June 01, 2015
The Real Truth Behind Good and Bad Carbs
Is it just me or does it seem like almost every fad diet out there either lowers your carb intake or forbids them completely??
Carbohydrates have gotten such a bad reputation over the years when in actuality, they are a very useful macronutrient that is vital to shaping your body.
Eating an abundance of carbs can fuel your training and help grow your muscles efficiently. Not eating enough carbs can leave you feeling fatigued or sluggish and can hinder your performance during a workout.
There are two types of carbs: simple (also known as bad) and complex (also known as good).
Simple carbs have very little nutritional value and are composed of simple sugars. Typically, these foods are lower in fiber while being awfully higher in sugar content. Believe it or not, fruits and some veggies are also considered to be simple carbs.
Simple carbs to eat less of are:
Complex carbs to eat more of are:
But, you do want to be wise with what carbs you choose. Obviously, you know a cupcake is not going to be a wise choice for a snack. However, I wouldn't spend too much of your life dreading over whether or not to make white or brown rice for dinner. Obviously white rice is slightly better than a cupcake. you get the idea.
On a final note, here are 3 tips to remember:

- soda
- candy
- artificial syrups
- sugar
- fruits
- white rice, white bread, and white pasta
- potatoes (which are technically a complex carb, but act more like simple carbs in the body)
- pastries and desserts

- whole grains
- brown rice
- some veggies
- sweet potato
- yams
- oatmeal
- milk
- high fiber cereals
- lentils
- wild rice
- couscous

- Choose your carbs wisely.
- Eat your carbs in moderation.
- Aim for physical activity at least 5 days a week for 30 minutes.
