We’ve all heard the term low-carb diets, bad carbs, good carbs, and other terms tossed around. But what exactly are carbohydrates? Let’s break them down into an easier to understand format.
Foods containing carbohydrates encompass sugars, starches, and cellulose. When eating candy or any sugary foods, carbohydrates are then broken down in order for them to become blood sugar.
Carbohydrates come in two forms: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates consist of a bar of chocolate, for example. They are processed much faster in your system because they are a simple sugar and you develop a sugar high, right? But then after a short while, that high wears off and you crave more food to balance out your sugar level.
Visit Menu Planning Central to help make your diet more balanced.
Conversely, complex carbohydrates consist of foods that are higher in fiber. Most of these carbohydrates are processed slower than the simple
carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates consist of beans, fruits, whole grains, vegetables, and sweet potatoes, among many others.
These complex carbohydrates are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You don’t feel hungry afterwards, due to the fact these foods are more slowly absorbed than their counterpart.
It all boils down to this: carbohydrates and sugars are synonymous and we do need them for energy. The trick is to discern which foods are digested slower than those which are not. If you are trying to decide whether or not to go on a low-carb diet; research the appropriate foods and exercise that will ensure the efficacy of this specific diet plan. My recommendation is always to change the carbs you are eating and watch the condiments you are putting on those carbs.
Who’s Talkin’?