Idli with Sambar for breakfast. He emphasises that the sambar should have lots of vegetables, including drumsticks. For lunch, one can have dal-rice, biryani or anything else that has carbohydrates. The only precaution one has to maintain is that the food you eat should not be overly spicy. One can also have freshly homemade french fries with chicken, tofu, fish or veggies.

• What To Avoid: Oil and carbohydrates are two essential components of our diet.  Whereas bad oil causes weight gain, good oil actually helps in weight loss. Frozen food should be avoided as it may be cooked in hydrogenated vegetable oil. Worst, the oil may have been reheated, altering its chemical properties. You would notice that street vendors often use the same oil repeatedly to fry bread pakoras, fritters, samosas etc. Avoid street food made in reheated oil completely. Wherever possible, hydrogenated vegetable oil should be replaced by olive oil. Dr. Gamadia also recommends avoiding oats, jowar, bajra, and dairy products. 

Key Takeaway

Carbohydrates are an important part of the body, but in the urge to lose weight, we tend to focus on protein and fats, cutting down on carbohydrate consumption. An increase in saturated fat leads to heart disease and a lack of antioxidants, which aid in the fight against disease-causing radicals. Proper and right consumption of carbs will provide the body with the fuel to do your workout and maybe do cardio for longer.

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