MYTH: Carbs are “bad” and need to be eliminated from your diet completely.
While
it’s true that it is ‘bad’ to eat anything in excess, carbs are an essential
part of a balanced diet!
There are two
types of carbohydrates: simple and complex.
Simple carbohydrates have earned a bad reputation because they are made
up of sugar molecules and once eaten - they cause a spike in blood sugar. Also, when simple carbs are eaten in excess,
the body will continue to burn these carbs instead of tapping into the fat
stores.
Then again - the elimination of carbs completely will have negative effects on
the body as well.
Carbs are your body's main source of energy. Carbs also:
- Provide proteins used by a many bodily processes
- Provide Nutrients and Good Bacteria that helps our intestines digest foods.
- Protects the muscles by providing energy to build and grow
Keep in mind also - the complete elimination of carbs causes a
nutritional imbalance which can lead to unnecessary cravings.
Balance is always best!
The FDA dietary requirements recommend that a daily nutritional balance consist
of 50-60% carbohydrates.
Instead of cutting carbs from your diet completely, stick to the proper portion daily. Also,
look for the second, healthier version of carbohydrates – complex carbs.
Complex carbs, often referred to ass starches
are high in fiber and are made up of a long chain of molecules. A smaller portion of high-fiber carbs can
help you feel full and satisfied. Also,
the complex molecular make-up of these carbs causes the body to work harder and
to burn more calories when breaking down these molecules.
Complex
carbs can be found in the following foods:
· Pasta
· Rice
· Whole grains
· Starchy vegetables such as corn and potatoes
Simple
carbs that should be avoided when possible include:
· White Bread
· White Rice
· Pastas which have undergone a chemical process that stripes away nutrients and fiber.
· White Rice
· Pastas which have undergone a chemical process that stripes away nutrients and fiber.
When this ‘stripping’ process is left to the body, it causes the
body to work more efficiently, to gather essential vitamins and nutrients, and
once again, to burn more calories in the break-down process – a wonderful
benefit!
So keep the complex carbs in your diet in the right amount and let your body work to break them down and provide you the energy you need for your focus, your workouts and keeping the rest of your diet steady!
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