The Goodness of Carbohydrates

4 Tips for Distance Runners

by: Nick Thomas

There is a very popular opinion right now that carbohydrates are bad, and should be very limited if not cut from daily consumption. While this may achieve a quick weight loss it is NOT a sustainable or truly healthy choice. Don’t believe the “no carbhype”! The body craves and needs carbs to function properly. The ultimate goal is to lead a healthy life, not just crash diet. When weight is lost it is usually the desire that it STAY gone! If this is to be achieved a total lifestyle change must be made, not just a temporary diet change. This means the correct carbohydrate choices must be made. Yes, there is such a thing as the right carbs. Complex carbs are what is needed for daily consumption. They will give the body the right type of fuel without causing the undesirable effects of simple carbs, such as weight gain. By eating a balance of complex carbs, like sweet potatoes and whole grains along with oatmeal, brown rice and quinoa will allow the body to stay fueled without retaining fat.

There are many benefits to keeping complex carbs in a daily diet. Not only does the body slowly break down and make use of the complexcarbs, but research has also shown that these carbs promote the production of serotonin, a chemical in the brain which makes you feel good. When serotonin is produced it helps prevent feelings of depression, anxiety and anger. Those who deprive their bodies of carbs tend to have more of a struggle with these emotions.

Another major benefit found in these complex carbs is increased fiber intake which helps weightloss over time. The soluble-fiber found in carb rich foods has been found to lower the bad “LDL”cholesterol while providing good “HDL”cholesterol. This all adds up to major heart benefits.

It is important to choose the complex carbs over the simple ones on a daily basis. Enjoy some simple ones from time to time, but focus on a sweet potato with a touch of sea salt and olive oil, or some brown rice or quinoa cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor and steel cut oats in the mornings.