There are two types of carbohydrates: complex carbohydrates and simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are foods like white bread, pasta and sweets, and may be detrimental to weight loss efforts. Complex carbohydrates are generally considered healthier and include foods like whole-grain bred, brown rice and whole-grain pasta. Complex carbohydrates provide a quick burst of energy and are an essential part of a balanced diet.
Whole-Grain Breads
White sandwich bread has very little nutritional value. To get the most bang for your buck, switch to whole-grain bread. Choose a bread that lists a whole grain as one of the first ingredients, and avoid breads that contain a high amount of sugar or high fructose corn syrup.
Whole Grains
Another way to add complex carbs to your diet is by consuming cooked whole grains. Foods like steel-cut oats, brown rice, and cooked couscous taste great and are good as side dishes or simple meals. Choose the least processed form of the grain you can find, and avoid instant varieties--they often contain additives, preservatives and sugars.
Beans
Beans provide both protein and complex carbohydrates, and are an inexpensive way to add nutrition to your diet. Try them in soups, Mexican dishes or dips. If you're trying to lose weight, you may want to avoid refried beans due to their high fat content.
Whole-Grain Pastas
You don't have to give up pasta completely just because you're watching your carbohydrate intake. Instead, choose a healthy whole-grain pasta. There are many varieties available, including whole wheat, kamut and rice pasta.
If you or your family have trouble making the switch, consider cooking half white and half whole-grain pasta for awhile. Slowly reduce the amount of white pasta each time you make a pasta dish, and you'll have switched to whole grain in no time.
Member Comments