{"id":1086,"date":"2017-08-09T05:49:15","date_gmt":"2017-08-09T05:49:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=1086"},"modified":"2021-03-15T14:09:47","modified_gmt":"2021-03-15T14:09:47","slug":"15-healthy-carbs-eating","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/15-healthy-carbs-eating\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Healthy Carbs You Should Be Eating"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"If you\u2019ve been trying to lose weight, you\u2019ve probably heard that you should cut your carbs. The truth is, however, in order to lose weight healthily, you need to make sure that you are cutting the right carbs from your diet.<\/p>\n

Carbohydrates aren\u2019t a bad thing. In fact, they are very good for you. They play a vital part in producing energy, which your body needs to do, well, everything. When you ingest carbs, your body turns them into glucose, which is your body\u2019s primary source of energy. Glucose is a form of sugar that can be used immediately to create energy. It can also be stored away to use for energy when it\u2019s needed, later on. On top of being your body\u2019s main source of energy, carbs are also full of other essential vitamins and nutrients. But, keep in mind that not all carbs are created equal. The best carbohydrates to consume are those that contain a high amount of fiber, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. It takes longer for your body to break down these carbs into glucose. They also supply you with the highest amount of nutrients. Refined carbohydrates, however, are the carbs that you want to avoid if you are trying to lose weight. Refined carbs are those that have been processed, which removes part of the grain and replaces it with sugar. Some of the most common forms of refined carbs include cakes, cookies and white bread.<\/p>\n

If you are looking to up your energy levels, stay healthy and still lose weight, here\u2019s a look at 15 healthy carbs that you are definitely going to want to add to your diet.<\/p>\n

1. Barley<\/h3>\n

One of the oldest superfoods in the world, barley<\/a> is one of the healthiest carbs you can eat. It\u2019s high in fiber, which is one of the reasons why it is so good for you. It is also packed with other vital nutrients, including manganese, selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, and even protein. Research has found that eating barley can aid in the stimulation of hormones in the gut that regulate digestion and appetite. You can add barley into your baked goods, or even salads and soups.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Chickpeas<\/h3>\n

A member of the legume family, chickpeas<\/a> are another excellent carb that you should definitely add to your diet. They are packed with dietary fiber, as well as protein, manganese, folate, copper and phosphorus.<\/p>\n

Research has suggested that chickpeas can keep you fuller longer and prevent overeating while providing you with high levels of energy. Add chickpeas into a salad, toss them in olive oil and roast them, or mash them into a smooth, creamy hummus dip.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Whole grains bread<\/h3>\n

Yes, you can still eat bread if you are trying to lose weight. The key lies in the type of bread you are eating. Ditch white bread and instead, opt for varieties that are made of whole grains<\/a>. It turns out that whole grains can do wonders for your waistline and boost your energy levels, making them a great addition to your diet.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the secret? Whole grains haven\u2019t been processed, so they still contain the vital nutrients that are essential for energy and weight loss.<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Quinoa<\/h3>\n

One of the latest superfoods to hit the scene, you have probably seen quinoa<\/a> all over the place lately. It\u2019s even offered in fast food meals! There\u2019s a good reason why quinoa has received so much attention lately; this grain is packed with almost as much fiber as other types of grains, and it\u2019s also a complete protein.<\/p>\n

That means that you can skip out on the saturated fats that are found in other forms of protein, such as steak, and still get the amino acids that are needed to build muscle \u2013 and the more muscle you build, the more calories you burn. Add quinoa to a salad, mix it with steamed milk for a healthy breakfast, or add it to a smoothie.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Black beans<\/h3>\n

All legumes are considered healthy carbohydrates, and black beans<\/a> are definitely one that you should consider eating more of. Why? \u2013 Because they are rich in soluble fiber, which has been found to lower the levels of visceral fat that lies deep in your waistline and increases your risk for certain chronic health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, as well as some forms of cancer.<\/p>\n

Black beans are also a great source of protein, which helps build muscle and burns fat, as well as manganese, vitamin B1, folate and copper. Sprinkle black beans on top of a salad, make them into a chili, or add them to your favorite soup or casserole.<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Popcorn<\/h3>\n

Believe it or not, this go-to movie snack is actually a healthy carb; the trick is, however, to avoid eating it covered with butter and salt. White, air-popped popcorn<\/a> is the healthiest option.<\/p>\n

It contains dietary fiber, protein and trace amounts of vitamins, too. Popcorn will also keep you fuller longer than other snack foods, such as potato chips.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Whole wheat pasta<\/h3>\n

