Does Your Carb Count Add Up Right?
By Tom Herrin
It seems to have become pretty popular for people to keep track of their carbohydrates today. Every one of them may count. Not only that, but there are all kinds of carbs from all kinds of sources. The most recent trend is to count those carbs, sometimes it can be at the expense of other important nutrients. While it may be helpful to do some cutting, knowing just what those carbs are and what they do may help in making better decisions about what should be included in a healthy diet for a given individual.
Is There Really Such Thing as Bad Carbs?
Some people can handle carbs better than others. All bodies are created differently. A real problem for many who may have some problems with carbs can be the fact that so many packaged foods are high in so-called bad carbs. That is, many of these have high amounts of carbs from sugars. One recommendation is that women should limit their carbs from sugar to 100 calories per day and men should limit theirs to 150. While these foods may seem convenient, they can play havoc on health, particularly in these days in which diabetes is so common. While they may be easy and accessible, it is critical to limit the intake of them.
Choosing Good Carbs Can Be a Good Practice
When people decide to make better choices about the kinds of carbs they choose, it may be best to begin with fruits, vegetables, and good grains. These healthy carbs are more easily digestible. They also meet some of the needs the body has for carbs. One of those is to provide fuel for the body. When the body does not have sufficient amounts of the right kinds of carbs, it will begin to metabolize muscle. This is obviously undesirable as it can deplete lean muscle.
Making Good Decisions Is Always Important
When we decide to make changes in our diets, it is critical to consider all of the possibilities. Without a doubt, everyone is very individual. In that, we all have needs that may vary according to the way we are made. Cutting carbs can be a useful way to reduce weight and, maybe, improve health. We must do so prudently and be as informed as possible. Consider all of the nutrients we need and see that the right kind of balance works for you.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parker, Colo.