“If I eat this bagel, I can’t have any more bread for the
rest of the day.”
“I’ll just have a salad; I’m not eating carbs.”
We’ve all said it. But do we really know what is so bad about carbohydrates that compels us to completely
eliminate them from our diet? It turns out that carbohydrates can act as a great source of energy and nutrients. It all depends on which carbs you consume.
Simple carbohydrates are found in sugary foods and dairy products. These carbs provide little nutritional value and add calories without fueling the body.
Complex carbohydrates do just the opposite. They are the fastest way to help the body gain energy and absorb minerals. They're especially important for your brain and nervous system, both of which rely almost primarily on carbohydrates. Insoluble carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, and veggies) help speed and regulate digestion... we're not grandmas, but it's important for everyone!
Quinoa... I'm new to this one, but I can't get enough! Plus, it's quick and easy to make for yourself.
Whole Grain Bread
Bananas
Almonds... yes, nuts have carbs too.
Beans
And here are a few carbs to kick to the curb:
Granola... even if it says whole grain, there are likely added sugary simples carbs.
Dried fruits
Jelly
Fruit juice
Sometimes the easiest way to change our diet isn't restriction. It's substitution. Putting healthy carbs back into our diets makes it easier to stick with the change.
Simple carbohydrates are found in sugary foods and dairy products. These carbs provide little nutritional value and add calories without fueling the body.
Complex carbohydrates do just the opposite. They are the fastest way to help the body gain energy and absorb minerals. They're especially important for your brain and nervous system, both of which rely almost primarily on carbohydrates. Insoluble carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits, and veggies) help speed and regulate digestion... we're not grandmas, but it's important for everyone!
Here are a few ideas to get complex carbs into your diet:
Quinoa... I'm new to this one, but I can't get enough! Plus, it's quick and easy to make for yourself.
Whole Grain Bread
Bananas
Almonds... yes, nuts have carbs too.
Beans
And here are a few carbs to kick to the curb:
Granola... even if it says whole grain, there are likely added sugary simples carbs.
Dried fruits
Jelly
Fruit juice
Sometimes the easiest way to change our diet isn't restriction. It's substitution. Putting healthy carbs back into our diets makes it easier to stick with the change.
