Carbohydrates... the do's and don'ts!

Photo: Contributed

There seems to be a misconception about the consumption of carbohydrates in one’s meal plan. The big question is....to eat... or not to eat?! Carbohydrates for some are avoided like the plague! The reason for avoidance? The fear of weight gain. It’s time to break down the good, bad, and the ugly of the carbohydrates!

Let’s start by understanding that there are 2 kinds of carbohydrates: good carbs and bad carbs! Knowing the difference between the two types and understanding the many benefits of incorporating the “good carbs” into your diet, may bring you much more nutrition and energy into your day! It’s simple - a carbohydrate is termed as a sugar that provides the body with energy, in which the body can break down quickly and efficiently.

Good Carbohydrates:

Provide the body with energy in which the body can break down quickly and efficiently! Good carbohydrates are generally low on the glycemic index and are great for diabetics to consume. Also known to be generally high in fiber, the fiber content will not only give you energy over longer periods of time, it will also give you the sense of feeling full! Foods that are high in fiber help to lower cholesteral levels, as well as aiding the body in toxin removal.

These good carb foods will be great addition to your daily meal plan!

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Beans
• Legumes
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Whole grain breads
• Whole grain cereals
• Whole grain pastas

Bad Carbohydrates:

Bad carbohydrate foods are those that have been refined and processed. These foods are not in their natural state. Most of the nutritional value has been removed from these foods and are generally loaded with many additives including colorings, flavorings and preservatives. These foods would be considered to be very tasteful and would usually be packaged and are considered harmful to the body due to the fact that they are not easily digested, causing spikes in an individual’s blood glucose level.

Bad Carbohydrates to stay away from:

• Candy
• Baked goods with refined white flour
• White pastas
• Sodas

These carbs that are high in “empty calories” have no nutritional value and will ensure additional weight gain, also putting one at risk for developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity.

So when thinking about how you can shed weight for the shorts and bathing suits this summer, ensure that the healthy carbohydrates are the part of your meal and are no longer being skipped primarily to save on some calories! Please don’t forget.... like anything else, moderation and smart meal planning is key!

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.