How Many Carbs Do You Need?

Carbs have caught quite a bad reputation in recent years due to the Adkins Diet and the gluten free craze, but do you really need to throw them out of your diet altogether? It is true that when eaten in excess, or at the wrong times, carbs can be your enemy. But, if used correctly, carbs can be one of your top allies! 

Carbohydrates are your body's go-to source for fueling workouts and giving you enough energy to get through your day. Without them you will become pretty fatigued early on in the day. That's no good! 

So How Many Carbs Do You Need? 
This all depends on your goals and your activity level. A person who is pretty sedentary is not going to need the same amount of carbs as some one who is an avid runner or weight lifter. The chart below will give you a good range of how many carbs you should be shooting for each day: 
 

When to Eat Carbs:

The timing of your carbs is also something to take into consideration. Most nutrition experts recommend eating the majority of your carbs early in the day (breakfast) and as a part of your post-workout meal or shake. This will ensure that the carbs you intake are converted to energy instead of fat. 

What Carbs to Eat
Not all carbohydrates are created equal! When choosing which carbs should be a part of your diet, be sure to stay away from food that is high in sugar and opt for whole wheat/grain options. Foods like brown rice, quinoa, couscous, sweet potatoes, red potatoes, whole grain pasta, and whole grain breads are pretty good choices. 

There are so many healthy options, you're sure to find one that you love!