Carbo Load

What are carbohydrates?

Carbohydrates are foods that get converted into glucose, or sugar, in our bodies during digestion. Glucose is a main source of fuel for our body.

Are all carbs bad for you?

(Of course not.)

All carbohydrates turn into glucose and raise our blood sugar. But some do it faster than others. This is based on the amount of fiber in the food. Since fiber takes longer to be digested, the glucose produced during digestions gets released into the bloodstream more slowly.

Carbs also contain a lot of important nutrients including essential fatty acids: the B vitamins, folate, vitamin E, zinc and magnesium.

So what types of carbs should you be eating?

1. Fruits and vegetables are the best source of carbs due to their high fiber content.
2. Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, whole wheat, whole-grain rye, and brown basmati rice are also nutritious forms of carbs.

Why do carbs matter?

When your body runs out of carbohydrates as a source of fuel, it turns to fat and protein for energy. This is why low-carb diets tend to help with weight loss.

However, fat and protein are not the most efficient sources of fuel. So when it comes to exercise and maintaining an active lifestyle, it’s important to incorporate healthy carbs in your diet to sustain a strong immune system, stable thyroid output, low cortisol (stress) levels, and sufficient muscle building hormones.