The food pyramid has changed a lot. Even though it’s not as complicated as in the past, there is still some confusion about what foods are good for you and which ones to avoid. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex carbs and simple carbs. Complex carbs take longer to digest, so they provide sustained energy throughout the day without causing any spikes or dips in blood sugar levels. Simple carbs can be sugars found naturally in fruit or milk and added sugars from candy bars and soda drinks that have no nutritional benefits whatsoever. Try to eat more complex carb sources rather than simple ones!
The debate of good carbs vs. bad carbs has been going on for many years. For some, it is a question of which to eat, and for others, it’s more about how much. The truth is that there are no good or bad carbohydrates as long as you get the right amount, but if you want to know what kind of food falls into these categories, here are some guidelines:
Good Carbs- Whole grains like brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa make up most of your daily intake because they have fiber and other nutrients that prevent diabetes. They also help with weight loss by keeping blood sugar levels steady.
Bad Carbohydrates- Sugars like high fructose corn syrup can be found in almost any processed food such as chips or cookies.
Tips for eating more good carbs
We all know that eating the right carbs can help us feel better, but it’s easy to get stuck in the same old routine and forget about this healthy option. Here are some tips for adding more good carbs into your diet:
- Add vegetables like leafy greens and broccoli to your morning oatmeal or cereal
- Create a stir fry with brown rice instead of white rice at least once a week, or try spaghetti squash for pasta night now and then. If you’re looking for something sweet, try baking an apple pie with whole wheat flour.
Tips for eating less bad carbs
Do you find yourself craving carbs but don’t know how to stop the cravings? It’s time to start experimenting with some of these tips to eat less bad carbs and feel satisfied. First, try eliminating any bread in your house that isn’t a whole wheat or made from grains like quinoa. Then, when you’re starving, find a way to get those healthy fats into your system by adding almonds or avocado on top of your salad. Finally, think about what you’re craving instead of focusing on the food itself- maybe it’s just ice cream that will satisfy your craving.
Just because carbohydrates are often thought to be “bad” for our health, it doesn’t mean that they should be avoided. On the contrary, eating healthier carbs can help with weight loss and prevent diabetes.