Why “low carb” might be holding you back
The low carb movement has been around for a while now and you are probably familiar with these phrase: “You have to cut carbs to lose weight.” “If you have diabetes, you can’t eat carbs.” “To balance blood sugar, you must reduce carbs.”
The truth? These myths couldn’t be further from reality — and believing them might be exactly what’s holding you back from steady energy and lasting results.
Your body needs carbohydrates
Carbs are your brain’s and muscles’ preferred energy source. The brain alone uses up to 20–25% of all the glucose your body consumes. Harvard Medical School+1
When you restrict carbs too much:
- Energy levels drop.
- Your stress hormone (cortisol) tends to rise.
- Cravings intensify because your body is seeking fuel.
In one study of healthy lean individuals, very low-carbohydrate intake (<45% of total energy) was correlated with impaired glucose homeostasis, and even metabolic acidosis. PubMed
Bottom line: Carbs themselves aren’t the enemy. Your body relies on them — especially when under stress, busy, or balancing blood sugar.
It’s not about going low carb — It’s about pairing them
Rather than simply cutting carbs, it’s far more effective to pair them well — with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Why? Because this combination slows digestion, reduces rapid blood sugar spikes, and helps you avoid the crash that triggers hunger, irritability, and cravings.
For example, research shows that disturbances in carbohydrate utilization can negatively impact cognitive performance, mood, and memory when carbs are too low.
Further reading: Carbohydrates and mental performance (PubMed)
Actionable tip: When you eat a carb-rich food (whole grain, fruit, root veg), aim to include:
- A source of lean protein (chicken, beans, fish)
- Healthy fat (olive oil, avocado, nuts)
- Fiber (veggies, legumes, seeds)
This isn’t about rigid rules — it’s about supporting stable, steady physiology.
Balanced carbs = Balanced metabolism
Overly restricting carbohydrates for long periods can backfire in terms of metabolism, hormones, sleep, and long-term results. Some key research:
- A meta-analysis found that short-term low-carb diets (<3 weeks) increased cortisol and altered hormones like testosterone. (PMC+1)
- Another study found that very low carb diets in healthy young adults led to a greater drop in T3 thyroid hormone compared to higher-carb condition. (PubMed)
- Articles summarizing the risks of extreme carb restriction note that it can cause nutrient deficiencies (fiber, vitamins, minerals), low energy, gut issues and a weak long-term metabolic outcome. (EatingWell)
What this means: A sustainable, moderate carb approach supports:
- Healthy thyroid and hormone function
- Better sleep
- Steadier metabolism
- Less rebound weight gain or restriction rebound
What’s coming — My signature program
This and so much more is what we’ll dive into in my upcoming signature program launching in the new year: The Body Balance Program — a step-by-step approach to steady blood sugar, improved energy, and a calmer relationship with food.
When you let go of the “carbs are bad” belief, you make room for better sleep, stable moods, fewer cravings, and long-term results — without restriction.
If you are interested in becoming a beta tester of the program sign up here.
Until Then — I’m Here for You 1:1
If you’re tired of trying things that don’t work, now is the perfect time to start fresh.
✨ Imagine where you could be by the new year if you started today.
Find out which program would work for you here. Or book a Meet & Greet call here.