13 Ideas to go from Eating Bad Carbs to Good Carbs

During the next few weeks, Iowa Avenue’s focus will be about bread.

Therefore a primer on “good” carbohydrates is required. First of all, why eat good carbohydrates?

In general, good carbs:

• are high in fiber
• are low on the glycemic index
• have a low “ energy-density”
• has a greater “ thermic effect” because they take longer to digest which naturally stimulates metabolism
• are high in nutrients

The following 13 recommendations will help take you from eating “bad” carbs to “good” carbs:

1. Eliminate as much junk food from your diet as possible--chips, candy, soft drinks, etc.

2. Lower your intake of refined-flour, baked goods , including white breads, bagels, rice, pasta, etc.

3. Buy a variety of fruits and vegetables. Start by including 2 servings with each meal.

4. Empty your pantry of unhealthy carbohydrates.

Here are a few examples of unhealthy carbs:

5. Include fruits and vegetables as your snack of choice. You’d be surprised at how long an apple or a small bag of baby carrots will keep you satisfied. They taste good too!

6. For breakfast, try a whole grain bagel topped with hummus, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

7. Eat a salad as least once a day. Most salads contain 2-3 vegetable servings.

8. Add color to your lunch and dinner plate by adding fresh fruits and vegetables. The more color, the healthier your meal.

9. How about a portable snack of nuts and seeds? Just put a small packet in your purse or pocket. Plus, they’re great on salads.

10. Experiment with whole grains such as quinoa, oatmeal, or bulgur.

11. Eat a serving of beans or legumes at least once a day. Add them judiciously to soup, salad, or entrées. Even eaten without anything else, beans can be a tasty treat.

12. Instead of fruit juice, try a whole fruit.

13. If you buy grain products, don’t be deceived by nutrition claims on the front of the package. Read the nutrition and ingredient labels. Make sure “whole-grain” is the first word in the ingredient’s list.

Whole grains have a lot to offer you, your family and your friends—they’re “good” carbs. Spread the love!

What are your favorite carbohydrates?

Will you be able to incorporate “good” carbs into your diet? Or are you already eating whole grains.

Why don’t you share a recipe because,

After all, it’s about a healthy lifestyle!

© Iowa Avenue

Photo courtesy of Cindy Funk