Are They the Enemy? The Rumors and Truth Behind Carbs
If you are dieting or have ever dieted, then you have probably been warned about the dangers of carbohydrates. Don’t eat them! They’ll make you fat! Carbs are on the don’t list! If you’re anything like me, then you hated this advice! No bread? Yea right. Have you ever wondered if this common train of thought is really true? Are carbs really as bad as they say? Take a look at some of these facts about carbs and get the truth behind the tasty food.
Carbs Give You Energy
A diet should be balanced as most of us already know. This includes getting some carbs into your regular menu. In fact, carbs can give you energy. They are often converted into sugar in the body, which is why some people claim that they make you fat. On the flip side of that, however, carbs can give you a little energy boost. Eating too many can make you sluggish, but in small doses, carbs will give you the boost you need to get through the day.
Too Many Carbs Can Make You Gain Weight
It’s not that all kinds of carbohydrates will make you gain weight. People sometimes mistakenly believe that they must give up all carbs in order to lose any sort of significant weight, but the truth is that eating a few carbs is ok. It’s when you overindulge that you have a problem. Carbs are turned into sugar, so eating too many can be similar to eating tons of sugar. Obviously, that can lead to weight gain. If you are careful about portions and limit yourself according to your body weight, however, then carbs don’t have to be the enemy.
Pick the Right Kind
The best advice when picking carbohydrates is to go complex. Weird, right? You would think simple is best, but definitely not when it comes to carbs. Instead, go for complex carbohydrates like brown rice, quinoa, and oatmeal. These types of carbs are great for boosting energy, flushing your system, and helping you lose weight in the long run.
Luckily, you don’t have to say goodbye to carbs forever. Thankfully for all the bread lovers out there, moderation is key. With restraint and self discipline, carbs can be beneficial. Eating a few carbs can help you keep your diet balanced and your energy up. Choose wisely, and you can enjoy eating carbs in a healthy way for a healthy body.
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Used under Creative Commons Licensing courtesy of Bart Everson