Scared of Carbs? Craving carbs again? Good! You SHOULD be filling the majority of your day with quality, carb-rich foods for ENERGY, blood sugar control, digestion, weight control, fullness, & satisfaction with your meals.
Just like all foods though, all carbs aren’t created equally either. Need help figuring out which carbs will serve you best? Keep reading for some easy ways to ADD more QUALITY carbs into your day!
HAVE A FRUIT OR VEGGIE AT EVERY MEAL & SNACK
Emphasizing fiber-rich fruits & vegetables is key! Aim for whole fresh, frozen, or canned without added sugars. Produce is packed with vitamins & minerals & plays a big part in keeping you full & satisfied between your chow sessions.
SWAP OUT REFINED GRAINS FOR WHOLE GRAINS
Look for the FIRST word being “whole” on the ingredients list! This applies to all your grain products including bread, pasta, rice, tortillas, cereals, crackers, etc. Other foods like oats, quinoa, barley, & popcorn are whole grains too that can be included in your meals & snacks. Whole grains have more fiber & nutrients than their refined partners, so aim to make at least half of your daily grains WHOLE ones!
ENJOY LOW-FAT OR FAT-FREE DAIRY PRODUCTS
Dairy foods are great sources of calcium & protein as well as many other vitamins & minerals. Consider the lower-fat versions to help limit calories & saturated fat. Also, be aware of dairy products that have added sugars in them… make sure to read the nutrition label to verify!
SERVE A PLANT-BASED MEAL ONCE A WEEK
Eat more legumes, which include beans, peas, & lentils. These quality carbs are typically low in fat, high in vitamins & minerals, contain great amounts of fiber, & are versatile in the kitchen. They also are a good source of protein & can help cut back on some saturated fat & cholesterol from beef & pork in recipes.
So, how can you fuel your body better? Don’t be scared of carbs! Choose your carbohydrates wisely & watch for those with lots of added sugars. Enjoy your treats but balance the majority of your day with carbs found in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, & whole grains!
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