Definition of Carbs?

[diverho]

Everyone says to avoid carbs like the plague, but what exactly do people mean by "carbs"?

I'm sure that it includes starchy things, like bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.

But, does this also include low glycemic index foods, such as broccoli, green beans, and eggplant? After all, these things are nothing but carbs.

And, what about fruit? On the one hand there are some very low glycemic index fruit, like apples, but also some very high ones like bananas. Likewise, these foods are all carbs.

So, when we say "avoid carbs" do we mean all carbs, fruits and veggies included? Or do we mean just some carbs, with the glycemic index defining which ones are allowable and which ones aren't?

-D

[archive_HULK1550]

many things to address here and im sure you will get more scientific replys later but calories that are not protein and not fat are carbohydrates. Glycemic index refers to the rate at which your body converts them to glucose thus raising blood sugar and insulin.
When you say avoid them like the plague. i first must assume that you mean in a cutting diet. Because any trying to gain muscle cannot avoid carbs like the plague or they will never grow. Your muscles (and organs, brain ect) use this converted glycogen for fuel. if there isnt any available (because you didnt eat any carbs) then your body will turn to other fuel sources such as stored fat (ketosis) and muscle. so generallys speaking if you dont eat carbs you will lose fat. But you must also be careful not to loose too much muscle. that requires a whole added explanation. but thats the only time to avoid carbs like the plaque. although you can still have some. but if you want to grow. you need carbs. This is vague as this question to could easily lead to an entire book.

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[diverho]

Yes, I was assuming a cutting phase.

So, you're saying carbs is anything that's not fat and not protein. So, that includes spinach, broccoli, squash, etc.

Man, so to lose fat (at a maximum rate), I can only eat chicken, and fish, and steak, and.. and.. olive oil and butter?!?

This sounds so horrible that it's unrealistic. I guess I'll have to be satisfied with a slower rate of fat loss.

-D

[Mister B.]

Diverho, there are varying opinions on what you need to do to lose weight. Not everyone believes that you need to eat a close-to-zero carb diet or keto diet to lose weight.

In general, I think you've answered your own question. When folks say to avoid carbs like the plague, they mean "simple carbs", as you've pointed out, and/or starches.

You bring up an interesting point on fruit. On a typical competition diet, fruit is shunned by almost all. On the other hand, competitors on a maintenance diet or a bulking diet will likely eat a fair amount of fruit.

Depends on your goals.

B

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[Swollen]

Eat all the greens you want anytime. Green vegtables (ie; Broccoli, lettuce etc.) are great sources of vitamins, minerals and the most imprtant micronutrient...the all illusive...fiber! Generally you should stay away from high glycemic carbs, but even those serve a purpose during the day to replenish muscle glycogen. I guess what I'm trying to say is everything has a distinct purpose and function and you need to listen to your body.

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[lewd_tenant]

you should get a book that tells you the breakdown of nutrients in various food. i avoid carbs, but I do eat as much green veggies as i can because most of the carbs in it is dietery fiber and it is not going to negatively effect your insulin levels. it will actually improve them.

carbs will effect your insulin levels. when your body has insulin in the blood stream it goes into storage mode to get the blood sugar out of your blood stream. as your body is shuttling carbs into storage so will go the fat and protein. this is one of the reasons to eat carbs post workout and keep the fat content low and protein high.any excess carbs your body has will be converted to fat...

Lewd

[archive_HULK1550]

No, im not saying to stay away from them either. You need some carbs. But you dont need butter!! im sure decaman will be around shortly to tell you that you lose weight when calories out is less than calories in. period! Yes those vegetables and things contain carbs but you dont even need to be on a zero carb diet to be in ketosis. If that is the diet you choose.

And also. when you say maximum rate of fat loss. generally if you try for maximum fat loss quickly. you will sacrafice more muscle than if you lose it slowly. and doing it like this will also allow you to eat more carbs. (the right ones at the right times) than losing everything at once.

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