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Let me start by saying: I’ve always loved carbs. Just like you. Just like basically everyone. So when I first heard about the keto diet years ago, my honest reaction was, “Wait, no carbs? That sounds awful.”
But then, like a lot of us, I saw people doing keto and dropping weight fast. And naturally, I thought… maybe I should try it too?
My Keto Phase: The Weight Came Off… Then Right Back On
I gave it a shot. I did keto, and I actually lost 20 pounds. I stuck with it for a while, maintained my weight, and then the second I stopped, the weight crept right back on. That rebound hit me hard. And it came with a side of guilt, confusion, and a really complicated relationship with food.
For a long time after, I thought carbs were the problem. I believed that if I ate bread, or pasta, or rice, I’d instantly gain weight. I was stuck in that all or nothing mindset, and it was exhausting.
The Moment It Shifted: A Personal Trainer Changed Everything
Everything changed when I got an online personal trainer a year or two later. One of the first things they said to me was:
“Forget everything you know about hating carbs.”
At first, I was skeptical. But they explained that carbs aren’t the enemy. They’re energy. Your body needs them. Especially if you’re moving your body and working out.
They were right.
Carbs Are Fuel, Not the Villain
Now I view carbs in a completely different way.
No, I’m not eating an entire loaf of sourdough in one sitting (though don’t tempt me), but I am intentionally eating balanced, complete carbs to fuel my workouts, support my energy, and keep my body happy.
And the biggest change?
My Energy Is on Another Level
For years, I took midday naps almost daily. I couldn’t function without one. Now, that’s a thing of the past. I have so much more energy during the day, and I truly believe it’s because I stopped restricting carbs and started fueling myself properly.
Food is fuel. Carbs are fuel. It really is that simple.
What I Tell My Best Friend (and My Past Self)
My best friend still has a love hate relationship with carbs. And I get it. Diet culture really did a number on all of us. But here’s what I always tell her, and what I’d tell the old me:
- You can still eat the foods you love.
- You just need balance. Moderation. And movement.
- Carbs don’t have to be feared. They can be enjoyed and still fit into a healthy lifestyle.
My Go-To Carb Loving Meals
If you’re looking for easy ways to start embracing carbs again, here are two of my faves I make on repeat:
- Homemade sourdough toast with cream cheese, an egg, and chili crunch on top… trust me, it’s so bomb.
- Pantry stir fry or pasta dishes using De Cecco Angel Hair Nests and whatever veggies or protein I have on hand. Quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Want To Make Carbs Part Of Your Weekly Routine Without The Stress Or Guilt?
I created a super helpful Meal Planner Bundle with 10 printable pages to help you plan your meals (carbs included!), organize your grocery list, and even track your budget and pantry Staples.
What’s Inside the Meal Planner Bundle:
– Weekly + Monthly meal planning pages
– Grocery + pantry inventory checklists
– Recipe tracker + budget planner
– Cleaning checklist to reset your space (and your mindset)
If you’re ready to stop overthinking food and start feeling good about what’s on your plate…
Grab my 10-Page Meal Planner Bundle and make healthy, balanced eating actually stick.
👉 The “Hot Mess” Meal Plan Survival Kit
Not all carbs are created equal. I focus on carbs that come with nutrients, like:
- Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice)
- Veggies like sweet potatoes and squash
- BEANNNNS
- Fruit (yes, fruit has carbs and no, it’s not bad!)
I’m not scared of pasta or sourdough either (yes i’m one of those crazy people with a sourdough starter, and have made it my whole personality) I just pair them with protein and fiber to keep things balanced.
Final Thoughts
Letting go of carb guilt didn’t just improve my meals. It gave me my energy back, improved my workouts, and made me feel free around food again.
Life’s toooooooooo short to hate bread.
