If you’re looking to shed some pounds, then you’ve probably heard that cutting off or reducing your intake of carbohydrates is one of the best ways to achieve this. The reason behind this advice is that consuming too many simple carbohydrates, such as those found in processed foods and sweets, can lead to obesity. With obesity comes an increased risk of illnesses, like heart disease and diabetes. So if you’re looking to better your health, cutting off carbs may be the route for you.
While there is some truth to this advice, it’s not exactly practical when you’re trying to lose weight. After all, not everyone can avoid carbohydrates, especially those with dietary restrictions. That’s why it’s important to understand what are the best carbohydrates to eat to lose weight. So let’s explore.
The Best Carbs To Eat To Lose Weight
There are numerous studies that link saturated fats and cholesterol with an increased incidence of heart disease. Not so with the consumption of carbohydrates. While there is some evidence to support a link between dietary carbohydrates and heart disease, it is not nearly as strong as the evidence for links between saturated fats and cholesterol. So if you’re concerned about your heart health, then it’s better to focus on the amount of carbohydrates you’re eating.
What are the best carbohydrates to eat to lose weight? There are three primary types of carbohydrates that are proven to assist with weight loss. These carbs are complex carbohydrates, fiber, and water. While all three are necessary for ideal body function, they also happen to be the three least nutritious types of carbs. That’s why you need to make sure you consume them in moderation if you want to see the best results from your weight loss efforts.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates are found in whole grains and many vegetables and are some of the most nutritionally valuable carbs. They are also the most filling of the three types of carbs we mentioned previously. This is why they have been proven to help with weight loss. When you eat complex carbohydrates, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest them, which in turn, allows you to have fewer food cravings and to feel full for longer. Eating complex carbohydrates also increases the absorption of minerals like zinc and magnesium into the body, which are necessary for maintaining healthy skin and teeth. This makes them one of the best carbo sources for optimal digestion and overall body health.
Fiber
Fiber is another type of carbohydrate that you should incorporate into your diet. This substance makes food easy to pass through your digestive system without being absorbed as much as liquid. Soluble fiber, which is typically found in plant-based foods like seeds, fruits, and vegetables, can be used to bind moisture in the stomach, creating a thicker gel-like substance. This substance helps to keep the colon clean by binding any toxins or waste products that may be present in the stool. In addition to helping to keep your colon clean, soluble fiber has been shown in studies to help with appetite control. When you feel hungry after eating fiber-rich food, it may be because the food stays in the stomach for a longer period of time. This leads to less trips to the bathroom, which in turn, allows you to lose more weight.
Water
Last but not least, we have water. Like many of the foods we’ve discussed so far, water is necessary for human survival. But what’s important is that your body doesn’t store water like it does with food; therefore, you need to keep your liquid intake high to avoid dehydration and subsequent health problems. Dehydration makes your body more susceptible to ailments and premature aging. While we can’t tell you how much water you need to drink to stay healthy, you should try to drink at least 16 ounces for every hour that you spend outside. This is because the sun’s ultraviolet rays cause your body to lose moisture. To maintain strong bones and teeth, drink at least eight glasses of water each day (half of which should come from juices).
If you want to lose weight and stay healthy, then it’s important to pay attention to what types of food you’re eating. There are some fruits and vegetables that contain higher levels of carbohydrates than others, so pay attention to how these foods make you feel. If you want to shed some pounds, then focus on eating more fiber-rich and water-rich foods. This way, you’ll be on the right track to reaching your target weight.