If you are a pasta<\/a> lover and you are trying to lose weight, you will be delighted to know that you don\u2019t have to cut down your pasta intake to shed pounds; instead, change the type of pasta that you are eating. Replace white pasta with whole wheat pasta and not only will you lose weight, but you\u2019ll also still be able to enjoy your favorite food.<\/p>\n

In fact, people who eat whole wheat pasta have a lower body mass index than those who eat white pasta. Toss whole wheat noodles or spaghetti with olive oil and veggies, or mix it with a marinara for a healthy meal.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Sweet potatoes<\/h3>\n

A single sweet potato<\/a> has about 27 grams of carbs, but don\u2019t let that scare you: the carbs in sweet potatoes have actually been found to boost the production of adiponectin, a hormone that helps to regulate blood sugar, which boosts your metabolism.<\/p>\n

Additionally, sweet potatoes are fat free and have fewer calories than white potatoes. They are also high in vitamin C, copper, manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin A and dietary fiber. Mash them, bake them, grill them, or puree them and add them into a soup or pancake batter.<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Pears<\/h3>\n

Not only are they sweet, delicious and totally satisfying, but pears are also super healthy for you. A medium pear<\/a> has about six grams of fiber, which helps with weight loss and keeps you fuller longer than other fruits that contain fiber.<\/p>\n

They are also a good source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, iron, and potassium. Munch on a pear for a healthy snack, slice one up and put it on top of a bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, mix them in with cottage cheese, or bake one with some cheddar cheese for a surprisingly tasty, healthy treat.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Green peas<\/h3>\n

If you grew up with your mother telling you to eat your peas, it turns out that your mother knew what she was talking about. Just \u00bd cup of green peas<\/a> has about four grams of fiber and protein, which means they keep you feeling full for a long period of time.<\/p>\n

On top of that, green peas are a great source of zinc, which has been found to aid in the production of leptin, a hormone that helps to keep you satisfied.<\/p>\n

These legumes are also full of vitamin K, manganese, vitamin B1, vitamin C, folate and vitamin B6. Steamed peas make a great side dish, raw peas are great salad topper, and they also taste great dipped in a tasty dressing.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Oatmeal<\/h3>\n

Oatmeal<\/a> is famed for being a comfort food, but it\u2019s also a great way to keep you full and help you lose weight,. Oatmeal is packed with complex carbohydrates, which makes it super filling, so you are much less likely to want to eat more soon after you eat them.<\/p>\n

To get the most benefits, avoid oatmeal that has been flavored with artificial sweeteners; instead, opt for stone ground oats and sweeten with almond butter, stevia or almond milk.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Teff<\/h3>\n

It may be a new name to you, but if you are looking to add healthy carbs to your diet, you should really familiarize yourself with Teff<\/a>. It\u2019s a powerhouse grain, like quinoa, but it offers even more benefits.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s loaded with fiber, protein, iron, vitamin C, and calcium, making it an excellent food to add to your diet.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Brown rice<\/h3>\n

Ditch the white rice and replace it with brown. It isn\u2019t stripped of its nutritional value, like white rice, so it offers you much more health benefits.<\/p>\n

Brown rice<\/a> is a good source of fiber, vitamin B6 and magnesium, and it keeps you fuller longer than white rice, too.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Kamut<\/h3>\n

This is another grain that you may not have heard of, but you really should get to know it. It\u2019s packed with healthy fats and it also offers more fiber than wheat, one of the most commonly consumed grains. Kamut<\/a> is also packed with other essential nutrients, including vitamin E, zinc, selenium, calcium, vitamin E, protein and thiamin.<\/p>\n

Kamut is a great substitute for rice. It can be served with stir fries, mixed into soups or casseroles, or served as a side dish alongside your favorite main dish.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. Bananas<\/h3>\n

Most famed for their high levels of potassium, bananas<\/a> offer so many other vitamins, minerals and nutrients that are good for you, too. A single medium sized banana has about 27 grams of carbs, so they\u2019ll keep you satisfied.<\/p>\n

Bananas are also a source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6, magnesium, iron and vitamin C. A banana makes a healthy snack any time of the day. It also tastes great on top of a bowl of cereal, oatmeal, or mixed in with yogurt. You can also mix it into a smoothie or use it to make a tasty, healthy muffin or banana bread.<\/p>\n

Add these healthy carbs to your diet and you\u2019ll increase your energy levels and lose weight! You won\u2019t believe what a difference eating the right carbs can do for your health, and your overall well-being \u2013 not to mention, your waistline!<\/p>\n\r\n

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