Best Fitness Blog

...By Travis Webb, CPT

From what I can tell there is enough information on the shelves about carbohydrates to confuse any eager researcher. Much of the information lacks consistency across the board, as many are based solely on the opinion and personal experience of the writer. So how do we all figure out what to pay attention to? What are the positives and negatives of Carbohydrates?

The consistency of information involving carbohydrates are actually quite basic. When it’s all said and done carbohydrates eventually become energy. There are different kinds of carbohydrates but the end result is the same, it just depends on how fast your body can utilize this energy. Simple carbohydrates can be utilized as energy faster. Complex Carbohydrates take longer to break down for energy. Therefore if you want quick energy you need simple carbohydrates such as fruits or certain pastas. If you want to make your body to take longer to get that energy you should be consuming complex carbohydrates such as oatmeal or whole grain foods.

In relation to body fat there are many myths and facts in relation to Carbohydrates. These myths make carbs out to be quite evil to the body. Thankfully the facts shine the light on the topic and prove they are quite good. As time has gone on the reality that fat burns in a carb fire has surfaced. You need energy to burn energy, as basic as that sounds its true! The problem is in how much you’re eating. Put simply if you are eating more calories than you are burning you will gain body fat. In order to have the energy to move around you need carbohydrates in your body. Therefore to burn the calories you are taking in to stay healthy you need carbohydrates in your diet. The amount depends on you as an individual!

It is more beneficial to your body and your goals to eat a balanced and personalized diet. Do your best not to limit any types of food unless your body has a different opinion on the matter.

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By Karli Taylor

Even though the low-carb craze has finally started to die down, I still hear people ordering burgers without buns and salads instead of sandwiches in an attempt to lose weight. There is not one particular type of food that makes us fat- Bread is not the enemy! Let’s take a look at some ways to keep the bakeries in business while still managing our waistlines.

Despite what disciples of the low-carb craze profess, bread can actually be an ally in the battle of the bulge. Though simple white breads can leave us feeling less than satisfied, hearty whole grain breads that are heavy and dense can help fight cravings for hours after we have eaten them. The complex carbohydrates found in whole wheat and whole grain breads provide fiber that makes us feel fuller for longer and keeps us from reaching for a snack 20 minutes after we finish our lunch.

So what should you look for when choosing something on which to spread your pb&j? I’m sure that you have heard to look for whole wheat or whole grain on the label, but make sure that the first ingredient is whole wheat or whole oats- without the “whole” you may be getting the nutrients of a white bread with some brown food coloring!

The key word is FIBER. Look for a bread that has at least 4 grams of fiber per slice, and you will feel fuller for longer while helping to maintain your gastrointestinal health at the same time.

Once you find something with 4 or more grams of fiber, make sure that the sugar does not outweigh the fiber. Some breads may have a decent amount of fiber, but the calories are through the roof . Your best bet is a light whole wheat bread or one of the newer sandwich thins or flat breads on the market. With about 100 calories and five or more grams of fiber and protein each, they really are the best things since sliced bread!