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Carbs, Carbs, Carbs. Now, I am going to go over some basics about carbohydrates and more importantly, why you should include them in your diet.  As you well know; it’s a very important macro nutrient which still has a big role to play in the body.

 

What are carbohydrates?

 

Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for humans. They are the most important source of energy for your body. Your digestive system changes carbohydrates into glucose. Your body uses this sugar for energy for your cells, tissues and organs. It stores any extra sugar in your liver and muscles for when it is needed. Now for every carbohydrate, it will have a glycemic index rating. What does that mean? The higher the glycemic index, the greater the blood sugar response after eating it. The problem with that. It can cause fat storage to occur and have a yo yo effect on your energy levels.

What types of carbohydrates are there available?

Complex Carbohydrates (Starches)

Simple Carbohydrates (Sugars)

Fibre

Example of each type of carbohydrates?

 

Complex carbohydrates – Oat, White rice, Brown rice, beans, white potato

Simple carbohydrates – Dates, Raisins, Grapefruit, Banana, Apple Juice, Blueberries

Fibre – Broccoli, Cabbage, Spinach, Lettuce

What types do you want in your diet?

Simple really

Lots of fibre to aid digestion of food that you consume. A sensible amount of complex carbohydrates to give the body the energy it requires to function on a day to day basis at optimum level. Finally, a  very small amount of simple carbohydrates so to limit excessive blood sugar levels.

Question: How much fibre, complex and simple carbohydrates do you currently have in your diet?