Did you know?

Did you know that carbohydrate intake should be 45 to 65% of your total calories. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary and preferred fuel source. There is such a stigma about carbohydrates, and really its all about the right carbs.

There is a lot more to carbs then just your white bread and pizza. Whole grains, fruits and veggies are a necessity to help maintain a normal weight and a healthy heart. They will also help keep your digestive system regular.

Carbohydrates are macronutrients that your body breaks down into glucose, which is a type of sugar, but don’t worry. There are two types of carbs, simple and complex. Your simple carbs consist manly of fruits and veggies, but also in refined carbs (processed) like cakes, and other baked goods. Complex carbs are found in whole grains and pasta, legumes, potatoes, and other starchy veggies.

The carbs you want to double down on are unrefined, whole grains, because those are what give you the necessary nutrients, like fiber, to digest and sustain energy. So eating nourishing, filling whole grains won’t wreck your diet; it’s the unhealthiest refined carbs  that you want to avoid.

Nutritionists say that carbs can actually help people lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One of the secrets? The fiber content in carbs. Fiber keeps you full and energized—otherwise, you won’t have enough gas in the tank for exercise, a key factor in maintaining a healthy weight. Sure, overeating white bread and pizza dough aren’t going to help anyone lose weight, but that’s not what we’re talking about here, in terms of high-fiber, whole foods. Plus, limiting carbs means loading up on proteins and fats, which are much higher in calories

So don’t hate on those carbs, just make sure you are eating the right ones that will fuel your body and help with your weight loss journey!