Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are our main source of fuel for both the body and the brain. Often, there’s a common misconception around carbs which creates a stigma that carbs are ‘bad’, hence why many result to a low carb diet due to the perception it will help with weightloss, health, a smaller waistline etc.

HOWEVER, the truth is that there are TWO TYPES of carbs; the nutritious complex carbs (great for us) and the non-nutritious refined carbs (ones we would be better off without)

Complex carbs are made up of long chain sugars and contain loads of fibre - great for our gut health and ability to digest foods. These carbs also tend to be low in sodium and saturated fat, which are known to increase the risk of heart disease if consumed in high amounts Complex carb examples include oats, buckwheat, fruits, starchy vegetables, barley, couscous, rice, millet, quinoa, chickpeas, legumes, black beans.

Non-nutritious carbs can be high in refined grains, refined sugars, saturated fat, cholesterol and transfats. They are also low in fibre and nutrients, so it’s best to avoid them as best as we can in our daily diet. Examples of refined carbs, in which we want to avoid include; sugary drinks, energy drinks, bought cakes, biscuits, chocolate, lollies, white bread, pastries, white pasta, white flours, and many breakfast cereals. Looking at the Nutrition information panel on foods, a food that has over 10g sugar per 100g is generally best to avoid. .

So although there seems to be a stigma around low carb diets, It’s important to realise that carbs aren’t all bad, and its rather the ‘type’ of carb you consume that determines whether or not they hold benefits to our health, weight and/or waistline. So, go crazy on the complex carbs and try to hold back on the consumption of refined carbs, in order to give your body the best chance at feeling healthy, fuelled and energised for the day ahead!