9 Times You Should Never, Ever Eat Carbs

Carbs aren’t all bad

First, remember that carbs are not the enemy. Healthy complex carbohydrates are needed for any balanced diet, as they offer tons of benefits. Without carbohydrates, you might suffer from low energy levels, emotional instability, and weakened physical and mental performance, among other not-so-great health issues.

Yet, there are certain moments when avoiding carbohydrates might be your best bet for success, whether it’s in achieving a fitness goal or simply gearing up for an event. Plus, you’re always better off sticking to healthy foods like fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains as opposed to refined carbohydrates, which can worsen your health and metabolism. Just see how this woman felt after going refined-carb free for an entire month.

Here, experts explain why ditching carbs and reaching for protein or healthy fats, in certain cases, could be beneficial.