Good Carbs, Bad Carbs

Our bodies need carbohydrates! It supplies us with much needed energy, especially for those who are athletic. But eat the wrong kinds and amounts of carbs and you can end up breaking your scale! I love carbs! Who doesn't? Most comfort foods are high in carbohydrates. But we need to eat the right kinds and not overload our bodies with carbs (unless you plan on running a marathon). The Glycemic Index, which I recently posted on is interconnected with good carbs and bad carbs. Generally speaking, carbs that are low on the glycemic index are "good carbs" and those that are high and nutritionally deficient are "bad carbs". "Bad carbs" are what experts think is the leading cause of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, high-cholesterol and among other health issues. Eating the wrong kinds of carbs and too much of them can have a contradicting effect, leaving you sluggish and low on energy. Eating carbs that are closer to nature, such as unprocessed grains are a much healthier choice and have tons of benefits! Fruits and vegetables are the best kind of carbs. Closely following are beans, legumes, nuts (on a side note, nuts are also on the "good fats" list) and seeds. Whole grain foods such as oatmeal, bran flakes, whole grain bread, whole grain pastas, brown rice, and so on are also considered "good carbs". Most good carbs are high in fiber, low on the GI, high in nutrients, stimulate and supports metabolism and provide energy. "Bad carbs" are things like cakes, cookies, pies (basically baked goods made with white flour and/or sugar), candies, non-diet sodas, white flour products, most potatoes, white pasta, ect. Cutting out bad carbs and incorporating good carbs will likely make you feel better, give you more energy, and help you lose excess body fat.

Recommendations:

1. Eat a serving of beans or legumes at least 1-2 time per day

2. Keep on hand a variety of your favorite fruits and veggies to snack on. Do not limit yourself to these. More often than not, we are not eating enough of them. Try to load up half your plate with them at meals, especially salads with low-fat vinaigrette.

3. Nuts are a great take along snack as long as they aren't a trail mix loaded with salt and candies.

4. Limit refined flour goods such as white bread, cakes, cookies, doughnuts, cupcakes, brownies (all the good stuff).

5. Choose "whole grain" products

Basically, choosing products and produce that are closer to nature and avoiding processed foods whenever possible is your best bet.