We see it everywhere- carbs are bad for your diet. But is this really true? What do they really mean? Well, truthfully there are carbs that are unhealthy, like refined carbs that include sugar-sweetened beverages, fruit juices, pastries, white bread, white pasta, white rice. On the other hand, there are carbs that are excellent for you! Whole carbs include vegetables, whole fruit, legumes, potatoes and whole grains.
Here are some of my favorite carbs that are on the “good” list:
Avocado- This is my all-time favorite. I can eat one every day (and usually do!). It’s loaded with everything that’s good for you. And when you can eat it as a healthy snack paired with some sunflower seeds brings the body a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins E and K, and potassium. You also get a little bit of protein, too.
Bananas- This fruit somehow got labeled as bad for you, because of its carbs and sugar content. But that is silly- bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, manganese, potassium, and fiber. And when slightly unripe, bananas are also a good source of slimming resistant starch. Snack on them whole, pop them into smoothies, or even use them as a substitute for fats in baking.
Soybeans- I love edamame! Do you ever just snack on them? They are a great protein and a carb. The protein in soybeans is considered a complete protein, having the essential amino acids in the correct amounts. This makes them more nutritious protein sources than other beans and legumes, closer to the proteins in animal products. The carbohydrates in soybeans are called complex carbohydrates, the kind found in legumes, starchy vegetables and whole grains. Soybeans are also a good source of indigestible fiber carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for your body, metabolized into glucose during digestion.
Oatmeal- Especially during the cold months, a warm bowl of oatmeal goes a long way! Oatmeal is a good choice for filling your carb quota because it's a whole grain that provides fiber, iron, magnesium, zinc, selenium and B vitamins. Nearly all of the carbs come from complex starches, which you digest slowly to provide long-term energy.
Eating these vegetables allows me to get my “carb fix”. What’s your favorite healthy carb to eat? I would love to hear!