Weight Loss Tips: Your body needs both protein and carbs to stay healthy.
It is commonly believed that when it comes to weight loss, protein is your best friend and carbs are your enemy. Yes, it is true that protein should be an essential part of your weight loss diet. But intake of other nutrients is equally important. In one of her recent Instagram reels, nutritionist Lavneet Batra helps us understand whether protein is better than carbs or not. She talks about the myth that “proteins are better for weight loss than carbs.” However, the fact is, “both provide the same amount of energy, i.e. 4 kcal/gram.”
Carbs vs Protein: Which is Better?
She writes, “If you are comparing boiled chickpeas to french fries, definitely carbs are bad and proteins are better! You have to look at it holistically!
“Carbohydrates provide bulk to the diet and are our main source of energy. Your body can convert excess carbohydrates into energy stored as glycogen.
This stored glycogen is used during periods of starvation or when the body needs energy. Plus, the fiber from carbs helps promote good digestive health and may help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
So – carbs are not the enemy! The type of carb you are consuming. Refined carbs are bad carbs – like biscuits, bread, and many more. She continues.
On the other hand, proteins are required for the growth and maintenance of tissues. Your body’s protein needs depend on your health and activity level. Protein contains 4 calories per gram, the same amount of energy that carbs provide.
BUT – you don’t want your body to use all of its protein for energy because protein has so many other important things to do! Therefore it is not wise to make them your only source of energy-giving nutrition.
Carbs and fat are much better energy-providers, as your body maintains stores for use as fuel. Protein should be consumed at the rate of 1 gram per kilogram of body weight to a maximum of 2 grams per kilogram of body weight. Excess protein, if not used efficiently by the body, can put a metabolic burden on the bones, kidneys and liver. She writes
She ends by saying, “So…don’t compromise on carbs. They should be consumed in the range of about 120 grams-180 grams per day.
Watch Reel:
Nothing is better than a balanced diet. Every aspect of our diet plays an integral role. Therefore, you must consume enough nutrients and healthy foods.
Disclaimer: This content provides general information only including advice. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult an expert or your own physician for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.
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