The other day I overheard someone say, “Oh, I am not eating any carbohydrates, I need to lose weight.” My first reaction to that statement is so; you are not eating any fruits, vegetables or grain. When carbohydrates come to mind the first thought is bread & starch. But the carbohydrate group embraces a wide variety of foods.
Carbohydrates include sugar, starch & fiber. The most important function of carbohydrates is to provide fuel for our bodies and our brains!! So, if you fail to eat carbohydrates you may feel a little tired & perhaps not thinking very clearly.
There are two types of carbohydrates:
SIMPLE CARBOHYDRATES-These have one or two sugars and can be found in the following foods. Fruits, milk & milk products and vegetables represent the simple carbohydrate group. These foods contain vitamins and minerals. Some of the culprits of weight gain live here. They would be non-diet soft drinks, candy, syrup & table sugar.
COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES- This group has three or more sugars and is sometimes referred to as the starchy group. It includes legumes, starchy vegetables like peas, carrots & potatoes. Whole grain breads and cereals are considered complex carbohydrates.
So, keep this thought in mind: No one single food group causes us to experience weight gain, excess caloric intake is the culprit responsible when that occurs. Too many calories in and not enough calories out will cause our waistlines to expand.
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