By your Fitness Trainers at Century Fitness

Give a Carb a chance here folks!  It seems like a lot of exercisers and health-minded people are coming down hard on carbs lately.  Any reputable dietitian or nutritionist will tell you that you need to eat a variety of foods from all major categories ensuring you get your adequate supply of macronutrients (Carbohydrates, Protein, and Fat… Fiber, too), micronutrients (Vitamins and Minerals) and Water.

In sports nutrition we learn that carbs are the precursor to burning fat.  We all like to burn fat, right?  Also, after a good workout they are especially needed to replenish the depleted glycogen stores in your muscles.  See, they really are nice!

Carbs are readily available energy in today’s fast paced society.  Spacing out the amount of carbs you eat with meals and snacks during the day helps maintain an even flow of energy.  Foods with carbs have important nutrients and enzymes that interact with digestion and vital hormone activities.

There are two types of carbs – Simple and Complex. These days simple carbs are often found as added sugars with modern, highly processed food sources.  These simple types may be sugars, corn syrup, and fruit juice concentrate.

A complex carb has many linked sugar molecules, which may be combination of sugars, starches, and cellulose. Generally complex carbs have a slower energy release and are less likely to cause a “spike”.  Here are some examples of complex carbs: Butternut Squash, Sweet Potato, Chickpeas, Barley, Quinoa, and Brown Rice.

In some cases, and with certain individuals, there might be some recommendations to reduce carbs or certain forms of carbs due to a health condition, as directed by a healthcare provider.  Otherwise, carbs are a keeper!