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Healthy Carbs for Weight Loss

Despite the fact that the elimination of carbohydrates was once the target for successful weight loss, they are finally back and once again being noticed for their nutritional benefits. The truth is the body needs carbohydrates for energy, especially for exercise, which is also necessary for weight loss. In addition, carbohydrates provide fiber for a healthy gastrointestinal system. Therefore the key isn't to cut out carbs all together, but to choose the healthiest sources.

  1. Carbs that Can Go

    • There are some carbohydrate sources that don't provide the body with much benefit and can keep you from losing weight. These are the carbohydrates from simple sugars and are often found in packaged sweets, desserts and snack foods. Aim to limit your consumption of these foods and this will likely result in a reduction of your total caloric intake, which leads to weight loss.

    Fruits and Vegetables

    • Fruits and vegetables provide the body with carbohydrate and fiber, in addition to a multitude of necessary vitamins and minerals. Just about any fruit or vegetable will do, and you should focus on trying out some new foods you may be unfamiliar with. Some suggestions include broccoli, cauliflower, pea pods, summer squash like zucchini, bell peppers, arugula, kale, sweet potatoes and butternut squash. Curb your sweet tooth with natural fruits such as cherries, raspberries, blueberries, apples, pears, plums, kiwi and peaches.

    Whole Grains

    • When choosing grains as your source for healthy carbs, select those varieties that are 100 percent whole grain. These types of grains provide fiber, vitamins and minerals and many also contain necessary protein. Steel cut oats, oat bran, wheat berries, quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat are all healthy carb choices. Have oats or oat bran for breakfast, cook quinoa like rice in a chicken stock and add onion and garlic, choose soba noodles made of buckwheat as a pasta or cook wheat berries and toss them with veggies and a vinagerette for a delicious cold salad.

    Beans and Legumes

    • Beans and legumes are another ideal source of healthy carbohydrate. These foods are well rounded nutritionally because they also provide quality protein and fiber. Black beans, garbanzo beans, lentils and kidney beans are all good choices. Create a hummus dip with garbanzo beans by blending them with sesame paste, garlic and olive oil. Toss lentils into vegetable soups for a nutritional boost, or mix several varieties of beans together in a tangy vinagerette dressing for a cold bean salad.

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