Nutritionists warn cutting one popular food group can actually slow weight loss

A nutritionist has revealed that cutting out one food group from your diet can actually slow weight loss down rather than speed it up.

Plenty of people tend to cut out carbohydrates from their diet as a fast route to weight loss, especially before the summer, reports Bristol Live.

But many people aren't aware of the actual science behind carbohydrates and why nutritionists want you to think more before cutting them from your diet. Carbohydrates are one of three macronutrients - alongside protein and fat - and fall into two differing categories, refined and complex.

Melissa Snover, registered nutritionist and CEO and founder of Nourished, said: "Refined carbs, like bread and pasta, are digested incredibly fast and this causes our blood sugar to spike. Whereas complex carbohydrates are high in fibre, like vegetables, fruit, wholegrain bread and wholegrain pasta."

While there's many misleading information surrounding carbs, it can be easy to think they are a negative thing and want to cut them out - but they actually play an important part in your diet. Nutritionist Alona Pulde from the Lifesum app said: "Carbohydrates of the whole, unprocessed variety are the preferred source of energy for our body and the primary source of energy for our brain.

"The fibre in carbs stabilises blood sugars, while it also binds and helps eliminate excess hormones, cholesterol, and additional toxins from our body."

The fibre content in carbs also "provides bulk, helps keep us feeling fuller longer, satisfies our hunger drive and promotes regular bowel habits."

Simple carbohydrates tend to offer far fewer nutritional benefits, according to the expert. Alona said: "Processed, junk carbs such as cookies, pastries, candy bars, chocolate bars and sodas are devoid of fibre and instead packed with calories, fat, and sugar."

Melissa Snover also said: "Avoiding carbohydrates can actually hinder rather than support weight management, as it is important for those looking to lose weight to still maintain a balanced diet."

Alona adds: "When we restrict carbs, we deprive our body of fuel that it needs to thrive and can experience side effects such as headache, muscle cramps, fatigue and constipation, among others."

The complex carbs like fruit, vegetables and wholegrains can provide a steady release of energy which is a helpful thing when thinking about your diet overall. Alona said: "In stabilising blood sugars and maintaining satiation, we feel fuller longer and are less likely to snack on or choose unhealthy foods, or give in to temptations and cravings."

If you are thinking about nutrition then you should be considering the type of carbs you are consuming most often and see what effect they have on your body. No food is inherently 'bad' for you and there's a lot to be said about enjoying your diet - but it is important to understand what refined, processed carbs you are eating.

Alona concluded: "In essence, they are junk foods that are man-made to have us craving more and over-eating regularly. Instead, eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, starchy vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

"These are low-calorie, low-fat, high-fibre, and high-nutrient foods that will satisfy your stomach and taste buds, shut off your hunger signals appropriately to prevent over-eating and keep you fuller longer."

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