Although it was once believed that carbohydrates were good for you, the Harvard School of Public Health states that not all carbs are good, but not all are necessarily bad. There are carbohydrates that are healthy and beneficial to eat, while others increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease if they are eaten in big quantities. The Atkins Diet is a popular diet that limits the intake of carbohydrates, but promotes several good carbohydrates that should be used in the diet.
Whole Grain Bread
Whole grains are present in a number of products that are readily available in most stores, including health food stores and grocery stores. Whole-grain bread is considered a good carbohydrate, while processed white bread is not. Processed carbohydrates do not contain as much fiber as good carbohydrates, and turn into sugar more quickly in the body, creating a quick spike and drop in blood sugar, rather than a sustaining meal that provides energy for hours. Whole-grain breads can be used instead of regular bread, and whole-grain pancake mix and pasta are available in most grocery stores.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a carb that can be used to replace other carbohydrates because it is a versatile side dish. These foods can be used as a substitute for foods like potatoes or white rice, which have a higher glycemic index. If rice every night starts to get bland, try grains that are harder to come by, like quinoa, millet and barley. These whole grains can also be cooked and served as side dishes to go along with a meal, and are considered good carbohydrates because of their ability to keep blood sugar more constant and keep the body energized for a longer period of time. In place of white rice, brown rice can be cooked in a stir fry, cooked into rice pudding, or used in a soup.
Beans
Beans are starchy vegetables that are both proteins and good carbohydrates. Even a small serving of beans packs a punch by providing the body with a stable energy source that also fuels the body in the long-run. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, beans digest slowly to maintain the energy level in the body for a longer amount of time than an already processed carbohydrate, like a baked potato. Beans can be eaten with eggs and veggies in the morning, mashed and spread on a salad for lunch, and cooked in a burrito for dinner.
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