So, you want to lose weight and someone told you to completely cut out carbs from your diet? I see this every day in my clinic – people trying to follow a no-carb diet, thinking it’s the magic solution to their weight loss problems. But let’s get real, it’s just not sustainable or healthy for most Indians.
Firstly, carbs are not the enemy. In fact, they’re an essential part of a balanced diet, providing energy for your body. The problem is not carbs themselves, but rather the type and quantity of carbs you consume. Refined carbs like those found in white rice, sugary snacks, and maida-based products are definitely not doing your body any favors. But whole, unprocessed carbs like brown rice, whole wheat roti, and vegetables are actually really good for you.
One common confusion my clients have is that they think all carbs are created equal. So, they’ll cut out brown rice, which is a great source of fiber and nutrients, and then go ahead and eat a packet of sugary biscuits thinking they’re saving carbs. This is a frequent mistake – not understanding the difference between good and bad carbs.
Now, I see a lot of people following a ‘healthy’ habit of replacing their regular roti with a low-carb roti made from almond flour or coconut flour. But here’s the thing – these flours are highly processed and often imported, which makes them really expensive and not very sustainable for everyday consumption. Plus, they can be high in calories and low in fiber, which defeats the purpose of eating them in the first place.
In my opinion, the key to weight loss is not about cutting out entire food groups, but about finding a balance that works for you. As Indians, we love our carbs, and that’s okay. What’s important is to focus on whole, unprocessed foods like brown rice, whole wheat roti, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. And yes, it’s okay to indulge in your favorite carbs like biryani or naan every now and then – just be mindful of your portion sizes.
So, if you’re trying to lose weight, don’t try to follow a restrictive no-carb diet. Instead, focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes that you can maintain in the long term. Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and find a physical activity that you enjoy. And most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself – weight loss is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time.