The Truth About Carbs!

Everyone looks at carbs in a different way, a delicious indulgence, a necessity before a heavy workout, or something you try to cut out of your diet to loose a quick ten pounds. No matter how you view carbs, there are things that you should know about the food group before you decide to load up or cut out.

Here are some facts about carbohydrates, to help better your understanding on the controversial food group.

There are simple carbs which includes candy, sugar, soda, and basically anything with an everlasting shelf life. These carbs (as you probably know) are for quicker and more immediate energy. They are usually loaded with calories, but very few nutrients. These are the carbs you want to try to stay away from!

Next you have complex carbs, these are the breads, grains, legumes, vegetables and other starches that are going to help with your digestive system by providing vitamins and minerals including fiber. Complex carbs are the healthiest and most reliable source of energy because they're burned in a constant manner, allowing more stable energy for longer periods of time. This is why it is important to load up on these before a busy day.

Carbs can be fattening, but so can anything else if you eat it in copious and unhealthy amounts. By eating whole grain and maintaining a healthy diet, carb intake can actually be associated with reducing weight gain. So, as long as you are eating complex carbs that are low in sugar and not heavily processed, and you are maintaining an active lifestyle, carbs are not necessarily the bad guy behind weight gain.

A common misconception kids have is that carbs are only found in bread, pasta, and cookies, but carbs are in virtually everything. Even fruit can have a high number of carbs because of their sugar content. But don't worry, fruits are still healthy because of their natural sugars and multiple nutrients.

You have probably heard somebody at one point tell you that your plate needs to look like a rainbow. Not just white, brown and beige. And yes this is true, but there are actually very healthy carbs that are colorless, and still healthy. Some include, cauliflower, mushrooms, beans, leeks and turnips.

Carbs are definitely the right food to be eating post workout. It is very important to eat complex carbs and proteins right after you exercise so they can tend to the muscle cells and prevent them from breaking down. Good carbs to eat after you exercise are bananas, sweet potatoes, chia seeds, dark greens, and apples (throwing these into a quick smoothie is my favorite).

100% of the bodies cells use carbs as their source of energy every day. Carbs are necessary because they will keep your stomach satisfied, while providing you with enough stability and strength to make it through a long day.

Sooo, carbohydrates are necessary for a healthy diet! Of course just like any food they have to be eaten in moderation. Yet, I feel like carbs have gotten a bad reputation, and I wanted to help clear it up. Mainly because I love pasta!