| When it comes to maximizing your energy | | | | imbalances. Controlled carb diets may promote |
| levels, carbohydrates are the best "go" food | | | | a gradual rise and fall of insulin and are |
| around. Think of carbohydrates as gas in your | | | | therefore more satiating. In high protein |
| fuel tank. If you don't provide yourself with | | | | controlled carb diets, it is thought that |
| carbohydrates throughout the day, you simply | | | | weight loss occurs through consumption of |
| won't have the energy to function. Now this | | | | fewer calories resulting from increased |
| would be a shame for new moms who definitely | | | | satiety. Weight loss also occurs because very |
| don't have much of an energy reserve and who | | | | low carb intake triggers a condition called |
| have one or more little kids relying on them | | | | ketosis, which forces the body to burn fat |
| for just about everything.Everything we eat | | | | stores, but ketosis can be unhealthy if |
| is made up of some combination of protein, | | | | continued for a long period of time.The |
| fat, and carbohydrate. Simple sugars, like | | | | glycemic index measures how quickly a |
| table sugar, starches, like pasta, and fibre, | | | | carbohydrate digests, enters the bloodstream, |
| like oat bran, are types of dietary | | | | and raises blood sugar levels. High glycemic |
| carbohydrates. All carbohydrates deliver four | | | | index foods, such as refined flours and high |
| calories per gram. Something to digest: All | | | | sugar beverages, are quickly digested, |
| carbohydrates are not bad! Carbohydrates are | | | | causing a rapid rise in blood sugar and |
| vital because they provide the body with the | | | | insulin levels. Such effects have been linked |
| energy it needs to support daily | | | | to diabetes, overeating, and obesity. Low |
| activities-from breathing and digestion to | | | | glycemic index foods, in general, foods high |
| thinking and exercise. Consuming whole grain | | | | in fibre and protein, contribute to a |
| and high fibre carbohydrates, including | | | | steadier blood sugar level and have been |
| fruits, veggies, dried beans, and whole grain | | | | shown to lower cholesterol levels and |
| cereals, breads and crackers will make you | | | | decrease the risk of diabetes. Many |
| feel satisfied for longer periods of time | | | | controlled carb diets recommend eating low |
| than foods high in refined sugar and low in | | | | glycemic index foods, such as beans, dairy |
| fibre (i.e. cakes, cookies, sugary candy, | | | | products, fruits, and vegetables. Keep in |
| etc.). Foods high in fibre expand in your | | | | mind that the glycemic index of a food may be |
| digestive tract making you feel full. To | | | | balanced in the context of a meal where |
| visualize how fibre can expand, put a piece | | | | several foods of varying glycemic levels are |
| of whole grain or bran cereal in a bowl with | | | | consumed.Remember, many theories exist about |
| a little water then watch it swell to two to | | | | what constitutes a "perfect" diet. We believe |
| three times its original size. This makes it | | | | a good foundation for any diet consists of a |
| very clear how fibre can help make us feel | | | | mix of fresh, minimally processed foods from |
| fuller.Why do people count carbs? In general, | | | | all food groups, including: lean proteins; |
| carbohydrates cause blood sugar levels to | | | | fresh fruits and vegetables; whole |
| rise quickly while fat and protein cause | | | | grain-based breads, cereals, and pastas; and |
| blood sugar to rise more slowly. In response | | | | heart-healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, |
| to a rise in blood sugar, the body releases | | | | and avocado. And, just as important, a good |
| insulin, the hormone required to bring blood | | | | diet contains delicious foods you enjoy and |
| sugar into cells or fat tissue. If one eats | | | | is one that you can maintain as an ongoing |
| excessive amounts of carbohydrates, the | | | | lifestyle choicelow carb fast food articles. |
| insulin cycle can become imbalanced, | | | | Carbohydrate Net is your carb dessert low |
| resulting in continually raised insulin | | | | recipe |
| levels. High insulin levels have been | | | | |
| associated with obesity as well as increased | | | | headquarters. |
| risk for heart disease and blood sugar | | | | |