If you’ve ever tried to “cut carbs” in hopes of losing weight or speeding up your progress, welcome! Carbs have been blamed for just about everything. From stubborn belly fat, thick thighs, to energy crashes and yes, even divorce. Everyone knows it’s against the law to eat your partner’s hidden donut stash.

But here’s the truth: Carbs actually are not the enemy.

And eliminating them might be slowing you down more than helping.

Let’s break down what carbs actually do for your body and how to use them to fuel your goals instead of fearing them.

What Carbs Actually Do to Your Body

Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred energy source. When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose (sugar), which fuels everything from your muscles to your brain (arguably, two of the most necessary mechanisms for a busy parent).

Here’s what a healthy carb intake will look like:

• They give you energy — so you can crush your workouts and chase your kids
• They support your metabolism — especially when eaten alongside protein and fat
• They help regulate hormones — particularly important for women’s health and wellbeing
• They replenish glycogen — so you’re not sore and exhausted after a tough workout (which, you guessed it, ain’t nobody got time for)
• They improve mood and focus — your brain runs on glucose! And your mood runs the whole household!

When you drastically cut carbs, you may feel foggy, sluggish, irritable, and constantly hangry…because your body is running on empty.

The Right Way to Eat Carbs

The problem with carbs isn’t the carbs themselves, it’s the TTP. Type, timing, and portion.

Here’s how to use them well:

1. Pair them with protein and fat
Instead of eating carbs alone (which can spike blood sugar), pair them with protein and/or fat to slow digestion and keep you fuller longer.
Ex: Add eggs to your toast. Greek yogurt with your granola. Chicken with your rice.

2. Prioritize whole food carbs
Aim for sources that are high in fiber and nutrients:

• Potatoes, sweet potatoes
• Fruits (berries, bananas, apples)
• Whole grains like oats, rice, and quinoa
• Beans, legumes, and lentils

3. Use fast-digesting carbs when needed
Carbs like cereal, rice cakes, or white bread aren’t “bad,” they just digest quickly. These can be useful during workouts or when you need a quick energy boost. Use intentionally, not constantly.

4. Portion with your goals in mind
Your portion sizes will vary depending on your macro goals, hunger, and activity. Use the Macro Friendly Food app to see how different meals impact your daily numbers, and adjust from there.

Still Feeling Nervous About Carbs?

Let’s bust a few myths:

🚫 Carbs make you fat — No (actually heck no), eating in a calorie surplus over time does
🚫 Fruit has too much sugar — Fruit also has fiber, water, and vitamins and is amazing for cell detoxification and longevity. Eat it!
🚫 You have to go low-carb to see results — Nope. We help women achieve fat-loss, maintenance, and muscle-building goals, all while eating balanced carbs every day.

You can absolutely reach your goals with carbs on your plate.

You Don’t Have to Guess Your Carb Goals

If you’re not sure how many carbs (or protein and fats) your body needs, our free Macro Calculator is a great place to start. It gives you a personalized macro breakdown based on your goals, lifestyle, and body.

🎯 Get your custom macro targets here: Use the Free Macro Calculator

And once you have your numbers, the MFF Meal Planning and Recipe App makes it easier than ever to plan meals and snacks that hit your macros without restriction or guesswork.

You don’t need to eliminate carbs to feel better, look better, or get healthier.

Instead of fighting them, learn how to use them. Fuel your body with balance, not fear.

And remember: the more you understand your food, the easier it becomes to make choices you feel good about this year.