Should carbs and fat be mixed?

One explanation I've seen why it is bad to mix the two is that carbs spike the insulin, and fat is then stored. However, I think a counterargument could be made that fat slows the digestion of said carbs, hence fat would mitigate the insulin spike.

So is it a myth or a fact that carbs and fat shouldn't be mixed?

Interesting, but the other side wasn't represented in that thread. Swolecat seems to advocate against mixing the two, so maybe he could tell us.

Should carbs and fat be mixed?

One explanation I've seen why it is bad to mix the two is that carbs spike the insulin, and fat is then stored. However, I think a counterargument could be made that fat slows the digestion of said carbs, hence fat would mitigate the insulin spike.

So is it a myth or a fact that carbs and fat shouldn't be mixed?


That is a pretty broad question-what kind of carbs and fats are you talking about? A cola drink and french fries dipped in cheese whiz, or an apple with handful of raw peanuts? Huge difference. The answer also depends on the rest of your diet, your metabolism, activity level and other factors.

Not all carbs spike insulin. Not all fats are bad. Fiberous vegetables are complex carbs and will not spike insulin. I load up on these at dinner along with healthy fats like olive oil and have no problems. Two servings of broccoli contain 8 gr of carbs, 6 gr of fiber and 2 gr of net carbs and no insulin spike. I eat natural almond butter or natural peanut butter daily, I just don't put it on white bread or crackers. I sometimes put it on a whole wheat/oat bran tortilla (5 gr net carbs) or an apple.

If you are trying to cut, stay from simple and sugary carbs, except after workout. That means no white breads, white pasta, bagles, french fries, doughnuts, most cereals, syrups, pretzles, sodas, juices, etc. (Drink lots of water instead of those sugary drinks). Processed foods containing both simple carbs and saturated fats is what you really want to limit. That means no cakes, cookies, crackers, pies, pastries, candy, etc.

What you should be most concerned about is the quality of the carbs and fats you eat together. If two to three hours after dinner you are hungry like I am, which would be better: a cup of cottage cheese with a few raw almonds, or a bowl of Kellogs Corn Flakes (GI of 92!) and some potato chips? The first choice would be better. (Personally, I often skip the almonds at night and have a scoop of protein or organic dried fruit with the cottage cheese. Yes, a little fructose, but not enough to worry about). The second choice will spike your insulin and clog your arteries with hydrogenated fats. If you do it often enough, you will be on your way to lardville in no time.