Elizabeth Babcock, LCSW, LLC

What Are Complex Carbohydrates, and Why Should You Care?

It’s hard to find much of anything bad to say about complex carbohydrates. They are tremendous sources of energy and an impressive variety of nutrients. They are generally low fat, yet keep you feeling satisfied long after you have eaten. They help you maintain a stable blood sugar level, as well as leveling your moods. On top of all that, they are your best source for healthy fiber, and are among the foods least likely to trigger binge eating. What else could you ask??

So, where the heck do you find complex carbs?

Whole grains and whole-grain products:

Bran
Oats
Barley
Rye
Flax
Amaranth
Quinoa
Bulgur wheat
Brown rice
Wild rice
Whole-grain breads, cereals, oatmeal

Fruits and vegetables:

Juicing is better than nothing, but eating the actual fruit/vegetable is far more beneficial.
Eat as wide a variety as possible.
Try to cover as many color categories as possible, as each color tends to represent a different nutrient group.

Legumes:

Peas
Black beans
Black-eyed beans
Garbanzo beans
Green beans
Kidney beans
Lima beans
Navy beans
Pinto beans
Scarlet runner beans
Sieva beans
Snap beans
Soybeans
Lentils
Peanuts

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What Are Complex Carbohydrates, and Why Should You Care?