As the temperatures get cooler we tend to lean toward “heavier” foods. Our bodies do need a little more energy to keep us warm on chilly days. However, none of us want to see the pounds piling on as the temperatures fall. So can carbs have a place in our healthy eating plan without sinking our healthy weight? We hear a lot of conflicting information about carbohydrates (or carbs)and it can be confusing. Can we avoid the issue by completely removing carbs from our diet? No – we definitely need to include the right kind of carbs in our diet. So why do we need them? Every cell in our bodies uses carbs for energy and our brains only use carbs for energy.
So why do carbs get such a bad rap? Overconsumption of sugars and highly refined carbs has been linked to a higher incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and are a leading factor in the global obesity epidemic. When we focus on a healthy eating plan which includes a wide variety of nutrients, carbohydrates perform an important function when consumed in the proper amounts. The key to maintaining a healthy weight is choosing the right carbs in the right amounts.
What are the right carbs to focus on as part of our healthy eating plan? We want to look for complex carbohydrates – these are high fiber foods that help stabilize blood sugar, keep your energy at an even level, and help you feel full longer after your meal. This is because complex carbohydrates take longer for your body to process so they are staying in your system longer.
Where do we find these complex carbohydrates? Check food labels and avoid foods that list sugar, sucrose, fructose, corn syrup, or white or wheat flour in the first five ingredients. Instead, look for foods that have not been highly processed or refined. For example, choose a piece of fruit instead of fruit juice, whole grain breads instead of white bread, or whole grain oatmeal instead of packaged cold cereal. Pairing carbohydrates and protein together can give you a full feeling and sustained energy for a longer period of time.
For a quick way to balance protein and carbohydrates for breakfast or lunch I like to use Herbalife’s Formula 1 meal replacement shakes. They form an important part of our family’s overall balanced healthy eating plan.
What is your favorite healthy carbohydrate on a chilly day? Would love to hear your comments below or join our conversation on facebook.
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