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DO WE NEED CARBOHYDRATES

Writer's picture: Mark OfferdahlMark Offerdahl

Updated: Jul 26, 2024


In a world where low-carb diets dominate the conversation about health and nutrition, it's time to clarify our stance. Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates are not the enemy; they are essential for our well-being and vitality. This resource aims to debunk the myths surrounding low-carb diets and shed light on the remarkable benefits of incorporating carbohydrates into our daily eating habits.


A Place for Low-Carb Diets


Some in the animal-based community believe that a strict carnivore/ketogenic diet (decreasing carbohydrate intake to 100 grams or less) can be strategically beneficial for ONLY about 1-3 months under specific circumstances. These may include transitioning from a very unhealthy diet, used as an "elimination diet" approach followed by incorporating foods back in slowly, combatting an autoimmune illness, or rectifying metabolic dysfunction. Some people claim they feel better on a very low-carb diet. A low-carb diet avoids packaged goods filled with seed oils and artificial sweeteners. It’s full of nutrient-dense whole foods, and it’s low in fiber (too much fiber can make people not feel well).


However, after 1-3 months, they suggest it’s time for an animal-based diet that includes carbohydrates. Why?


The Danger of Low-Carb Diets


When we don’t eat enough carbs, our bodies turn on stress hormones to supply quick energy. While this can make us “feel good" temporarily, in reality, we are slowing down our metabolism, and we’ve seen this eventually lead to muscle cramps, low libido, fertility issues, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, and more. The side effects of this unhealthy habit can often take a while to rear their ugly head.


Optimal Health Includes Carbs


This is why for optimal health, longevity, and performance/recovery, we suggest a properly constructed nose-to-tail, animal-based diet that includes organs, meat, dairy, honey, maple syrup, and fruit. Take a look at our animal-based resources for more info.


To calculate your own macronutrient targets based on your ideal body weight, check out Dr. Paul Saladino's macro calculator here.


The Benefits of Carbs


Some benefits many of our clients experience when reintroducing/including low-toxicity carbs into their diet include:


  • Proper and balanced hormones

  • Improved sleep quality

  • Consistent energy

  • Enhanced performance/recovery

  • Improved digestive health

  • Better insulin sensitivity

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