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When it comes to carbohydrates, it depends on who you talk to as to whether or not they should play a major role in your diet. Today on “Wellness Wednesday,” I would like to focus on carbohydrates and the role they play in your health.
It’s not a good idea to go without carbs of any kind for long periods of time. This is due to the fact that without the glucose that comes from carbohydrates, your brain cannot function the way it is supposed to.
Carbohydrates also benefit muscle tissue. Muscle needs glucose from carbohydrates to function as well. If you’re not consuming an efficient amount of carbohydrates, your body will first burn the glycogen, which is stored in the fatty tissue, but eventually, it’ll start to burn the protein tissue in your muscles. This is a huge disadvantage, because muscle tissue burns fat.
These are only a few examples of why carbohydrates are an important part of your daily diet.
That being said, I feel it’s important to point out that too many carbohydrates can lead to excessive weight gain. An overabundance of carbs raises your glucose levels, causing your body to store extra fat. Carbohydrates are important, but too much of anything is bad for you. When it comes to your health everything in moderation is the key.
When consuming carb-filled foods, it’s best to stick to complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are better because they’re high in fiber and slow down your body’s absorption of carbs, leaving your glucose levels more stable. And, as an added bonus, they leave you feeling fuller, longer.
Complex carbohydrates can be found in beans, broccoli, brown rice, corn, grain, legumes, starchy vegetables, 100% whole wheat bread and whole wheat pasta.
When consuming complex carbohydrates, it’s important to note that they should supply approximately half the calories in your diet. Therefore, I don’t feel carbs are “bad” or a diet “no-no.”
In fact, I feel the right carbohydrates are beneficial to your health, so don’t get scared to have that serving of pasta or slice of bread. Just look for pastas and breads that are whole wheat, and like I said before, enjoy them in moderation.
~AMY~
Photo: flickr.com/photos/free-photos/3661193438
Disclaimer: Jessi and Amy are not medical professionals or trained dietitians. This is not meant to be medical advice. We’re ordinary women who are working on our health and sharing our observations and opinions. It’s important that you speak to your doctor before beginning any new diet or exercise regimen. We are simply sharing our journey and are not liable for decisions you make regarding your diet and exercise routine.
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