Is there any right time to eat carbs for weight loss? - Times of India

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Cutting down carbohydrate intake and swapping unhealthy sources of carbs with healthier alternatives is the golden rule of weight loss

Carbs contain calories and some amount of sugar, which are known to quickly spike the blood sugar level and can sabotage your weight loss goal

But it is important to note that carbs are one of the most essential macronutrients, responsible for carrying out different functions of the body

But is there any right time to consume carbs, which can maximise the weight loss effort

For optimal health, your daily carbs intake should come from natural food products like fruits and vegetables

There are two types of carbs: simple and complex carbs

Simple carbs: These types of carbs contain one or two sugar molecules like fruit juice, milk

Complex carbs: Complex carbs contain three or more sugar molecules like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and sweet potatoes

For weight loss, complex carbs are considered more beneficial than simple carbs as our body takes longer to digest it and it is more nutritious

Yet while trying to shed kilos one has to choose the right source of carbs as an unhealthy source of carbs can sabotage your weight loss goal and can even lead to weight gain

When trying to lose weight, the opinion of researches varies on the timing of carb consumption

No study has been able to clearly outline the right time to eat carbs when the motive is fat loss

In a study, it was revealed that people who ate carbs only at dinner were able to shed more kilos than the one who included carbs in every meal

Surprisingly, another study found out that people who followed a low-carb diet and had carbs only in dinner or lunch were able to lose an equal amount of calories

According to a third study, which was carried out quite recently, carbs are better absorbed by the body in the morning

So, there is no fixed time to eat carbs for weight loss

Not a lot of research has been carried out concerning carbs consumption and muscle building

There are only a handful of studies as per which having complex carbs before or after the workout can help to refuel the body and may even increase protein synthesis

Our body needs energy after an intense workout routine and complex carbs can be the best options

Simple carbs can be taken between the workout for instant energy

Having healthy sources of carbs are a better option

As far as the timing of carb intake and weight loss is concerned it is better to choose healthy sources of carbs