Carbs short for Carbohydrates always seem to get a bad rap. The reason is because there is a misunderstanding that there are good carbs and bad carbs. Carbohydrates still need to be consumed because the body NEEDS them for fuel. In fact, they are the primary source of energy for the body. Carbs are found in a wide array of foods - bread, beans, popcorn, potatoes, cookies, spaghetti, quinoa and sweet potato pie. They also come in a variety of forms. This most common and abundant are sugars, fibers and starches. Some examples of your good carbs from these forms are your natural fruits(sugar), vegetables(fiber) and whole grains such as oatmeal(starch).
Where the confusion seems to lie is that when people say,"I have to cut carbs!" and they forget there are a lot of health carbs. One should consume at least 50-60% of their daily intake to be carbohydrates. What should be cut is the processed carbohydrates. Anything with white sugar and white flour such as breads, muffins, donuts, candy, crackers, cakes, waffles, cookies, and pastries. You should also cut the white pasta and opt for whole wheat or brown rice pasta.
Outside of the whole wheat or brown rice pasta and oatmeal, try some brown rice, quinoa, amaranth or millet. Also, load up on your fresh vegetables and fresh whole fruits. When fresh vegetables are not an option, frozen are the next best option.
Carbs are not the enemy. It is a matter of knowing which ones pose a health hazard and could potentially put on the pounds.
No comments:
Post a Comment