Happiness is Eating Carbs without Putting on Weight

by Unknown 7:28 AM 0 comments

Carbs are our fuel, though the amount consumed must be proportional to your level of activity.  If I fill up my car's gas tank, drive 5 miles and then fill it up again, it's going to overflow.  But, unlike with a car, you might not realize you're overfilling your tank and contributing to a higher level of body fat.

Generally speaking, the more active you are, the more carbs you want to consume.  Since most people tend to be more active in the morning and afternoon, it makes sense to eat the majority of your carbs earlier in the day.

Strengths: Provide energy for muscle function and act as the primary fuel for the brain.  Some carbs, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, are rich in fiber, helping control appetite, slow digestion, and improve the health of your heart.

Weaknesses:  Processed carbs, such as white breads, pastas, baked goods, provide little nutritional value and are converted quickly to sugar and easily stored as fat.

Ideal Players:  Fruits and vegetables: Apples, asparagus, avocados, bell peppers, black beans, blackberries, blueberries, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cherries, cucumber, eggplant, grapefruit, mangoes, mushrooms, oranges, papaya, peaches, pineapple, plums, pomegranates, raspberries, red grapes, soy beans, tomatoes, strawberries, watermelon, yams.

Breads, cereals and grains: Brown rice, oatmeal, rye bread, whole wheat bread.

BOTTOM LINE: Non-processed, fiber-rich, colorful carbs are essential to a healthy lifestyle.  Eliminating carbs produces sluggishness, along with long-term negative health effects.  Carbs are your fuel and should be consumed in proportion to your level of activity.  Remember: A portion of carbs should be about the size of a baseball.

(Excerpt from "CORE PERFORMANCE ESSENTIALS" by: Mark Verstegen)