Many people avoid carbs thinking they are all bad. However, as I indicated in a past blog, all carbs are not created equal. The type of carbs you choose to eat are critical. So, choose wisely. For example, healthy, whole grains (that are unrefined) are better choices than processed foods. So, stock up on whole grain breads and quinoa, and avoid that white bread, chips and French fries. Therefore, pay more attention to eating healthy foods, than simply limiting or counting the grams of carbs that you’re eating.
Carbs are found in many foods, good and unhealthy. When we think of carbs, we think of white-flour pasta, chips and sugar. However, carbs are more varied than that. A good way to think of carbs is to remember that they come in common forms: sugars, fibers and starches.
In life, you need to eat a diet that has healthy carbs. Carbs create glucose in your body that is converted into energy to help support what you want to do in life. However, make sure that you chose your carbs wisely. Here are a few words of advice:
- Healthy sources of carbs are unprocessed or minimally processed whole grains, veggies, fruits and legumes. These sources provide micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber.
- Unhealthy carbs contain dead calories and a lot of sugars – here are a few to avoid: white bread, pastas, sodas, chips and sugars… These types of carbs spike your insulin levels, help you gain weight, and promote health diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.
Here are a few tips to follow:
- Start the day out right with some healthy carbs – whole grains are great for breakfast.
- On breads look for whole grain breads, but make sure it doesn’t have refined flours in it and watch the sodium.
- Look for unique legumes and grains such as lentils and quinoa and wild rice. Not only do some of these items contain carbs, but they also contain protein.
- Stay away from juices and opt for the fruit itself. You’re missing out on the fiber/roughage and you’re avoiding the sugars.
I hope that this advice helps. I also ask that you look back on my past blogs, which contain a wealth of information on nutrition. As always, DM me with questions….
