My carb intake is about a quarter what it was 10 years ago, and perhaps less than a quarter if beer is included. The benefits of cutting back have been tremendous, and the reasons could be argued back and forth. People do argue back and forth. There is enough evidence though that most of us don’t lead a lifestyle that requires all that much fuel. We simply don’t.

One observation I’ve had, and I’ve told many people, is that it feels like my IQ drops about 30 points after a couple slices of pizza or a big bowl of pasta. The remark is usually met with laughter and/or skepticism but I know what I feel and it’s not power of suggestion from things read in nutrition journals. I lapse into a temporary fog after loading up on carbs.

It’s not that I need vindication, but plenty of intelligent people will verify that it’s not my imagination. Here is one article: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/confused-about-carbs

And I quote: What about the alleged improvements in mood and thinking from going low-carb that some people report? That’s likely because they stop eating foods full of white flour and added sugar, says Dr. Rimm. Those highly processed carbs can cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugar levels, leading to “brain fog.” Eliminating those carbs can clear that fog. But rather than shunning all carbs, you can switch to healthier ones, which have the added advantage of providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals (see “Upgrade your carb choices.”

I’ve certainly not gone low-carb. Let’s call it less-carb. That’s helped a lot. And similarly to the above advice, I’ve generally upgraded my carb choices.