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The Good vs. The Bad – Carbs that Is

Carbs or carbohydrates are a source of contention for many dieters. Many of us have a love/hate relationship with carbs and most of us would admit that when we decide to go on a diet, we cut out carbs first…sometimes entirely. Rather than avoiding carbs altogether, we should be aware of good carbs versus bad carbs and make dietary decisions based on that.

Carbohydrates are found in foods such as beans, milk, bread, potatoes, cookies and other sweets, pasta, soft drinks, rice, and more. Sugars, fibers and starches all fall into category of carbohydrates. Carbs serve as an important part of the daily diet and should be consumed in moderation, just like any other food.

 

Carbohydrates can either be simple (the bad) or complex (the good).

Complex carbohydrates are “good” because they take the body more time to break down. Simple carbohydrates, on the other hand, are composed of simple-to-digest, basic sugars with little real value for your body. By consuming these “bad” carbs, you will leave full for a shorter period of time and be ready to eat much sooner than with “good” carbs. Further, simple carbs can make it hard to regulate your blood sugar, causing physical difficulties.

Simple carbohydrates you should eliminate from your diet include:

  • Soda
  • Candy
  • Artificial syrups
  • Sugar
  • White rice, bread and pasta
  • Pastries and desserts

Complex carbohydrates you should have in your diet include:

  • Bran
  • Wheat germ
  • Corn & Cornmeal
  • Barley
  • Oatmeal
  • Wholegrain
  • Brown rice
  • Root vegetables
  • Nuts
  • Lentils

Be aware of complex versus simple carbs and use the people and resources around you to make the right decisions for your diet, health and weight loss.

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