Last week I wrote about fiber and it's function. Carbs contain fiber! The key to ensuring carbs are your friend and not enemy is to choose portion-controlled, quality carbohydrates (like the ones mentioned above) that are packed with fiber and nutrients that are as close to their natural state and not processed.
Below are a few reasons carbs can be your friend...
1. Main source of ENERGY
Carbs are the body's preferred fuel source. Your brain and muscles are fueled by carbs! Cut your carbs too low and you'll find yourself feeling lethargic and having a hard time focusing! This is counter productive to getting a great workout which will burn calories and strengthen the cardiovascular and muscular systems!
2. FIBER... FIBER... FIBER...
Refer to last week's blog for the many benefits of fiber! Among the many benefits, carbohydrates provide fiber which helps you to feel full and minimizes snacking. It also helps flush waste products from your body. Fiber helps prevent constipation resulting in less bloating. Fiber also helps fight certain cancers and diabetes!
3. SEROTONIN... The quick picker upper!
Carbs increase the release of the chemical serotonin... The stuff that makes you feel upbeat and happy! The key is to be sure you consume complex carbs and not sugars for a longer lasting release and minimal crashing effect resulting from sugars!
4. HEART HEALTHY.
The PHYTONUTRIENTS in quality carbs help fight disease and protect the heart against free radicals. They also help fight against heart disease. Quality carbs include broccoli, cauliflower, dark leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, apples, grains like quinoa, oats and brown rice.
5. LOSE BODY FAT!
Research published in the Journal of Nutrition has shown whole grains may reduce total fat - subcutaneous and visceral! Quality carbs may help your waistline because they help you to feel full longer. Remember to drink water with your meals as the fiber in the carbohydrate will act as a sponge in your stomach, filling you up, making you feel more satisfied and helping to prevent you from overeating. I always consume a quality complete protein with all my carbs. Protein as mentioned in a previous blog help slow the digestion of the carbohydrates and also allow for better digestion of the protein.
*Some information compiled from ace.org