March is National Nutrition Month. It’s a great month to EAT CARBS!
In honor of NNM (and the health of your body!), I encourage you to eat carbs. But not just any carbs –the healthy ones of course and yes, that includes waffles. Recipe below but first a bit about how carbohydrate foods can help you get to your personal best weight and optimal health.
Get to know the carbs in your “low carb” diet and make sure they are good for you.
There are two general types of carbohydrate:
Simple (aka “bad”) carbohydrates are simply sugars. All simple carbohydrates are made of just one or two sugar molecules. They are digested rapidly and provide the quickest source of energy. Unfortunately, most foods high in simple carbohydrates contain few nutrients and are often high in calories. They lack fiber, pass into the bloodstream rather quickly, and can lead to cravings, overeating, and weight gain. Therefore it’s best to limit your intake of simple carbohydrates.
Some sources of simple carbohydrates:
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Complex (aka “good”) carbohydrates are made of sugar molecules strung together like a necklace. They are commonly found in whole plant foods making them high in vitamins and mineral. They digest slowly keeping your blood sugar more stable than simple carbohydrates do. Complex carbs are often rich in fiber making them more filling so you feel satisfied with less food. This can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight.
These whole plant foods are among the healthiest complex carbs:
- Green veggies including kale, arugula, Swiss chard, spinach
- Starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, pumpkin, turnips, winter squash
- Whole grains like oatmeal, pasta, bread, barley
- Beans, lentils, peas
- Whole fruits including as berries, citrus, apples, kiwis
Lastly, choose the least processed carb options most of the time. This means limiting your intake of sweetened beverages, potato chips, white bread, sugary cereals and cereal bars, candy, pastries, fried foods, and other highly processed or refined foods. These items can contribute to weight gain, interfere with weight loss, and promote diabetes and heart disease.
For a filling and delicious healthy carb breakfast or anytime meal, check out this healthy waffle recipe. Skip the syrup and top with fresh fruits, nuts, and even peanut butter. I like to call them Power Grain Waffles because they keep me feeling satisfied and give me sustained energy for several hours after I eat them.
Lorraine
PS…
One of the best ways to take charge of your health is by choosing nourishing foods. Even the busiest of people can learn to do this. I’m happy to help. Give me a call and let’s talk.
