The Body Blog: Carbs – The Good, The Bad, and The Really, Really Ugly

By Kelly

[Exercise, health and fitness are an important part of every woman’s life. But how do you know if you’re doing it right? And what new findings, tips and advice will help you reach your health fitness goals? Kelly, our fitness guru, will keep you updated every Monday with the latest and most beneficial news and advice for your health and body. Like the story with carbs..]

Carbs. Whether you realize it or not, everyone eats some type of carb. You hear about all these crazy diets that call for no carbs, when in reality, it’s the most unrealistic way to diet. Your body needs carbs; they are another fuel that keeps a body up and running at a healthy balance. Carbohydrates, by definition, are sugars that provide the body with energy. However, people often mistake the amounts and, more importantly, types of carbohydrates that are good for them.

I’m here to clear up the confusion.

The Good Carbs:

Carbohydrates, which are generally high in fiber (a great nutrient for your body, gives you energy and keeps your regular), are best eaten when they’re not processed (i.e., in the rawest, naturalist state). Good carbs are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that provide your body with energy over extensive periods of time.

Below is a list (thanks to Mama’s Health) of good carbs to eat when you’re craving a fix:

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Beans

• Nuts

• Seeds

• Whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas (see – you can eat bread, just the whole grain ones!)

The good carbs will provide you with energy and nutrients without damaging your figure!

The Bad Carbs:

Bad carbs are generally processed foods, which means all of the nutrients (i.e., the good carb stuff) are removed. While they taste delicious (think McDonalds French Fries), they are incredibly useless to your daily life, as they provide no nutritional value and are jacked up in fats and calories. Below is a list of BAD carbs. Stay away from these badboys.

• White Flour

• White Pasta

• White Bread

• Soda

• Beer

• French Fries

• Potato Chips

• Pizza

These bad carbs generally turn into one thing in your body, something we all worry about: fat. Now, I know it’s unrealistic to say NEVER eat or drink these things, but do so in teeny, tiny doses. You want some fries? Order a small and make it your only bad carb for the week. You want some beer? Drink Michelob Ultra, a beer dedicated to its low carb and low calorie count.

Just keep these things in mind the next time you need to make a meal decision. You don’t have to cut out all of the carbs, just choose the right ones.

(Photo courtesy of nycc.org)