Carve Out Carbs - Good Carbohydrates

Good Carbohydrates

You've heard it all--there are good carbohydrates, bad carbohydrates, simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Then there are low and no carbohydrate diets. Not sure how to separate the good from the bad? Let us demystify it for you.

What's the Difference Between Good Carbohydrates and Bad?

First of all, we'll straighten one other thing out. Good carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates are the same thing. In addition, bad carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates are the same thing. So that's one item that's demystified. Now, we'll get on to the difference between the two.

Good carbohydrates have a low glycemic index, meaning they are digested slowly. In addition, eating fiber or fat with carbohydrates will slow their digestion. Bad carbohydrates, such as white flour, pasta and white rice, have a high glycemic index, meaning they cause your blood sugar to rise quickly, along with a quick sharp rise in insulin. These sugar levels drop quickly too, so you're hungry again a lot sooner, which leads you to eat again.

So What Should You Eat?

There are subtle things you can do to make the switch from bad carbohydrates to good carbohydrates. Start small--instead of eating white bread, switch to whole grain or whole wheat. Instead of eating regular pasta, opt for whole wheat. Eat brown rice or long grain rice instead of white rice. (Whole grains make your blood sugar and insulin levels rise at a slower, steadier pace. They also have more fiber and other healthy nutrients.)

And instead of reaching for chips, reach for baby carrots, celery sticks or any other raw vegetables that are close by. (This may require some prep-work on your part, but it's time well spent.) Even popcorn can satisfy that salty-crunchy craving. And finally, instead of reaching for a candy bar, eat some fruit.

Good carbohydrates really are good. Just because they're healthy doesn't mean they're bad. Give 'em a try!

Top Results for "Good Carbohydrates":

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