Incorporating Healthy Carbs into Your Diet
It is impossible to deny that carbohydrates have been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism over the years.
While eating a lot of simple, refined carbs is not going to benefit your healthy eating efforts in any way, there is no need to view all carbs in a bad light. Nutritious, complex carbs can, in fact, be a great addition to a healthy lifestyle.
Here are a few ways to easily incorporate more healthy carbs into your diet.
Avoid refined carbs where possible
Refined carbs usually undergo many production processes that remove most of the fiber from the food sources. They burn up fast in the body which results in a blood sugar spike and unpleasant crash later.
Some of the most common types of refined carbs include white rice, white bread, sugary sodas, cakes and pastries, and sweets. Steer clear of these food sources as much as possible, instead compiling delicious and nutritious meals with complex carbs such as brown bread, brown rice, and fresh fruit and vegetables.
Distinguish between Net and Total Carbs
If you are counting carbs as part of your diet you need to be able to distinguish between total carbs and net carbs. By doing this, you will be able to read product labels better and subsequently make better food choices.
When looking at a typical food label remember that total carbs will include a number of additional components such as sugar, sugar alcohols, and fiber that contribute towards the overall carb count. The term net carbs, however, refers to total carbs minus fiber.
Opt for variety
While it may seem like a good idea to stick to a simple diet that consists of only a few basic food items, it’s not. Being bored with your diet is a sure-fire way to fall off the wagon completely.
Try to incorporate as many healthy carbs into your diet as possible. Choose fruit and vegetables in different colors such as spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, watermelon, and berries alongside a portion of protein for a healthy meal.
If you are not following a low-carb diet you can also indulge in healthy choices such as sweet potatoes, whole grain pasta, and a selection of beans, nuts, and seeds.
Carbs are by no means the enemy they are made out to be. In fact, healthy carbs form a very important part of a well-balanced diet.
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