Be Informed: Good vs. Bad Carbs

While attempting to lose weight, it is very important to watch your carbohydrate intake. Carbohydrates, or carbs, can easily be turned into fat. Furthermore, it is not very efficient to lump all carbs into one category. There are good carbs and bad carbs.

Scientifically speaking, all carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, the fuel for our bodies. Some carbs are broken down more rapidly than others. These carbs are considered the bad carbs because the rapid increase in glucose, or sugar, in your blood causes your body to react by producing insulin to counteract the sugar spike. As the insulin takes effect, the blood sugar levels decrease quickly, which causes you to feel tired and hungry. High levels of insulin also stimulate fat storage, making it extremely difficult for you to lose weight. As you are committing yourself to a healthier lifestyle, try to stay away from bad carbs such as refined sugars, white flour, processed, and starchy foods. These types of foods should be eaten only in moderation.

Good carbs are those in which break down into glucose over a slower period of time. These carbs leave you with more energy throughout the day and don’t make you feel hungry all the time. Because good carbs do not cause insulin spikes, they allow the release and breakdown of stored fat in your body to occur naturally. Good carbs, in general, are even good for you. They have more of the nutrients your body needs (i.e. fiber, vitamins, and minerals) and can assist you in your weight loss goals. Good carbohydrates can be found in foods such as nuts, seeds, beans, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (which should be carefully considered and checked for added sugar). There is a surplus of healthy, good carbohydrate foods just waiting to be eaten, so as you enjoy them, remember you are doing yourself and your body a huge favor.

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