Don’t Be Afraid of Carbs (Continued) with Joselynne Boschen

I’ll take a sweet potato, stat.

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Why eating carbs is better than not eating carbs…

Carbohydrates are our fuel.

There are two types of carbs, simple, and complex. The difference is how quickly they are broken down and used in your body.

Simple sugars consist of just that, sugar, table sugar, sweets…candy.

Complex carbs are more advanced and last longer in your system to help the body function. Whole foods are the best version of complex carbs and can also be known as starches. They usually contain fiber & are high in vitamins and minerals. Simple sugars give you an energy rush and crash, while complex carbs, in the right portions, aid your body for more complex necessary processes.

Complex carbs can be broken into subcategories as well. There are refined vs non-refined carbs. The refined (or processed) carbs are the ones you want to steer clear of. The goal is to focus on ingesting foods that are in, or closest to their truest state.

A lot of foods are refined or enriched these days, so you have to do your research to know which food is the best quality as you try to fuel your life.

Never fear the purest carb – non-refined/complex.

Healthy carbs give you energy…much needed energy…

There is a time and a place. I recommend eating your carbs earlier in the day before you expend most of your energy. This is usually before 2pm. These little guys will supply you with what you need to get through the day without feeling tired or lethargic. When balanced with the right fat intake your “energy carbs” will be released slowly into your bloodstream to keep you going strong. This is way better than a quick boost from a protein bar or sugary snack, which will spike your blood sugar. That’s an energy that is not sustainable. You’ll be chasing a blood sugar spike all day, which usually plays out with you reaching for not so healthy foods/snacks and or caffeine.

Do your research. Find healthy, non-refined/complex carbohydrate recipes for breakfast and lunch. Sweet potatoes, oatmeal, brown rice. Pair them with proteins and healthy fats and have at it. There’s no reason to be afraid of carbs.

Use the #filling hashtag in the Lifesum app to find recipes packed with complex carbs and healthy fats, you won’t be disappointed!

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/Joselynne Boschen, Nike Master Trainer, and Founder of Alpha Venice and Alpha Sport East

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