You know, up until the mid-20th century, the UK was OBSESSED with bread. We lived like we do when go on holiday, a bread roll on a side-plate with every meal, tearing open tiger rolls at any opportunity, it was all the rage. Then, someone decided sugar was the devil's work and everyone abandoned bread, gradually extending that miseducated opinion to all carbs. Now, we live in a world where low-carb diets are 'goals' on Instagram and, as part of a society obsessed with weightloss, we avoid all carbs at all costs as if they're not a VITAL SOURCE OF ENERGY.
Thankfully, a study has come out today confirming that actually, contrary to what certain social media influencers may have you believe, both low and high carb diets increase your risk of early death. What’s should we have instead? A moderate carb intake. I know, groundbreaking. ‘Everything in moderation’ may sound like a broken record, but in a world where new studies are coming out every day with conflicting nutritional advice and ‘low carb’ is printed in bold on every snack bar, it’s a necessity that we must keep shouting.
The research, published in the Lancet public health journal, pooled eight large observational studies, involving more than 430,000 people across the world. They found that having less than 40% or more than 70% of your calories from carbohydrates increases your risk of mortality.
With diets such as Atkins and Keto promoting reducing your carbs and replacing them with a higher fat and protein intake, the study’s author has concluded that these should be ‘discouraged’.
‘Low-carb diets that replace carbohydrates with protein or fat are gaining widespread popularity as a health and weight loss strategy,’ Dr Sara Seidelmann, a cardiologist and nutritionist who led the research, told the Guardian, ‘However, our data suggests that animal-based low-carbohydrate diets, which are prevalent in North America and Europe, might be associated with shorter overall life span and should be discouraged.’
She claims that if following a low-carb diet is important to you, then the sources of protein and fat are better being plant-based, such as nuts, legumes and avocado, as oppose to things like meat, butter and cheese.
‘Instead, if one chooses to follow a low-carbohydrate diet,’ she continued, ‘then exchanging carbohydrates for more plant-based fats and proteins might actually promote healthy ageing in the long term.’
However, the study confirms that following a moderate-carbohydrate diet is actually much healthier in the long term. While low-carb diets may provide short-term weight-loss results, they’re both unhealthy and unsustainable in the long run. (Also, can we just give up the endless obsession with weight-loss now anyway? Unless it’s medically advisable, we’re bored of our Instagram feeds being filled with #transformationtuesday’s)
Helen Adams, our expert nutritionist, states that the healthiest diet – and we mean that as a noun not a verb – should mean that your plate is always in the following proportions: ‘half non-starchy vegetables, one quarter protein and one quarter carbohydrates.’ She also maintains that a healthy lifestyle is all about balance, which means having that dessert you really want when you’re out for dinner this weekend, because one cake isn’t going to ruin your life (gasp, shock, horror).
So, this is your happy Friday reminder that actually, you shouldn’t feel guilty about going for pizza tonight or filling up on roast potatoes on Sunday. See ya Atkins, we’re off to value ourselves based on how incredibly fabulous we are, not how many carbs we’ve eaten this week...
Click through to see the best vegan restaurants in London that you need to visit...
Best Vegan Restaurants- Grazia (slider)
1 of 15Fed By Water
With 4.2 stars on Google, this plant-based restaurant in Dalston serves authentic Italian food. They account not just for fabulous flavour, but nutritional value and environmental concerns. You can also order from them on Just Eat, accessible and ethical, what more could you need?
2 of 15Eat of Eden
Based in Brixton, Eat of Eden specialises in West Indian cuisines fused with European flavours. Their heartly, wholesome meals are sure to leave you feeling full and have your foodie cravings filled.
3 of 15Arancini Brothers
With locations all over London, from Kentish Town to Old Street, Arancini Brothers is a vegan dream of burgers, wraps, risotto balls and stew. They regularly appear at different street markets, with their very own van man serving delicious vegan treats all over London.
4 of 15Temple of Seitan
One of the most popular vegan restaurants in London, Temple of Seitan have made a name for themselves serving delicious fast food from macaroni cheese to egg and bacon baps. With locations in Hackney and Camden, they also only pay employees the living wage.
5 of 15Essence Cuisine
Super minimalist and with the most attentive customer service, Essence Cuisine is based in Shoreditch. Collaborating with raw food connoisseur Matthew Kenney, they're menu is miles away from the usual burgers and fries vegan eateries you see. Serving a fabulous all day breakfast and dinner dishes such as raw pad thai, it's an experience in itself just visiting the restaurant.
6 of 15Manna Cuisine
Based in Primrose Hill, Manna Cuisineis a world-renowned restaurant serving vegan versions of classic British food. Missing sausage and mash or your Sunday roast? Try Manna Cuisine, you'll be carrying on veganuary all year round.
7 of 15Cook Daily
With a tonne of celebrity fans from Nick Grimshaw to JME, Cook Daily is a takeaway based in Shoreditch. The BOXPARK venue has covered seating, but the food is reason enough to pop over. It will be a unique experience, with specialities including marijuana inspired sauce...
8 of 15Itadaki Zen
Serving the best vegan japanese food, Itadaki Zen believes in the medicinal power of their organic, far eastern cuisine. Investing in both your taste senses and your day-to-day health, food from them is the treat you deserve.
9 of 15Retreat Kitchen
This adorable Richmond-based restaurant changes it's menu week-to-week, giving you a new plant-based surprise every day. From taco salad to smoothie bowls, they provide both a taste and healthy menu.
10 of 15Redemption Bar
Combining socialising with healthy eating, Redemption Bar serves vegan, sugar-free and wheat-free food with an alcohol-free bar. A fitness fanatics dream, it has two locations, one in Shoreditch and one in Notting Hill.
11 of 15Vegan Express
Garratt Lane based restaurant,Vegan Express is a family run business attempting to make vegan food mainstream. Available on Deliveroo and Uber Eats, they serve tonnes of wholesome goodness from tofish an chips to pea-protein burgers.
12 of 15Wild Food Cafe
Adding a signature wild twist to any dish, Wild Food Cafe is another health based vegan eatery specialising in raw food. Referring to themselves as a 'well-being oasis', you are bound to leave this cafe feeling satisfied.
13 of 15The Gate
With three locations across London (Marylebone, Islington and Hammersmith), this is one of the most popular vegan and vegetarian chains in the city. It's gourmet menu is wide-ranging, and the perfect place for a vegan date.
14 of 15NAMA Foods
Providing artisan raw food, which you can receive as packages if you don't fancy leaving the house, NAMA Foods is perfect for anyone who wants to Instagram their food. With a huge menu of vegan, organic and unprocessed food, they're both ethical and healthy.
15 of 15Gauthier Soho
This award-winning restaurant has received many a fabulous review from various food magazines. It's no surprise that it's quite pricey, but as a pay-day treat this french cuisine based eatery is perfect.