How To Lose Weight And Still Eat Carbs

Most diets make you cut out carbohydrates, or some other type of food that you probably enjoy. This limitation is why most diets just don't work. The answer isn't taking away the foods you love, it's knowing which foods are better for you than others and making better choices. With carbohydrates, there are some that are better for you than others, so there's no need to nix them completely. See below for tips on how to lose weight and still enjoy those carbs.

What Foods Contain Carbs?

Carbohydrates are found in a number of different types of foods. Foods such as breads, pastas, rice, some vegetables, juice, soda, candy, desserts, and pastries. These aren't off-limit foods, as some can have good carbohydrates.

Simple Vs. Complex Carbs

There are two different types of carbs in foods, simple and complex.

• Simple carbs are absorbed quickly into our bodies. They are used for energy, but what isn't used as energy is turned into glycogen. If this isn't burned off, it can be stored as fat. Continuing to eat these simple carbs can add up quickly in our bodies. Foods such as sodas, refined breads, desserts, and candy are simple carbs. 
• Complex carbs on the other hand are healthier carbs and our bodies have to work harder to digest them, rather than being stored, that energy is released over a long period of time. These carbs are usually unprocessed and more natural. Foods such as apples, green vegetables, whole grain breads, and bran cereals contain complex carbs.

Replace Don't Take Away

Replacing your simple carbs with complex carbs is a great way to still keep your carbs and not feel like you're limiting yourself. For example, rather than eating white potatoes, replace them with sweet potatoes. Instead of eating corn, switch to asparagus. If you're craving ice cream, go with frozen yogurt instead. Craving something salty such as chips? Make baked zucchini chips made with an egg wash and panko bread crumbs. You'll get the texture you are craving, without all the extra carbs. 

Change your eating habits for a healthier lifestyle. Don't try to keep up with diets you know you won't be able to keep up with that limit you, or take away the foods you enjoy—you'll be setting yourself up for failure. Make healthier choices, and remember that those healthier choices should include daily exercise as well. For more information, talk to a professional like Halevy Life.