People tend to associate carbohydrates with bread and pasta and believe they are responsible for weight gain. While carbs in these foods are notorious for causing weight gain, there are also foods with good carbs. This post examines good carbs vs. bad carbs and how they factor into a healthy diet.
Good Carbs vs. Bad Carbs
Knowing how to identify good carbs vs. bad carbs is essential for your weight loss journey. Experts categorize two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex carbs. Knowing which foods contain these carbs can help you lose weight and improve your overall health.
Examples of Complex Carbs (Good Carbs)
Complex carbs, or good carbs, generally have high levels of nutrients. These nutrients, such as bran or fiber, help your body digest the food slower, making you feel full longer. Incorporating more complex carbs into your diet also aids in curving your craving for processed foods.
Some examples of complex carbs are:
- Fruits
- Non-starchy vegetables
- Squash
- Beets
- Oats
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Beans
- Lentils
Since your body digests these complex carbs slower, it also steadily releases glucose. A slow release of glucose helps prevent spikes in your blood sugar.
Examples of Simple Carbs (Bad Carbs)
Simple carbs, or bad carbs, do not satisfy your hunger for long. Not only does your body digest simple carbohydrates faster, but they also typically do not contain many nutrients. As a result, they can cause an increase in blood sugar, leading you to feel hungry shortly after consuming them.
Some examples of simple carbs are:
- White bread
- Pasta
- Potato chips
- Baked goods
- Candy
- Cereal
- Ice cream
- Refined sugar
- Pasteurized juices
Since these foods do not make you feel full, you are more likely to eat more often, leading to weight gain. You may also even develop high blood pressure or diabetes.
Benefits of Good Carbs
Good carbs help moderate your blood sugar, keep you full, give you more energy, improve your sleep, and enhance your brain health. In addition, complex carbs help your brain, kidneys, digestive system, and heart muscles.
You may need to incorporate more complex carbs into your diet if you have issues sleeping or feel tired often. Other signs you need more good carbs are if you have deficiencies in fiber, vitamins, and minerals or are experiencing brain fog.
Remember that each individual has different dietary needs. Before eliminating any food from your diet, consult a MediPlan Diet professional. We will curate a plan to help you lose weight while maintaining a balanced diet.
Consult the Experts at MediPlan Diet Services
For more information on good carbs vs. bad carbs and to create a viable and healthy diet plan, contact the health professionals at MediPlan Diet Services. Our team of medical experts will create a customized plan to help you lose weight and evaluate your progress.
Contact MediPlan Diet Services today at 901-362-7546 to speak with a weight loss expert. We will help create a unique diet plan specific to your needs.