Simple Carbohydrates and why I’m trying to cut down on them
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| Photo By mapichai, published on 22 October 2013 |
Simple Carbohydrates are made of one or two sugars that are quickly and easily digested. There are some SC’s that are okay like milk or fruit but most are, well, sugar or white flour with little to no redeeming characteristics. They digest rapidly and can cause a sugar high a quick little brain boost that will drop down later causing the opposite reaction in the long run.
The more you eat the more you crave. Unlike most foods that lead to satiate or a feeling of fullness or satisfaction Simple carbohydrates leave you wanting more. They also cause a quick jump in your blood sugar. This leads to more insulin and more fat storage, or if your diabetic like me to a high blood sugar. After a sugar rush there is always a sugar crash.
Now all Carbohydrates are not bad. Complex carbs are actually very good for you and necessary for energy and brain function. Veggies and whole grains will digest over time giving you energy without giving you sudden spikes in your blood sugar.
I am limiting my simple carbs especially the ones based on white flour and sugar because I am obese and I do not want to get any fatter. Really I want to lose weight. Also when I eat cookies, chocolate, potato chips I eat too many, too often, and then want more too much. These are all simple carbs and not the best things for me.
When I do have fruit I try to pair it with a protein to slow its absorption. Protein and fibre help slow the digestion of the Simple carbohydrates or really any carbohydrate. Many healthy carbs like fruit and veggies have a lot of fibre naturally as well. If you are having Simple carbohydrates you may want to add fibre to slow the absorption and keep you full longer..
In the evening when I want a snack I’ve started having baby carrots and sugar snap peas. This way I get more veggies (healthy for me and low in calories) and less junk food (unhealthy for me, simple carbs, and high in calories). I have also added radishes, and baby tomatoes to keep my gut bacteria and flavor buds happy.
I am trying to eat more healthier foods in the hope that I then eat less unhealthy ones. I’m not sure how well this is working yet but I do know if I start out eating healthy I’m more likely to continue to do so.
