Weight loss: 5 times you should absolutely avoid eating carbs

Good or bad, carbs aren't really your enemy and it's extremely tough to go a day without having them.

However, there are times you should absolutely be avoiding them.

Consuming a low-carb diet is considered ideal for losing weight and achieving many other fitness goals. In fact, complex carbohydrates can also fill you up with energy and stabilize your moods. The key is to choose the good carbs which are nutrient-dense, and not refined.

Hence, with the right quantity of protein, multivitamins and fats, you should be having some carbs on a daily basis. That being said, if you are on a mission to lose weight, there are some special times you must absolutely go no-carb. We tell you about a few of them:

Pre-workout meals can fuel you with all the energy you need to burn calories. While you may think carbs are the best way to gain instant energy, having a big load of carbs can induce nausea, especially if you are following an intense workout. Snacking on something that's hydrating or protein-rich can be a better option, as it would aid recovery and muscle building. In the same way, you shouldn't be opting for an instant carb-loaded meal after finishing your workout. Choose something healthy which will help you get the optimum results and make the most out of your workout.

We all know that heavy carbs are best avoided at night, but having them first thing in the morning is not ideal too. Confused? We tell you why

Many of us may be habitual to eating cereals or bread right after getting up. However, a lot of these carb sources are refined or pack in high sugar and fructose which can spike up insulin levels. If you happen to eat a late, loaded breakfast, heavy carbs can make you feel sluggish and land in a 'food coma'. Instead, opt for something that also contains some fats and protein, which will also keep you fuller for longer.

Stress eating, munching out of boredom or nibbling something while watching series is a common habit, which, unfortunately also makes many prone to weight gain.

Unmanaged munching can lead to cravings. If you happen to eat carbs late at night, it can cause sudden insulin spikes and may not be well-digested by the body too. The same goes for your afternoon slump or low-energy bouts. Opt for healthier snacking options, such as nuts and seeds, muesli or salads! Sometimes, water might do the trick too!

When you are short on sleep, your hormones are all out of whack and your metabolism off-balance, which may make you crave something comforting like a carb-rich meal. This is the time to resist your urge and have something packed with proteins or having low glycemic index instead if you are looking to lose off inches from your waistline. Bad sleep could also trigger high cortisol, which may make you have more sugar than you want, which is bad too.

Lastly, while you do have to pick good quality carbs in your diet, it's equally important to pair them well. If you have them unaccompanied, you can end up disturbing your GI tract, overdoing the quantity as well. Sometimes, certain forms of carbs such as sugary products can upset the stomach and put you off your fitness track. Therefore, pair them well and try and score a bit of every nutrient group on your plate.