Avoid the “Bad” Carbs

If you want to lose weight, get rid of the refined carbohydrates in your diet. These are what we call the “bad carbs”.

Why are they so bad? They raise blood sugar quickly. They stimulate insulin production which tells your body to store fat. In fact, insulin prevents fat-burning metabolism. You just cannot lose weight if your insulin levels are high.

When you eat refined carbohydrates, your appetite is not satisfied for long. You are soon hungry again.

It is almost impossible to lose weight if you are eating a lot of refined carbohydrates, even if you are cutting calories!

What are “refined carbohydrates”? They are sweet and starchy foods that have been processed or altered in some way. The fiber and other healthy parts of the plant are removed.

Common refined carbohydrate foods are:

  • Sugar, syrups, honey and other sweeteners
  • White bread
  • White rice
  • Pasta
  • Baked goods, pastries, cookies, doughnuts
  • Candy
  • Chips
  • Soda and fruit drinks

Manufactured foods are a common source of refined carbohydrates in our diet. These often contain high fructose corn syrup or HFCS. Many experts feel that the prevalence of HFCS in our foods is a major cause of the obesity epidemic.

Doughnuts, cookies, cakes, chips, and most crackers do not belong in any weight loss program. Some of these contain other dangerous compounds such as trans fats and flavor enhancers which have also been shown to increase your chances of gaining weight.

To lose weight and foster good health, learn to enjoy the “good carbs”. These are unrefined carbohydrates. You will recognize them easily because they come in the packaging made by Mother Nature!

Natural carbohydrate foods include fruits, vegetables, legumes (beans and peanuts), and grains. Here are some good reasons to fill up on nature’s bounty.

  • They contain many important vegetables, minerals, and phytonutrients.
  • They are filling and they satisfy your hunger naturally.
  • They contain fibers, which require significant work by the digestive processes in order to release the energy (calories). This slow release delays the rise in blood sugar and avoids a large insulin response.
  • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains promote heart health and may prevent many types of cancer.