Good Carbs Bad CarbsJust like with choosing fats there is a good carbs bad carbs choice to make. Since carbohydrates are the main source of blood sugar – glucose - it is important to know what role healthy carbohydrates play. Choosing the right kinds of carbohydrates is just as important for your health and wellness. There is little doubt that the human body uses carbohydrates most efficiently for energy production (as opposed to fats and proteins). So there isn't really any reason to avoid carbs, even if you're trying to lose weight. But there is a BIG difference between the natural, wholesome, good carbs we are designed to eat and the unnatural, highly-processed, 'refined' bad carbs so many of us consume on a daily basis! Your weight management success is based upon knowing good carbs bad carbs and their differences. What are good carbs?The simple answer to this question is this: good carbs are unprocessed carbohydrates in their ‘natural’ state - or very close to their natural state. In other words, they have been minimally altered by man or machine (or not altered at all).Most diet experts agree that green vegetables are the 'ultimate' good carbs. In fact, pretty much all 'leafy' vegetables and fruits fit into this category. Beans and legumes are also, generally, included on the 'good carbs' side of the good carb bad carb list, as are nuts and seeds. Finally, whole-grain cereal foods - including whole-grain breads and pastas - are considered by many to be good carb foods (although there is some disagreement over this and the Easy Diet for Life falls into this group). Good carbs have these healthy characteristics: - High in fiber: helps you stay full longer (and avoid overeating), provides sustained energy, lowers cholesterol levels, helps to remove toxins from the body. -Low in glycemic index rank: stabilizes blood sugar levels and insulin production. -High in nutrients: natural vitamins, minerals & phytonutrients promote health and help to prevent chronic disease. -Low 'energy-density' (except nuts & seeds): provides sustained energy, promotes healthy weight loss and a feeling of fullness without delivering as many calories. -Greater ‘thermic effect': naturally stimulates metabolism and promotes fat loss. What are bad carbs?Bad carbs are refined, processed carbohydrate foods that have had all or most of their natural nutrients and fiber removed in order to make them easier to transport and more 'consumer friendly.' Most baked goods, white breads, pastas, snack foods, candies, and non-diet soft drinks fit into this category. Bleached, enriched wheat flour and white sugar - along with an array of artificial flavorings, colorings, and preservatives - are the most common ingredients used to make 'bad carb' foods.Bad carbs are harmful mainly because the human body is not able to process them very well. Our hormonal and digestive systems developed over the course of millions of years. Yet only in the past 100 years or so have humans had access to these highly processed carbohydrates in abundance. Our bodies simply have not had the time to adapt and evolve to handle the rapid changes in food processing.
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