Good Carbs -- Bad Carbs

What is good carbohydrate?  What is bad carbohydrate?  Why do we need to avoid bad carbohydrate?  What carbohydrate should I eat?

What's a "GOOD" Carb?

Carbohydrates are an ideal source of energy for the body. This is because they can be converted more readily into glucose, the form of sugar that's transported and used by the body, than proteins or fats can.


There are two types of carbohydrate: complex and simple.


Complex carbohydrates are often referred to as starch or starchy foods. They are found naturally in foods and also refined in processed foods. 

Complex carbohydrates as natural starches are found in:

• bananas
• barley
• beans
• brown rice
• chickpeas
• lentils
• nuts
• oats
• parsnips
• potatoes
• root vegetables
• sweet corn
• wholegrain cereals
• wholemeal breads
• wholemeal cereals
• wholemeal flour
• wholemeal pasta
• yams

Complex carbohydrates as refined starches are found in:

• biscuits, pastries and cakes
• pizzas
• sugary processed breakfast cereals
• white bread
• white flour
• white pasta
• white rice

Simple carbohydrates are also known as sugars.  They also exist in either a natural or refined form.  Natural sugars are found in fruits and vegetables.

Refined sugars are found in:

• biscuits, cakes and pastries
• chocolate
• honey and jams
• jellies
• brown and white cane sugar
• pizzas
• prepared foods and sauces
• soft drinks
• sweets and snack bars.

Simple carbohydrates (sugar) cause tooth decay.



 All carbohydrates form glucose when digested.  Glucose is transported around the body via blood and taken into cells to be converted into energy.  The slower the release of glucose and hormones, the more stable and sustainable the energy levels of the body.  The more refined carbohydrate, the faster the glucose is released into your blood.  This can cause peaks and drops in your blood sugar level and less stable energy levels in the body.

Complex carbohydrates provide a slower and more sustained release of energy than simple carbohydrates.  In their natural form they contribute to long-term good health, appetite control and sustained energy levels.



BAD CARB LIST

• soft drinks
• sport drinks
• fruit drinks
• beer
• french fries
• white rice
• white bread
• white pasta
• Instant Oatmeal
• sugar-sweetened cereals
• bagels
• baguettes
• donuts
• muffins
• potato chips
• pastries
• cookies
• white crackers
• brownies
• cakes
• pies
• candy
• sugar
• brown sugar
• honey

GOOD CARB LIST

• Spinach 
• Kale
• Tomatoes
• Mushrooms
• Beets
• Brussels Sprouts
• Broccoli
• Onion
• Squash
• Artichoke
• Berries
• Oranges
• Tangerines
• Melons
• Mangoes
• Pears
• Peaches
• Low-fat Greek yogurt
• Sweet potatoes
• Peas
• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Lentils
• Brown rice
• Barley
• Amaranth
• Quinoa
• Whole-grain bread
• Whole-grain pasta
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Nuts

If you are looking for to lose weight in a healthy way, avoid bad carbohydrate and eat more GOOD carbohydrate.  Eat lots of vegetables and fruits, beans, lentils, and others. Nurture your body good healthy vegetables, fruits, good carbohydrates.

Eat clean, feel amazing, more energized, healthier & BE ACTIVE!!

Your health depends on YOU!