Carbs have such a bad rap and tend to be a dietary scapegoat. Nobody really knows if they’re good or bad.

Many people have been quick to erase them from their diets because they heard some fitness “guru” or popular influencer say that they’re the devil and should be cast aside.

Well, I don’t need that type of negativity in my life. I prefer to think of carbs like a friend that is there for you through the good times and the bad.

I think that we should embrace it for all its delicious glory.

C’mon, who doesn’t like carbs anyway?

Carbs are delicious

If you think about it, most comfort foods have some form of carb as a key ingredient. Why? Because it tastes amazing and temporarily makes us feel better.

According to Psychology Today, eating energy-dense, high-fat, salty or sugary foods, such as chocolate, ice cream, and French fries triggers our brain’s reward system and gives us instant gratification.

Carbs are versatile

Carbs complement pretty much any type of meat, veggie or fruit. They can be the main star of the dish or placed into a supporting role — something that we eat on the side.

They can be cooked and served in many different ways so they’re easily incorporated into any meal.

Carbs can be healthy

Nowadays, I like to eat pretty healthy. I try to include a lot of fruits, veggies, fish, chicken and occasionally some red meat in my diet.

Even though I can’t (and won’t) give up carbs, it’s easy to make them healthy. There are so many different options and alternatives, like whole grains and legumes, available that I don’t see a reason to ever put them on the sidelines.

Fun stuff involves carbs

When I think about all the great parties and get-togethers in my life, carbs always made an appearance. Backyard BBQs, pizza parties, beers at the bar, pasta nights, game day fries — and many more happy memories.

Carbs for life

Ever since I was little, they’ve been a huge part of my everyday life.

Growing up in a Chinese household, our meals centered around some sort of carb. Usually, it was rice or noodles, but we also had our fair share of bread, pasta and potatoes. It made the perfect filler for hungry kids and always paired well with any dishes my mom made.

Carbs make me happy and will always be there for me. I’m not about to break up with it anytime soon.