Don't Forget Your Carbs

Carbohydrates are the body’s preferred source of energy. We break down carbs to glucose which is absorbed and carried to the muscle cells and other tissues for energy demands. If not used immediately, glucose gets stored in the muscles, cells and liver as glycogen for future use. Too much stored glucose that is not burned through exercise can result in weight gain.

The glucose sugar from simple carbs is absorbed very quickly and tends to be stored as fat if not burned immediately. Simple carbs are well known as the “deadly whites”: white sugar, flour, rice, pasta and bread. They cause a quick energy “high” followed shortly by a “crash” and a craving for more sugar. Complex Carbs should make up the majority of your intake since they take longer to digest providing a steady release of energy to the muscles, brain and cells. Complex carbs also contain B vitamins and fiber for the production of energy, for weight loss, and metabolism. Examples of some complex carbs are fruits and vegetables, legumes (beans and peas) and whole grains such as rye, oats, millet, brown rice, spelt and barley, as well as products made of these grains and flours. Switching to these carbs is essential to healthy weight management.