Carbohydrates have a bad name. They are widely known as being contributors to weight gain. Many dieters completely eliminate them from their diet. However, not all carbs are created equal. All you have to do is limit their intake and choose the right carbs to include in your diet.
Why Are Carbohydrates Important?
Carbohydrates are a major source of fuel and energy for the body. You will see after even 24 hours of eating absolutely no carbohydrates that you will start to feel tired and irritable. Your body uses the carbs that you eat for energy.
Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for your body's vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys and brain. It's no wonder that you would be irritable if you don't have any carbs!
If your body doesn't get enough carbs, it can start to break down muscle tissue to produce glucose. You want to hold onto your muscle tissue, as this gives you strength and keeps your metabolic rate up. If muscle is broken down, it causes a build up of ketones - a waste product. Ketones make the blood acidic. If your heart depends on ketones as its main source of fuel, it may not be able to function to its full capacity.
Carbohydrates and Weight Control
Weight is caused by consuming too many calories - whether they are from carbs, protein or fat. The key is to both cut back on calories, and filter the types of carbs you are consuming. For example, ditch the refined sugars found in cakes and donuts, and substitute them with good carbs, like fruits and whole grains. Keeping a certain amount and types of carbs in the diet will keep energy levels up and will fight hunger.
Simple carbohydrates (like white bread) can raise your blood glucose levels, then cause them to drop sharply. This can result in lightheadedness, a lack of energy and hunger. Complex carbs - which are considered the 'good' carbohydrates - are great sources of vitamins, and are slower to digest, which helps to combat hunger.
Follow this simple rule - eat carbohydrates 'from the earth' - this means that no refining should have taken place with the food, such as whole grains. Losing weight means cutting back on calories, and refining the types of calories you are consuming.
Why Are Carbohydrates Important?
Carbohydrates are a major source of fuel and energy for the body. You will see after even 24 hours of eating absolutely no carbohydrates that you will start to feel tired and irritable. Your body uses the carbs that you eat for energy.
Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for your body's vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys and brain. It's no wonder that you would be irritable if you don't have any carbs!
If your body doesn't get enough carbs, it can start to break down muscle tissue to produce glucose. You want to hold onto your muscle tissue, as this gives you strength and keeps your metabolic rate up. If muscle is broken down, it causes a build up of ketones - a waste product. Ketones make the blood acidic. If your heart depends on ketones as its main source of fuel, it may not be able to function to its full capacity.
Carbohydrates and Weight Control
Weight is caused by consuming too many calories - whether they are from carbs, protein or fat. The key is to both cut back on calories, and filter the types of carbs you are consuming. For example, ditch the refined sugars found in cakes and donuts, and substitute them with good carbs, like fruits and whole grains. Keeping a certain amount and types of carbs in the diet will keep energy levels up and will fight hunger.
Simple carbohydrates (like white bread) can raise your blood glucose levels, then cause them to drop sharply. This can result in lightheadedness, a lack of energy and hunger. Complex carbs - which are considered the 'good' carbohydrates - are great sources of vitamins, and are slower to digest, which helps to combat hunger.
Follow this simple rule - eat carbohydrates 'from the earth' - this means that no refining should have taken place with the food, such as whole grains. Losing weight means cutting back on calories, and refining the types of calories you are consuming.
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