This trend has been dominating the fitness field for the last few years. Weight loss programs, such as Weight Watchers and Nutrisystem, have based their entire course around controlling these critical macronutrients. But why is there such a fuss over carbs? I will try to answer as many questions as I can about this very complex subject, so stay with me.
Before we advance, I want to make sure that you understand what carbs are. They are our body’s primary source for energy. Carbohydrates come from many different sources – fruits, vegetables, sugary snacks, cereal exc., and all carbs are broken down by the body to form glucose. Glucose is the simplest form of sugar available and serves as our body’s primary energy source. The closer that a carbohydrate is to this form, the faster it is able to be converted into glucose. All carbohydrates contain 4 calories per gram; however, there are two different types of carbs that have very different properties.
Simple Carbs
Simple carbohydrates are the sweet, buzz-causing agents that are primarily found in sugary substances such as candy and soda. They are digested very quickly and are used up very quickly because they are, as the name suggests, simple. It does not take much to convert simple carbs into glucose – and this is the reason why they are considered “bad” carbs. When simple carbs are consumed, you should be active so that you use them up quickly, otherwise, when they are not needed, they convert to fat. Simple carbohydrates kick in really fast, but they also lose their effect after about 30 minutes. After that, they are converted into fat and you are hungry again because your body no longer has fuel to convert to energy.
Are you starting to freak out yet? Good, that is what most people do, but don’t stop reading just yet. There is another type of carbohydrate, which is considered the “better” carb.
Complex Carbs
Complex carbohydrates are longer-chain carbohydrates that are found in pastas, whole grain foods, vegetables, and fruits. They are high fiber foods that help stabilize your energy levels, and help you to feel satisfied longer after your meal. Do you ever wonder why a 100 calorie apple can leave you feeling satisfied a heck of a lot longer than a 200 calorie candy bar? Because these carbohydrates are more “complex” in their composition, the body takes longer to convert them into glucose. That means that the body no longer thinks that it is lacking resources because it is actively converting fuel. Complex carbohydrates provide a constant supply of energy in the period of a few hours, rather than 30 minutes, and keep your cravings down. See why they are admired so much?
So now we know that the reason why fat compiles on our bodies is mostly the result of simple carbohydrates. How do we know what foods contain what type of carbohydrates?
Related posts:
- 10 Reasons Why Fad Diets Never Work
- Bodybuilders and Power Lifters
- Fat Loss
- The Basics of Building Muscle
