Whole Grain Pasta? Starchy Carbs?

jackiejax1981

I am so CONFUSED right now!!!

Okay....so....when I look at total carbs i subtract the fiber to get the remaining carbs. But lets say there are 20g carbs, 5g figer, 2g sugar.....the rest are starch, right? Like if i'm looking at pasta or oatmeal. So...what I don't understand is.....what 'starch' carbs are good for you. If I eat whole grain bread or whole grain pasta....are those starchy carbs good for you, or no? I know I should be limiting starchy carbs in general and choosing whole wheat/whole grain over white but only because i know grain is good and white means its stripped of something....and that well, it's what media says. I like finding out the facts, so I'm really trying to understand what I should be thinking is OK and what is not when I look at these damn nutrition labels. I need LAMENS TERMS PLEASE! lol

I know this is not as hard as I am making it. LOL.

sugarbone

Yay for learning about food! Althought honestly I don't know the answer to your question haha. Wholegrains have not had the "husk" removed from the grain, which can yield a different texture but much more fiber and other nutrients. Wholegrains are just fine for weight loss, you are doing way better than most people already, but hopefully someone can answer your more specific question.

Cr357

Just stick with foods that haven't been processed ( cut, steamed, rolled, etc.). Beans, whole grains, and veggies have "resistant" starches in them that take longer to digest. Any thing made with flour should be avoided. Whole grain pasta cooked firm is also a good source of carbs with resistant starch that will digest slowly. Choose steel cut oats over regular oatmeal and Ezekiel bread over regular wheat breads. Oatmeal and sweet potatoes have some starches that don't get digested at all. Just Google " understanding carbs".

foodluver27

The general rule of incorporating whole grains into your diet is to make half of your grains you choose...whole wheat. It is okay to incorporate white flour, white bread (etc) into your diet but the the majority of it should be from whole grains. The key words to look for: bran, rye, barley, whole grain, whole wheat, brown rice, oats, wheat flour, multi-grain, wheat germ. Anyway these are just a few key words you may see on your food labels. Whole wheat starches and Processed starches (i.e. white flour and white bread) have about the same amount of carbs in them..they only difference is the body processes them differently and also the wheat has healthier benefits (vitamins and nutrients) compared to the processed products. Just think of processed as not being as natural...natural flour has a yellow color to it but after being processed and bleached it is white. Also, the whole wheat products makes the blood sugar take longer to raise as compared to processed products, which will cause blood sugar to raise at a quicker rate. This is why diabetics are encouraged to eat whole grain foods other than processed products. The whole wheat products is also known to keep you full longer (when the wheat is digested it expands in your stomach). Some people may argue against this...but food science has shown this. Anyway I hope this help answered your question somewhat..as for my sources..I have my master's in nutritional science and even completed a dietetic internship (I know you are prob wondering why am I on here then?) Well let's just say I enjoyed eating a little too much over the years and know it's time to get fit because honestly who would trust a plump dietitian..ha ha! Just remember it is okay to incorporate the processed foods in your diet just make sure it is not the majority of what you eat. A lot of people would argue with me and say to leave processed foods out of your diet completely but it's honestly a personal choice..if you have any more question in this are ask away..I will do my best to help