When it comes to fitness and weight loss, you’d be forgiven for assuming that carbs are the enemy. These days it isn’t uncommon for people to decide to ‘cut out carbs’ altogether in a bid to slim down – but did you know that some carbohydrates are actually beneficial to your overall health? These are known as ‘smart carbohydrates’.
First things first, what are carbs?
Carbohydrates are the sugars, starches and fibres found in certain foods. The food group often gets a bad rap and carb-free diets have become increasingly common in recent years but, as a macronutrient, carbs are important as they offer one of three main ways for the body to obtain energy or calories.
Any personal trainer will tell you that carbohydrates also provide the main source of energy for your body, powering your brain, nervous system and muscles. So if you want to put your body through gruelling high-intensity workouts – such as HIIT, kickboxing or crossfit – then you need to be fuelling it with the right stuff.
What makes a ‘smart carb’ different?
Smart carbs, or complex carbs, are unprocessed carbohydrates found in foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. What makes them so beneficial in terms of leading a healthy lifestyle is their high nutrient and fibre content.
Forget about refined carbs such as white bread, pizza and cakes and think more whole-grain seeded loaves, baked sweet potatoes and quinoa salads. These foods all have a low GI (glycemic index) which means that they are slow burning carbs which can help to control your appetite and maintain your energy levels throughout the day.
Examples of smart carbs
– Fruits and vegetables (except white potatoes which are high in starch)
– Whole-grain products such as brown rice, quinoa, linseed and rye bread
– Legumes – beans, lentils and split peas
– Oats and whole-grain cereals
– Nuts and seeds
Remember there is no need to fear ALL carbohydrates. Instead, try to make better choices and cook healthy recipes using unprocessed foods. Or get in touch for more health tips and to find out how online nutrition and exercise coaching could benefit you.
