There are many diet programs monitor the amount of carbs that go into your body. For those that wish to lose weight, maintain weight, have more energy, and a sustainable lifestyle, what goes into the body really does matter. In this blog post, Temecula, CA chiropractor Nathen Horst and our team at Horst Chiropractic review some information that everyone should know about good carbs and bad carbs, in addition to how you can get more good carbs into the body.

What Are Good Carbs?

Since putting good carbs in the body should be everyone’s goal, this blog post will address this topic first. Any carbohydrate that is considered complex is typically a good carb. Complex carbohydrates take a longer time for the body to process. This is important because it means it has more useful nutrients that the body can use for energy. Additionally, when a carbohydrate takes more time to process, blood sugar will stay more stable, and this can contribute to more energy, fewer sugar crashes, and a more stable mood.

Complex carbs are also good because they help people feel full longer. When people eat a salad, for example, rather than a piece of chocolate cake, even if the caloric intake is the same, the salad will work be more beneficial for the body and leave the person feeling much more satisfied.

Some examples of good carbs include:

• Vegetables
• Oats
• Brown rice
• Berries
• Sweet potatoes and yams
• Fruits
• Whole grains

The more individuals can opt for good carbs, they better they will feel.

What Are Bad Carbs?

It’s also important to talk about bad carbs, because they are the type of carbs that can leave people feeling sluggish when consumed in excess. Bad carbs are simple carbs, or carbs that the body processes quickly. Bad carbs, or simple carbs, create instant energy and are processed quickly, causing a spike in blood sugar and then a drop. For people interested in a quick energy burst, a simple carb might be a good option, but it’s important to remember that a crash will probably follow. Additionally, simple carbs are typically high in sugar and low in fiber. This makes it less likely that you will stay full, and they are also more difficult for the stomach to digest, which leads to increased consumption and weight gain. A diet of simple carbs will often lead to eating more and gaining weight.

Bad carbs include:

• Soda
• Candy
• White rice
• White flour
• Sugar
• Pastries
• Desserts

Of course, it’s okay to enjoy these simple carbs sometimes, it’s just important not to rely on them as a primary source of nutrition.

For more information about chiropractic care, or to make an appointment with a chiropractor, contact Horst Chiropractic today. Any of our staff members can schedule your appointment, or answer any questions you may have about chiropractic care or general wellness. We look forward to hearing from you.