Stop eating carbs! That's the advice many hear when trying to lose weight. Carbohydrates are some of the most popular foods, however, and many find that giving up bread, rice, and pasta is just too hard to accomplish. Also, the body needs carbohydrates for energy and managing blood sugar. However, not all carbs are the same. Simple carbs like sugar, white flour and potatoes are not the best sources. They cause a spike in blood sugar, which quickly falls, leaving the body hungry and tired. They can also play a part in metabolic syndrome, which can lead to diabetes and high blood pressure.
Carbohydrates like beans, legumes, whole grains are fruit are more complex. They do increase blood sugar, but at a more steady level and without the crash. When blood sugar rises too rapidly after consuming processed carbs or large amounts of bread or sugary foods, insulin is secreted, and the carbs are processed and stored in fat cells. With more complex carbohydrates, blood sugar doesn't spike, insulin production slows to a manageable level, and the body uses the carbs for energy instead of storing them in fat cells. So keep the bread, just have a smaller portion of a whole grain variety and try to limit processed foods that are simple carbs and sugar.
