Is It Worse To Eat Carbs Or Fat?

Both carbs and fat are essential macronutrients that have important roles in the body. Eating too much or too little of either one can have negative health consequences. It’s important to find a balance and incorporate healthy sources of both carbs and fat into your diet.

Does The Body Prefer Fat or Carbs?

Our bodies use both fat and carbs for energy, but the preferred source of fuel can vary based on individual factors such as activity levels and overall health ( 19 ). When we consume carbohydrates, our body breaks them down into glucose, which is used for immediate energy. Excess glucose is then stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. When we don’t have enough carbs to use as fuel, our body switches to burning fat for energy, a process known as ketosis ( 7 ). This is one of the main principles behind the LCHF diet.

Should You Avoid Eating Carbs and Fat Together?

There’s no need to avoid eating carbs and fat together, as long as they come from healthy sources. In fact, incorporating both into meals can help balance blood sugar levels and keep you feeling satisfied ( 20 ). However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and not overindulge in high-fat and high-carb foods, especially if weight loss is a goal. Moderation is key. In our Low Carb 1000 Calorie Diet guide, we explore a sample meal plan that focuses on low carb high fat meals and snacks to help you stay within a calorie-restricted diet, while still getting essential nutrients and staying satisfied.

What Are The Healthiest Fats To Eat?

The healthiest fats to eat are mono- and polyunsaturated fats, which can be found in foods like avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish. These types of fats have been linked to numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of heart disease ( 21 ). It’s important to limit or avoid unhealthy sources of fat like trans fats often found in processed and fried foods. Saturated fats from animal products should also be consumed in moderation.

Is LCHF The Same As Keto?

While they may seem similar, there are some key differences between LCHF and the ketogenic diet (keto). Both emphasize reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats, but keto is typically much more restrictive with only about 5-10% of calories coming from carbs ( 7 ). Additionally, keto often involves tracking macronutrient ratios closely in order to achieve a state called ketosis, where the body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. LCHF does not require strict macronutrient tracking and is often more flexible in terms of carb intake.