Burning Carbs

delightedin
delightedin Posts: 49
edited September 18 in Food and Nutrition
So we all know that carbs are slow burning energy - so how come when we exercise it doesn't come up on here as more carbs to eat? Do we burn them in the same way we do calories?

Thanks for your help! I'm feeling pretty frustrated that I'm staying in my calorie count but going over on my carbs most days. I know what it's from so I can fix it if needs be!

:happy:

Replies

  • delightedin
    delightedin Posts: 49
    So we all know that carbs are slow burning energy - so how come when we exercise it doesn't come up on here as more carbs to eat? Do we burn them in the same way we do calories?

    Thanks for your help! I'm feeling pretty frustrated that I'm staying in my calorie count but going over on my carbs most days. I know what it's from so I can fix it if needs be!

    :happy:
  • banks1850
    banks1850 Posts: 3,475 Member
    OK, well, I'll try to break it down.

    Carbohydrates are basically complex sugars and starch. There are different kinds of carbs out there, basically there are 2 types, simple carbs (not so good), and complex carbs (good). Carbohydrates are not necessarily slow burning, in fact the main reason simple carbs are bad is because the body digests them faster then it can burn them up, and they are stored as fat. So basically if you are staying within your calorie count, but going over your carb count, you want to examine exactly what you are eating. Try cutting out some of the bad carbs. I.E. products with bleached, processed, or white flour and sugar, products that use white rice, things like pasta (except whole wheat pasta), white bread, baked goods, candy...etc. try to make as many of your daily carbs whole grains and fruit/vegitables.
    These carbs take longer for the body to digest and allow your body to take it as it comes, instead of storing it. Remember the body burns fuel FIFO (First In First Out) so what you eat will be burned first, then it will burn the easiest stored energy it can get at, so the fat that was just added goes first. Those persistant areas that you want to get rid of usually take the longest to drop. :sad:
  • delightedin
    delightedin Posts: 49
    Thanks!

    It's definately sugar where I'm getting the bulk of it - because other than the sweet things I eat brown bread and some potatoes most days - generally avoid rice and pasta.

    Sugar is pretty much the problem generally because it's what I crave too!!

    Giving up chocolate was a great start for me, but I think I need to extend it to all sweet things. *sigh* it's tough!
  • banks1850
    banks1850 Posts: 3,475 Member
    not necessarily, for example, white potatoes aren't particularly great for you and contain a lot of starch but if you sub in sweet potatoes they are SOOOOOO much better for you, and they taste good too. It's as much a mental game as a physical. If you find your limits, and stick to them, you should be ok, no reason to cut sugar out of your life, just try to curb your sugar intake (and other simple carbs) and you will see effects rather quickly.
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