Carbs are good. Carbs are bad. Don't eat any. Eat a ton. Every day we are barraged with conflicting information about this particular food source. What is the truth?
The truth is...are you ready for this?
MODERATION!
Moderation should be a word that we all use in EVERY aspect of our life, but I digress as we are supposed to be talking about carbs.
The primary role of carbs is to provide our body with energy. They are the ideal fuel for our body and help maintain the blood glucose level. There are two kinds of carbs: complex and simple. Complex contain starch and fiber. Simple contain simple sugar. Complex are the healthier of the two and preferred by our body.
It is recommended that we eat 2-5 servings per day of complex carbs. I say as low as 2 for those on a weight loss plan. Remember, 15 grams of carb equate 1 serving. Because the serving size has increased on many of our foods in the grocery store and restaurant, it is very important to look at the nutritional info. You may think that whole wheat bagel is 1 serving, but it could actually be 3!
I am not an advocate for low carb diets. Complex carbs are too important for our body's health. Fiber helps to prevent obesity, colon cancer, constipation, heart disease, and diabetes.
So, do you need to be afraid of carbs? Yes and no. Be afraid, be VERY afraid, of the unhealthy carbs: donuts, cakes, cookies, sugar cereals. Receive with open arms the healthy ones: whole wheat anything, green veggies, potatoes (yes, I said it,) nuts.
If you find yourself craving the unhealthy ones, it's time to sit down and look at your diet in general. You are lacking something. Now go eat an apple!
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