Carb confused? Let me change that. Any food that you ingest can only fall into one of three categories. Period. Protein, Fat, or Carbohydrates. Nothing else. Protein and Carbs have 4 calories per gram. Fat has 9 calories per gram.
Carbohydrates are a necessary component of a healthy diet. If you train hard, you need even more carbs than most people to fuel your energy stores. The first place your body goes to for energy, during anaerobic exercise (weight training) is carbohydrates. This is why you need to have enough in your system to get you through a tough workout. I have seen the obvious fatigue set in all too quickly, when training a client. Sometimes its a crash of energy, sometimes a headache, usually within the first 20 minutes. No amount of drive can overcome a bad diet.
What are carbs? Carbs are grains, pastas, beans, cereals, vegetables, and fruits. The best carbs to eliminate if you are trying to lose weight, are starchy carbs. White breads, pastas, and sugars. These are diet saboteurs since they digest quickly, make your blood sugar spike, then drop, and make you crave more carbs. Stay away from these! Vegetables and beans are great sources, with virtually no fat. Sweet potatoes, and brown rice are good choices too. They digest slowly, and keep you full for longer periods of time. They have a high water content, that also is great for weight control. Pack your plate with these.
Fruits are high in sugar, but loaded with fiber, and nutrients. They should be a part of a well rounded, clean eating plan.
Whole grain breads, pastas, and cereals should be eaten in moderation. I like to eat these about an hour before an intense workout, and within about an hour after. I try to never eat these later in the day, and never before bed.
Obesity in America to me is no mystery! When I see how people eat on a regular basis, it amazes me. It’s no wonder people are tired, and dragged down by excess body fat. Their plates are loaded with useless sugary carbs, and in excessive amounts. Heavy meals in the evening, alcohol, and sitting on the couch are the usual American diet.
Educate yourself. Stop your circle of bad habits now. Learn how to eat a clean, energy producing diet. Make a promise to yourself to live a long, healthy life by making smart food choices. Sugar is your enemy in many ways. From syndrome X, to belly fat, to pre-diabetes, these are a few reasons to look in the mirror, and say no to bad carbs! How you look, and how you feel is in your control. It feels really good to be in shape, and to know how to fuel your body with foods that it will thrive on!
I cannot stress enough how great THE DIET SOLUTION is, it quite simply is the best plan to change your future, and your health now. Learn how to get rid of your addictions! Click on the top right of this page for a quick preview of how you can immediately make easy changes in your diet and lifestyle. Not by sacrificing or starving!
Tosca Reno’s Clean Eating books are also a must!
Take charge of your body, and the future of your health today!
p.s. Check with your health care practitioner before starting any new diet plan, or exercise program.