Who loves carbs, raise your hand! I’m pretty sure every single person I know loves carbs more than any other type of food because they’re just so delicious. Did you know there is a difference between good carbs (complex) and bad carbs (simple)? Bad carbs are in foods such as donuts, cakes, breads, cookies, crackers, etc. you know, all the “good stuff”. Although your body does need carbs to fuel itself, it’s important to shoot for those good, or complex, carbs.
How do you know which is which? Complex carbs (or good carbs) are whole foods rather than processed foods (simple carbs). Sometimes its easier to make a bagel in the morning than it is to cook old-fashion oatmeal or more appetizing to grab a donut than eat an apple, but its important to make sure you’re fueling your body properly so that you don’t crash mid-day.
Here is a list of good, complex carbs:
- Oatmeal (old fashion or steel cut)
- Yams or sweet potatoes
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Butternut squash
- Pumpkin
- Grapefruit
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Oranges
- Bananas
- Pineapple
- Blackberries
- Mango
- Kale
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower
It may not be easier to make your own foods, but when you make something from scratch, you can almost guarantee you wont be using items such as high fructose corn syrup or other unnecessary ingredients that can turn a healthy, complex carb into a simple carb.