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Good Carbs vs Bad Carbs
Carbohydrates are your body’s number one source for fuel. However not all carbs
are created equal. Choosing between “good” carbs and “bad” carbs may be confusing.
Basically, all carbohydrates are broken down into sugar or glucose. Carbs containing
little or no fiber break down quickly.
Foods which contain a good amount of fiber
take longer to break down and digest. The rate in which foods are broken down are
represented in what nutritionists call the Glycemic Index.
Throughout the current low-carb vs. no-carb vs. right-carb craze, you may have heard
the term “Glycemic Index” mentioned frequently. The Glycemic Index measures how
quickly a food affects blood sugar levels. Carbs with a low glycemic index are digested
slowly without causing a sharp increase in blood sugar levels and are generally
considered “good”. Carbs with a high glycemic index causes sharp spikes in blood
sugar levels and are generally considered “bad”.
The glycemic index is not required on food labels but
these numbers can be found online. A Glycemic Index of 55 or
less is considered low. A range from 56 to 69
is considered medium. An index of 70+ is considered high.
Some examples of good carbs are:
• Brown rice
• Oats
• Whole wheat bread and pasta
• Whole grain cereals
• Unprocessed foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean meats
Some examples of bad carbs are:
• White bread
• French fries
• Cakes/cookies
• Starchy, sugary or refined foods stripped of their nutrients
The Chefs Diet formula includes all the good carbs that are digested slowly and
do no cause sharp increases in blood sugar levels.
In effect, good carbs such as
green leafy vegetables (spinach, arugula, watercress, broccoli) and beans tend to
keep you feeling fuller longer.
Weight loss studies indicate that body fat tends to be lower in
people who consumed
carbs with lower glycemic index counts. The Chefs Diet approach in relation to low
glycemic index carbs: We believe the most sensible and healthy way to not only control
weight, but also to live a healthy lifestyle is to consume “good” carbs.
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