To hear the way most people talk about carbohydrates these days, you’d think that eating a sandwich is akin to eating a big scoop of vegetable shortening with every meal. But do carbs really cause instant weight gain?

In recent years, the trends in weight loss have largely agreed on one principle: low carbs equals low weight. And while many of these diets can be successful if followed in a healthy way, the low carb diet craze does not mean that if a person eats foods with carbohydrates they will instantly balloon up three sizes. Health Magazine reports that, although demonized, carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet and provide essential energy. Many high carbohydrate foods are healthy, especially complex carbohydrate foods and fruits and vegetables.

Healthy Carbohydrate Foods

When it comes to selecting healthy carbohydrates, whole grain and fruits and vegetables are usually always going to be winners. Whole grains will give you the energy boost specific to carbohydrates while also providing you with healthy fiber, protein, and essential nutrients. And carbohydrate-rich fruits and vegetables, especially the non-starchy variety, are the building blocks of any healthy diet.

Carbohydrate Foods To Avoid

As with every food group, it is always best to avoid super processed forms of carbohydrates. White bread made from refined wheat is an example of a carb that has little nutritional value. Also avoid sugars in most forms, especially from soft drinks and high calorie desserts. With their loads of sugar, refined wheat ingredients, and heaps of oils, butter, or other fats, processed baked goods are a triple whammy of unhealthy eating.

While most foods are certainly best in moderation, there is no reason to give up your beloved lunchtime turkey breast sandwich on whole grain bread. As long as you avoid simple, over processed carbs and sugary carbs, your carbohydrate intake will most likely be nothing to worry about.

Source:

• “Diet Solutions: 5 Common Diet Myths Debunked”, Health Magazine

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