Don't eat carbs after dark. Cut carbs completely. There are a lot of "rules" out there when it comes to breads, pastas, and other starches—ut did you know your body actually needs them to survive?

Let’s get one thing straight: Carbs are not the enemy. But if you’ve been swimming in diet culture for a while—and let’s be honest, most of us have— you’ve probably been told otherwise. Maybe you’ve swapped your rice for cauliflower, spiralled your zucchini into noodles or ordered a burger without the bun while secretly dreaming of sourdough.

Over the years, carbohydrates have been unfairly demonized by diet culture, with trends like keto, Atkins and other low-carb fads convincing people carbs are some- thing to fear. But the truth is, carbohydrates are essential—your body and brain can’t function without them.

What happens when you cut carbs?

Low energy levels

Without carbs, you might feel sluggish, fatigued or like you’re running on empty. That’s because your body is scrambling for fuel.

Brain fog, headaches, and mood swings

Glucose is your brain’s preferred fuel source. So when it doesn’t get enough, thinking clearly, regulating your mood, and focusing become a lot harder.

Digestive issues

Low-carb diets are often low in fibre, too, which can lead to constipation, bloating and compromised gut health.

Increased cravings and binge eating

When we restrict carbs, especially ones we actually enjoy, it often leads to intense cravings. Many people end up trapped in a cycle of deprivation, followed by overeating or bingeing—then guilt, shame and more restriction. It’s not a willpower issue. It’s your body asking—begging—for the energy it’s missing. Restricting carbs long term isn’t sustainable for most of us, and limiting them sets us up to obsess over them and lose control when we eat them.

Loss of muscle mass and slower metabolism

When your body doesn’t get enough carbs, it starts breaking down muscle for energy. That early “weight loss” people see on low-carb diets is actually mostly muscle and water—not fat. And the less muscle you have, the fewer cal- ories your body needs to function. Over time, this can slow your metabolism and make weight maintenance or future weight loss harder.

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