To have Refined Carbohydrates or Not to Have???

Refined Carbs to have or not to have???

There are basically two types of Carbohydrates, un refined (complex) or refined (simple). The simple explanation is that refined carbs are those that get processed and altered with artificial chemicals and sugars, and therefore the nutrients are stripped, meaning either reduced or completely eliminated. Un Refined Carbs are those that are full of fiber, proteins, fats, they are left in their natural state, and beneficial to the body.

Refined carbs include sugary sweetened beverages, fruit juices, pastries, white bread, white pasta, cereals, cakes, sweets period, biscuits, white rice and others. Numerous studies show that refined carbohydrate consumption is associated with health problems like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. With artificial sweeteners this type of carb is addictive and full of empty calories. What do you mean empty, Meaning that refined carbs have little to no nutritional value and are known to be detrimental to the health of your body. They tend to cause major spikes in blood sugar levels, which leads to a crash that can trigger hunger and cravings for more high carb foods, hence the addiction. Which is where we get the “blood sugar roller coaster” that many people are familiar with.
Un Refined Carbohydrates are the ones you want to eat to have production of energy, these also help by maintaining blood sugar levels, so there is no spiking or crashing. This type of Carb also helps by slowing absorption meaning it helps to control your appetite. For this kind of carb you should be eating brown rice, beans, oatmeal, wheat, vegetables, lean meat, barley, lentils, whole grain products.

So if you are like me and crave those carbs, make sure you are making healthy smart choices that will be beneficial to your body. Ask yourself why you are craving this type of food? Is it b/c you have been bingeing lately on junk and your system is trying to tell you there is an addiction forming or are you running low on fuel and need a boost of some good protein, oatmeal or veggies. What ever the reason just be smart and take it one day at a time. 😀