Thursday, October 2, 2014

Keep it simple, go for complex



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What I'm referring to in this post is the type of carbohydrates you opt for. I'm asked very often whether carbohydrates should be eliminated from one's diet in order to lose weight, and my answer is always the same. No, you shouldn't cut out carbohydrates completely for various health reasons. Instead you should switch to what are known as complex carbohydrates. 

The major difference between simple and complex carbohydrates is the sugar content. Simple carbohydrates are absorbed quicker and hence provide an almost instant supply of energy. Complex carbohydrates on the other hand take longer to digest due to the added fiber, and therefore enter the bloodstream gradually. This creates a constant and somewhat even supply of energy, which allows for more stable insulin levels, and that is the optimum environment for stripping bodyfat.


Here's a list of complex carbohydrates which I recommend. 

- Brown rice
- Wholewheat pasta
- Wholewheat bread
- Oats
- Barley
- Wheat  

Of course there are more sources of complex carbohydrates, but personally I like to keep it simple and stick with what definitely works for me. Lately there's been quite a hype on Quinoa, which in theory is also a very good alternative, however since I haven't tried it myself I prefer not to add it to my list as yet.