Carbohydrates

The amount and type of carbohydrates in your diet can be the most important factor to weight loss and fat reduction.  Carbohydrates are NOT created equally, so you have to be aware of what type of carb you are adding to your diet!  Carbs need to be eaten with care- there is a distinct difference between “good” and “bad” carbs.

When carbohydrates are consumed, they are broken down into sugar, the sugar is then absorbed into the blood stream as glucose or blood sugar! This is the sugar that feeds our brain and gives us energy- however too much sugar or the wrong kind can make us gain weight! The wrong sugars will not be effectively processed by our body and will be stored as fat.  Even eating too much “good” sugar can slow down the process and cause slow to no weight loss! BE AWARE of your SUGAR INTAKE!!! (you want to stay between 5-15% of your daily caloric intake)

Healthy Carbs: The best carbohydrates are fiber rich fruits like apples, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, beans, and legumes.  It has been said that “low glycemic” carbs are the best, this means that they are released into the bloodstream at a slower rate, which gives more long-term energy and reduces blood sugar and insulin spikes. 

UNHEALTHY Carbs: The human body does not process “high glycemic” carbs well, they are quickly broken down into simple sugars and rise the blood sugar levels and cause spikes in insulin.  THESE BLOOD SUGAR AND INSULIN SOIKES CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN!  These unhealthy carbs as you can imagine are cake, candy, sweetened cereal, white rice, cookies, juice, sugary drinks, soda, and white-flour products. with so many healthier options and whole grain options available why choose these?! These carbs have NO nutritional value and only make you hungrier!

The post Carbohydrates: The good vs bad! first appeared on Nikki Kuban Minton.