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 ChefsDiet™ 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 ChefsDiet™ 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.