NOT ALL CARBS ARE BAD FOR YOU!
SOME OF THEM COULD ACTUALLY HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT!
We all have sadly been misled and brainwashed by the weight loss industry into believing that if we’re trying to lose weight, we should avoid eating Carbohydrates.
However, the truth is that NOT all “carbs” are created equal. If the carbs you’re consuming are low-quality carbs like processed foods, chips, refined sugary products etc, THEN yes, carbs are bad for you. BUT if you’re going to consume good quality complex carbohydrates, which are packed with nutrients and are slow digesting in nature, they can actually help you lose weight by speeding up your metabolism and burning fat.
These good quality carbohydrates actually help boost as well as sustain your energy levels and improve digestion due to their high fibre content. Because of this, you feel fuller for much longer and feel energetic too as these are nutrient dense and help improve your physical performance as well as stabilize your blood sugars.
Here is a list of my top 5 CARBS you should be including in your diet if you’re trying to lose weight:
1. AMARANTH
Not only is Amaranth high in fibre and protein but it is also gluten-free. Up to one cup of Amaranth has about 9 grams of protein and 5 grams of dietary fibre. This superfood is also known to aid digestion as well as strengthen your bones due to its high calcium content.
Make it into a quick porridge for breakfast, use it to replace your rice during lunch or even enjoy the puffed amaranth as a snack
2. BEETROOT
Including beetroot juice as a pre-workout meal enhances stamina and makes the muscles more fuel-efficient because it is high in inorganic nitrates. It also helps lower blood pressure. Being an excellent source of Potassium, it enhances muscle recovery and prevents fatigue and weakness.
3. BANANA
Bananas are high in POTASSIUM which is a natural diuretic that reduces water retention and bloating, hence promoting flatter belly.
Also, because they are high in glucose they provide quick energy that can be sustained for a long time.
Being Low on GI and high in fiber, the carbs from bananas get slowly released in the body so there are no insulin spikes/ sugar crashes post consuming a banana. These make amazing pre as well post workout meals and are also beneficial if eating fist thing in the morning.
4. SWEET POTATO
Sweet potatoes are less starchy and contain lesser calories as compared to regular potatoes. They are also loaded with Vitamin A, in the form of Beta-carotene- which is a key anti oxidant. Apart from being excellent sources of Vitamin C and B6, they also contain ample amounts of dietary fiber as well as potassium.
5. OATS
Oats are amazing because of the fact that majority of their fiber is soluble fiber that helps keep you fuller for longer by absorbing water and expanding in the stomach. Also because it is Low GI, it causes a steady rise in blood sugar and gets used for immediate energy and doesn’t get stored as fat.