Carbs McGee

Out of all of the macronutrients (protein, fats and carbohydrates) carbs probably has the worst PR person. Right now we live in an age where it is the answer to every fat loss problem or you will probably hear you aren’t eating enough carbs. Today we’ll explore what carbohydrates really are, their role in a balanced diet and what foods are carbohydrate rich.

Butternut squash and kale

Carbohydrates are one of the main energy sources used by the body and essential to a heathy, nutritious diet. The key is identifying and using the right type of carbohydrates. Carbs are made up of fibre, starch, which are complex carbs, and sugar which is a simple carb. The amount of each of these components present in a food determines the nutrient quality.

Most of the simple carbs in the modern industrialised diet are added to foods. Some examples of these are :

1. raw sugar

2. brown sugar

3. corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup

4. commercially produced fruit juices

5. soda

6. cookies

7. baked goods

Complex carbohydrates provide more nutrients than simple carbs because they contain more fibre and digest more slowly. They keep us satisfied longer and are good source off carbs if you are interested in losing fat.

Some good sources of fibre are:

1. fruits

2. nuts

3. beans

4. whole grains

5. vegetables

While some good high starch foods are

1. whole grain bread

2. potatoes

3. quinoa

4. peas and beans

5. rice

6. oats

7. grains

Want to learn more about nutrition and health?

If so, and you would like to learn more, consider my Whole Life Nutrition Coaching. This group starts shortly after #10wholedays is finished. You will learn more about nutrition and the role it plays in optimal health. I’ll work with you to discover the underlying factors that sabotage your efforts at better nutrition and work on strategies to improve it.

#foodiefriday #Nutrition #wholefoods