Carbohydrates are definitely essential at lunchtime , even if you're trying to lose weight. They provide both physical and mental energy, so avoiding them can leave you feeling sluggish for the rest of the day.
It's worth noting that overindulging in them can have the same effect. Furthermore, uncontrolled carbohydrate consumption leads to weight gain , a condition that increases the risk of numerous diseases. Therefore, a middle ground must be found, but where is it?
The ideal number of grams of carbohydrates for each person at lunchtime varies depending on whether you want to lose weight or simply maintain your current weight , although the difference isn't drastic. In the first case, the number of calories should be slightly lower, so the number of carbohydrates will also be lower. Consider a meal of 400-450 calories in total, where around 45% are carbohydrates, or about 50 grams.
What if we just want to maintain our weight? Then both the number of calories and carbohydrates should be slightly higher. Consider a meal of 500 calories in total, where about 55% are carbohydrates, or about 65 grams.
If you follow the guidelines above and also avoid refined carbohydrates—that is, opt for whole-wheat bread and pasta, and starchy fruits and vegetables—your carbohydrate intake at the important midday meal will approach an optimal point. This occurs when we achieve a balance between the energy we obtain and the energy we will be able to burn throughout the rest of the day . Because what isn't burned will be stored in the body, harming your figure and your health.