Good Carbs/Bad Carbs

The more I talk to people about being healthy and losing weight the more I realize the misinformation going on about carbohydrates. Because of the recent high protein craze, people tend to think that carbs equal fat and subsequent weight gain. Like I said before "Carbs are Not the Enemy." But if you prefer to hear it straight from the experts I recommend reading "Good Carbs Bad Carbs and Indepensible Guide to Eating the RIght Carbs for losing weight and optimum health.

Johanna Burani and Linda Rao tell you in plain english how carbs are a vital part to your diet. Contrary to popular belief, carbs should consist of a major portion of your diet. According to Burani and Dr. Rao as well as other sources the breakdown of macronutrients should be as follows:

55-60% Carbohydrates

10% Protein

30% Dietary Fats

Different huh? I know you are skeptical but trust these ladies are right. Carbs are an important energy source for your body and without it your body will use protein and fats which is not a good thing.

Now this doesn't mean that you can go buckwild at Dunkin Donuts or your favorite Italian eatery. Because all carbs are not created equal. Some carbs when digested cause your blood sugar to spike quickly and then come crashing down. This steep incline and decline of glucose can leave you feeling,"hungry, tired, and irritable." Hello hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)!!These carbs that cause your blood sugars to free fall are called gushers. Any food with a glycemic index greater than 70 earns this title. Sitcky rice, bagels, rice cakes, and instant oatmeal all qualify as gushers. However, if you want to keep your blood sugar levels at a constant flow than tricklers are your guy. Brown rice, rolled oats, and whole wheat bread keep your energy levels in cruise control. Check the back of the book for a list of gushers, tricklers, and intermediates* to aide you in your food shopping.

To go one step further the authors list the consequences of a high glycemic diet. Diabetes, out of control triglycerides, and coronary heart disease are some unwanted bonuses for a unhealthy diet. But don't fret alterations in your diet can turn steer you out of the danger zone. The book is complete with before and after case studies, low GI receipes, food guides, and a glycemic index food list.

So pick it up. I promise you will be enlightened.

P.S. Shoutout to Johanna Burani for commenting on the earlier glycemic index post. Had to check out the book girl :)

Intermediates- Are Carbs with a GI of 55-70

GI - Glycemic Index