Eggs, Avocado, Steak… But Where Are the Carbs?
Why the Internet's Obsession with Carb-Free Breakfasts Drives Me Mad
Lately, I’ve been seeing the same thing all over social media: plates—sorry, chopping boards actually—stacked with eggs, avocado, steak… sometimes even liver. It’s being sold as the “ideal” breakfast
But what’s always missing?
Carbs. No toast. No fruit. No oats. Just protein and fat
And honestly—it drives me bonkers
Now let me be clear: there’s nothing wrong with those foods. I actively encourage most of my clients to eat more protein. It’s one of the pillars of muscle growth and supports fat loss, appetite control, and a healthy metabolism
But this growing trend of cutting carbs entirely—especially in the name of “health” or fat loss—completely misses the bigger picture
Carbs Aren’t the Problem. Confusion Is.
Somewhere along the way, carbs became the scapegoat for everything:
Weight gain. Low energy. Cravings. Poor performance.
But the truth is, carbs are the body’s preferred energy source—especially if you train hard or want to feel sharp throughout the day. In fact, your brain runs primarily on glucose. So yes, carbs literally help you think more clearly too
Most of the issues people associate with carbs usually come from:
Eating too little during the day, then over-snacking at night
Relying on caffeine or sugar to stay alert
Trying to follow restrictive diets that aren’t sustainable
Choosing high glycemic sources that spike blood sugar and leave you crashing
In short: carbs didn’t create the problem. Diet culture did
Eat to Perform—Not to Punish
I advocate for eating in a way that supports performance—whether that's in the gym, at the office, or just managing a full-on day. That doesn’t mean tracking every gram or cutting out food groups. It means eating enough to fuel your lifestyle, your goals, and your consistency
Here’s a personal example:
White pasta makes me feel sluggish. If I’ve got work to do or clients to coach, it’s a no-go. But something like brown rice or sweet potato? I feel great, probably because of the slower, more stable energy release
It’s not about fearing carbs. It’s about choosing ones that work for you
That trendy high-protein breakfast might look great on Instagram. But if you’re dragging by 11am or craving sugar all afternoon, it’s not serving you
Sometimes, adding a slice of sourdough or a small bowl of oats is exactly what your body needs—not just for energy, but for staying on track across the week
What I Tell Most Clients
Here’s what I recommend most often inside the gym:
Include carbs around your workouts—fruit, rice, oats, sourdough, potatoes. Pick the ones you actually enjoy
Prioritise protein—but not at the expense of energy
Don’t copy “perfect” meals from social media. Build meals that suit your routine. Some clients train early. Some train late. Some have physical jobs. Others work from home. It’s never one-size-fits-all
The Bottom Line
Cutting carbs might feel like progress in the short term, but for most people, it leads to the same cycle: low energy, poor consistency, and frustration
The goal isn’t to copy trending meals. It’s to eat in a way that supports how you want to feel—and how you want to train
