The Skinny On
Angelic Carbohydrates
words by iona
If you have a lot of weight to lose, then pay close attention to this section – it could mean the difference between losing weight painlessly (relatively), or potentially taking it with you to your oversized coffin!
A carbohydrate is a monosaccharide or a basic sugar, and these sugars come in many different configurations (foods) which have vastly different effects on our bodies depending on the way they are linked together. Think of these simple sugars as atoms – a lipstick and a diamond ring are both made up of atoms, but the atoms are arranged, or configured differently, to make these different objects of desire – the same way a strawberry and a potato are made up of differently arranged simple sugars.
HELPFUL (COMPLEX) CARBS
These carbs provide our bodies with the best fuel as well as being a terrific source of vitamins, fibre, antioxidants and minerals. They really are nutritionally Angelic, and are usually found in foods high in fibre, which breaks down and releases energy slowly so we have good steady blood sugar / insulin levels throughout the day. This means that when 3.30-itis rolls around, we no longer have those sugar cravings which can send us on missions of madness to search out the chocolate biscuits we’d so diligently hidden away. Eating a variety of helpful carbs – nutrient rich foods like fibrous vegetables, berries and nuts will support weight loss, weight management and help you to achieve optimal health.
Angelic (Complex) Carbs are delicious foods like:
Greens: all lettuces, celery, cucumber, tomatoes, sprouts, green beans, snow peas, broccoli, asparagus, watercress, courgette, fennel, cabbage – the list goes on and on!
Low GI fruits: berries, melon, small apples, plums, peaches, citrus fruits, apricots
Nuts and Seeds: pecans, almonds (without the chocolate!!), macadamias, walnuts, Brazil nuts, pine nuts, sunflower seeds – small amounts though as these are fairly calorific! Almonds are my nut of choice – I add a tablespoon of sliced almonds into my probiotic yogurt every morning for breakfast.
Dairy foods: low fat yogurt (not fat free, as it’s very high in sugar), trim/skim milk, low fat cottage cheese.
All above ground vegetables: tomatoes, all kinds of peppers, radishes, aubergine and also carrots, sweet potato (in small amounts) and pumpkin.
Grains: Oats, quinoa, and lentils are good examples, although I do advise my clients to keep these portions small and usually to once a day while they are working to lose weight.
Only you can decide to make great nutritional choices,
if you’d like help click below