Infographic | Good Carbs vs Bad Carbs
Over the years, there has been a lot of discrepancy about what carbohydrates are good for you and which ones you should avoid.
Different weight-loss diets promote different types of carbohydrates for the most weight loss.
In general, complex carbohydrates (e.g. fresh fruits and vegetables) are the types of carbohydrates that you want to focus on while avoiding simple carbohydrates (e.g. candies, desserts, sodas, cereals).
The infographic below illustrates examples of both goods (complex) and bad (simple) carbohydrates as well as what makes them good or bad. The infographic also explains what the glycemic index is and how it relates to the different types of carbohydrates.
What Makes a Good Carbohydrate?
Below are four elements that qualify a carbohydrate as a good carbohydrate.
- High in fiber and nutrients
- Low glycemic index
- Help you feel full with fewer calories
- Naturally stimulates the metabolism
What Makes a Bad Carbohydrate?
The following four elements are what qualifies a carbohydrate as a bad carbohydrate.
- Low in fiber and nutrients
- High glycemic index
- Empty calories converted to fat
- High blood glucose levels = feel tired
Why the Glycemic Index Matters
Within our bodies, carbohydrates are converted to glucose (blood sugar) which is stored for energy. The Glycemic Index measures how much a particular food raises your blood sugar level when you eat it. High glycemic index foods raise your blood sugar more than low glycemic index foods.
A High Glycemic Index Is Bad, a Low Glycemic Index Is Good.
High glycemic index foods are quickly digested and absorbed which results in a rapid fluctuation in your blood sugar level, also known as a sugar crash which leaves you feeling tired and hungry faster.
Low glycemic index foods are digested and absorbed slower which produces a gradual rise in blood sugar. In regards to weight control, they help because they help control appetite and delay hunger.
Improve your diet with more low glycemic index foods.
Choose healthier carbohydrates like carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, cherries, apples, and oranges.
For more information on how Calla Slimspa Medical Weight Loss Center can help with your weight loss journey call us at 407-644-7546. Our diet program utilizes low glycemic index foods to help you lose weight faster!
Infographic courtesy of http://online-nutrition-degrees.com/
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