To carb or not to carb. For many American men, that’s definitely the question. But are carbohydrates all that bad? Is a high-protein diet the answer to men’s weight loss? We break down some of the benefits and drawbacks of these two important nutritional components to reveal the fact behind the fad.



Carbohydrates

The Good: Face Facts—complex carbohydrates are a necessary part of a healthy diet. They provide energy for the entire body. And for those men looking to lose weight, restricting the amount of carbs in a diet forces the body to break down fat for energy instead of carbs. This in turn can lead to greater weight loss and reduce appetite.

The Bad: Eating too many carbohydrates can be just as bad as not eating enough. Overeating can cause weight gain and could lead to heart disease. Not eating enough can lead to headaches, irritation and serious health problems down the line as the body is forced to convert too much fat into energy and blood sugar levels drop.

Protein

The Good: Protein allows men to build strong muscles and bones and is key for growth and immunity. Eating a diet high in protein contains fewer calories and provides a greater feeling of fulfillment, both of which may contribute to faster, healthier weight loss for men.

The Bad: To fully benefit from protein, men should only consume lean forms of it. This includes low-calorie choices like lean meats, white poultry, fish, soy, beans and low-fat dairy. Eating too much protein, especially if its high in saturated fat like red meat and processed foods, can not only add pounds, but also increase chances of other men’s health problems. And if you’re just focusing on protein, you run the risk of missing out on nutritional offerings (like veggies) that might not have as high levels but are just as necessary for good men’s health.

So Which is Better for You?

The fact is that both protein and carbohydrates are necessary for a healthy diet. Man cannot live on protein alone, and carbohydrates by themselves are not what cause men to gain weight. The key is to keep protein options lean and carbohydrate servings moderate, supplementing your diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits.