So, should you put the freeze on carbohydrates in order to lose weight? No, it's as simple as that. In the last twenty years or so low or no carb diets have become very popular. But are they healthy? It actually depends on what carbohydrate we are talking about. It seems not all carbs are created equal. There are simple carbohydrates and complex carbs and they are being treated as the same.
Simple carbs are a big no-no. They are quickly burned in the body and usually turned into body fat. They also create cravings, causing you to overeat. They are easily digested so you can easily eat more than necessary. These bad boys include:
Protein Low Carb
a) all white flour products
b) anything that has the words "high fructose corn syrup" in the ingredients
c) candy and sweets
d) sweetened coffee drinks and full calorie sodas.
e) foods that contain lots of sugar, honey or other "natural sweeteners"
All carbohydrates are broken down into glucose during digestion. Unlike simple carbohydrates complex carbs are broken down into glucose more slowly and will provide you with a gradual, steady stream of energy throughout the day. This will also help you to control mood fluctuations also by stabilizing your blood sugar.
Natural complex carbohydrates provide many of the vitamins and minerals that we need and are an excellent source of fiber. So, when eaten, complex carbs are broken down and used to support the functioning of different parts of the body. The fiber cleanses our internal organs and the vitamins are sent out through the blood stream for later use. On the other hand, refined (simple) carbs, found in many processed foods, tend to be devoid of fiber and other nutrients. When you eat these foods, the body can't use any of it's raw materials and so it is simply converted into body fat. This is true even if the calorie count is lower in the simple carb than in the similar complex carb product. Complex carbohydrates will also fill you up and keep you full longer. Here are some of the more common complex carbs:
a) beans, lentils
b) bran
c) Brown rice, millet
d) corn
e) high fiber breakfast cerals
f) oatmeal
g) root vegetables; such as carrots, beets, rutabagas, turnips
h) peas
i) whole wheat breads and other whole grain breads
j) sweet potatoes and yams and winter squash
So, it's not protein versus carbs but the two of them working together, as long as the carbs are complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are absorbed slowly by the body, thus keeping glucose and insulin low and providing long lasting energy. Complex carbs provide the steep declines in blood sugar levels that give rise to fatigue, mood swings and food cravings.
So, just say no to any low carb or no carb diet. Say yes to good health, energy and weight loss by keeping a good balance of protein and complex carbs.