Somewhere along the line, carbohydrates got confused as our body’s enemy.
Sure, if you’re going to eat white bread, cake and pasta every minute of every day then perhaps a cause for concern is warranted, but carbs are actually a critical source of fuel for our brain and body’s healthy, daily function.
A diet lacking in carbs will force the body to sub in protein, fats and sugars as a source of energy, which can cause those spikes of oomph, followed by a sudden onset of fatigue.
What your body needs to combat this slump, is a long-lasting source of energy found in the good kinds of carbs.
So without further ado, here are our top five healthy picks:
Corn
Corn when cooked fresh is an incredible source of natural carbohydrates. As well as its energy-giving properties, the little yellow gems are rich in dietary fibre with nearly five grams per cup and are loaded with lutein and zeaxanthin – two phytochemicals that promote healthy vision.
Pro tip: Try eating popcorn as a healthy guilty pleasure snack, because if you’re going to treat yourself (and we all should), then why not make your treat delicious and nutritious?
White potatoes
Okay sure, the health benefits of potatoes are probably going to be deemed redundant if you smother them with sour cream, salt and butter, but these fluffy nuggets are actually an incredibly rich source of natural, long-lasting energy. As well as providing that slow burn our body desperately needs, potatoes contain an abundance of potassium which in turn provides relief from anxiety and stress. Win-win!
Try this salmon and quinoa salad by out friends over at Food To Love!
Quinoa
Pronounced, Keen-wah (not Kwin-oh-ah – something I recently learnt under embarrassing circumstances and no, I don’t want to talk about it), is a current health craze for a reason. In just once cup of quinoa, you’ll find 30 grams of good carbohydrates, as well zinc, calcium, fibre and just about everything else good for you!
Peas
These good green veggies are perhaps the easiest way to add carbohydrates to your #CleanEating meals. Just pop a handful into your lunchtime salads, stir-fry, curry or whatever really, there are no rules! As well as releasing energy, peas are also an amazing source of fibre, vitamin K, C and B, and are rich in protein for all you vegetarians out there.
Kim Kardashian is all about incorporating greens into every meal.
Bananas
Is there anything bananas can’t do? As natures energy bar, bananas pack more carbs per bite than most fruits as they have a lower water content. Nanas are also a right source of potassium, which in addition to lowering blood pressure also enhances muscle strength and acts as a natural diuretic that eases water retention and bloating.
So what are you waiting for! Get eating and give carbs the love they so dearly deserve.
Gwyneth Paltrow sure does love quinoa! Watch the video below to find out just how much.
