Carbs For optimal nutrition, start your selection process with healthy carbohydrates as the top priority.
Carbs have not received much recognition over recent years. Seen as one of the primary culprits behind weight gain among various trendy diets, carbs have not enjoyed widespread support among the wellness sphere.
However, carbohydrates are essential fuel for your body. By eliminating this full spectrum from your diet altogether, you risk feeling lethargic, experiencing heart-related health challenges, and increasing your risk for specific cancers.
Thus, carbohydrates do not have to be seen as something to fear; the key lies in making choices which provide fiber, micronutrients and other benefits that will support overall health.
1. Quinoa
This popular side is actually not a grain, but rather is classified as a seed; nonetheless, since its popularity as a side dish or base for grain bowls like other grains led people to call it such.
Quinoa boasts both regular carbohydrates and antioxidants for maximum benefit, making it the ideal addition to a Mediterranean Chickpea Quinoa Bowl or Lethargic Cooker Southwest Quinoa Bowl recipe.
2. Oats
Start each morning right with oatmeal for an enjoyable and satisfying way to fulfill your healthy carb quota! Oatmeal contains both insoluble and soluble fiber which can contribute to many aspects of our health.
Oats contain multiple filaments, but beta-glucan is particularly notable, having proven cholesterol-reducing and anti-diabetic benefits. From Apple Cinnamon Short-term Oats to Rhubarb Oat Muffins, there are plenty of ways oats can add great nutritional value to any diet plan.
3. Strawberries
This naturally sweet and low calorie treat is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without overloading on additional sugars like candy does. Opting for strawberries over sweet treats not only provides your body with regular carbohydrates without extra sugar but also gives additional benefits like potassium, folate and fiber that may benefit it! We understand sometimes we just want some real treats!
4. Black Beans
Beans are an outstanding carb option because not only do they contain fiber and protein to aid in maintaining satiety, but they also contain 20 grams of carbohydrates per half-cup serving. Opting for less mainstream beans such as black or red kidney instead of rice could help you lower LDL “bad” cholesterol fixations after meals as well as support healthy circulation and heart function.
An outstanding Black Beans and Rice dish makes an effortless weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and healthy.
5. Lentils
Lentils Wages Lentils are an excellent source of carbs as well as providing protein and fiber, plus iron, magnesium, vitamin B6 and other vital vitamins and minerals. Try Curried Lentils and Vegetables or Egyptian Lentil Soup for a hearty yet nutritional meal option!
6. Milk
Milk Few things can top the pleasure of sipping a cold glass of milk as an afternoon treat, especially considering it contains carbohydrates along with protein and essential vitamins like calcium and magnesium – making it one of the healthiest carb sources available to us today.
Be mindful when selecting milks that contain added sugars; these may lead to an increase in blood sugar and provide unnecessary calories. White milk should be your top choice when selecting healthy beverages for a diet; soymilk provides comparable nutrition while almond and oat milks typically offer calcium, vitamin D and other essential elements while being much lower in calories, carbs, fat and proteins.
7. Sorghum
Sorghum, an ancient grain native to Africa and Australia, has long been consumed around the globe as a nutritional powerhouse. Like quinoa, sorghum boasts high fiber and antioxidant content for optimal nutrition; making it perfect as either an accompaniment for soups or even popping it like popcorn to enjoy its crispy bits that won’t become stuck between your teeth!
8. Pears
Pears or any natural product in which you consume the skin make for an easy way to add sweetness into your diet while providing your body with more carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals than you could imagine!
If you want something beyond a basic piece of produce, try Simmered Pears with Brie and Pistachios or Pear-Flavored Oatmeal as delicious variations on this theme.
9. Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes can be an integral component of a nutritious diet when prepared without being seared or loaded with extra salt, sugar or other additives that should be limited. Sweet potatoes provide additional health benefits with their abundance of beta carotene – providing your immune system with a boost!
From Broiler Sweet Potato Fries to Messy Joe-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes, there are numerous tasty ways of including this exciting spud in your healthy diet.
