Carb Confusion
Apr 06, 2017
Carbohydrates are often blamed for sabotaging a six pack and threatening training efforts. The truth is, carbs are the preferred fuel for our bodies and an important food to support workouts and washboard abs. Here are three common truths to set the record straight:
- Carbs are not only found in bread, grains and pasta! They are also found in fruits and vegetables. Starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, corn, and beans along with sugary ones like carrots and beets contain a higher concentration than vegetables like broccoli or lettuce. Fruits are rich in simple sugars and therefore are also a rich source of carbs. Grapes, apples, bananas, and pineapple are some of the fruits higher in carbs.
- What is considered a “low-carb” diet is variable and not necessarily healthier. Many foods rich in carbs are also a great source of important vitamins and minerals. Depending on your goals, following a low-carb diet may help to promote weight loss, but a low-carb diet itself doesn’t guarantee it is healthier.
- Gluten Free doesn’t mean carb free! A gluten free diet simply means it doesn’t contain gluten, a protein found in barley, rye, oats, and wheat.
Eating a diet with the appropriate amount of carbs to support your activity level and choosing healthy sources like whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables is the best way to reap the benefits of carbohydrates and rock a healthier physique.
Author:
Sarah Mattison Berndt, MS, RD, CD
Owner Fit Fresh Cuisine & Hybrid Athletic Club
www.fitfreshcuisine.com
www.hybridathleticclub.com
