Carbs Can Be a Big Deal
By Tom Herrin
When we think about what we eat, there are plenty of things to look at. For many of us, trying to get that right balance of foods is a pretty big part of putting together meals that can give us the most bang for the buck. Some follow diets that go heavy in one type of food and restrict another. It all depends upon what we are attempting to accomplish. Carbs are an important part of our diets. For the most part, we rely on them to provide us with a big part of our energy. It helps us to understand them better.
Are Simple Carbs So Quick?
A lot of times, we think of simple carbs as being quick energy sources. They may actually be a little different from that. According to one study, simple carbs, such as sugar, may not give us that boost we all have come to recognize. Instead of that, those who ate sugars did not have that rush that we often relate to their consumption. Instead of that, there was a lull in energy a short time after taking in the simple carbs, so the feeling we have may be due to an almost opposite effect.
Watch the Standard Side Dishes
So many times, when we order in a restaurant, we will have choices that are heavy in carbs for our additional foods. Especially with fast foods, starches are in high demand. Potatoes are a popular food served with so many things. While they have their own place in a diet, these complex carbs can pack on pounds. Those that are higher in fiber are the best choices. Whole grain rice is a better option than white rice. We all know that we should seek to include more green or yellow vegetables in our diets.
Fruit or Juice?
Many of us try to include fruit with our meals, particularly breakfast. It can be great because fruits are a source of lots of vitamins and other nutrients. As for making a choice between the whole fruit or the juice, there can be a big difference. The juices are generally much higher in sugar than the fruit itself, so going for the whole fruit may be healthier for most of us. We need carbs and run risks when we try to cut too many of them out, but we need to educate ourselves as much as possible in order to make the best choices.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Diego, Calif.