Good carbs for YOU

When it comes to carbohydrates a lot of people tend to be incredibly misinformed. In a fast food culture where at least half of the population would like to lose some weight, carbs have been given a bad rep when it comes to dieting. Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of fuel for your body, especially for your muscles, your brain and your central nervous system.  When you eat carbs, they are broken down into glucose-or blood sugar which your body then metabolizes.  If your body happens to have too much glucose then it converts it into something called glycogen which if you have excess amounts of this, it is in turn converted into fat.  However, carbohydrates are also metabolic primers which means that they are needed in order to burn fat! 

f you restrict your carbohydrates, you may feel tired and drained all the time. You NEED carbs for your body to function properly and there are many carbohydrate foods that are very beneficial to your health and athletic performance.  For instance, veggies, beans, hummus, brown rice and whole grain breads are all known as complex carbohydrates which are very nutritious and lower in fat.  These foods are digested at a much slower rate than simple carbohydrates which are high in refined sugar and found in sweet tasting foods like cookies and candies.  When you eat these foods, the sugar quickly turns into glucose, enters your bloodstream and gives you a sudden burst of energy.  This is often known as a “sugar high.”  Simple carbohydrates are only good for you if you can moderate them.  They are high in calories but actually lack any vitamins and minerals.  They are often called “empty calories” because they are not nutritious and often lead to weight gain.

Wildtree’s Hearty Turkey & Barley Stew is a great option for providing a meal that includes useful carbohydrates.  The Red Beans & Rice is my favorite since this a very nutritious and basic meal that is just incredibly hearty and delicious.  This will be sure to please any vegetarian.  Wildtree’s Hummus is also one of my favorite options.  I personally love hummus and it is difficult for me to find a kind at the grocery store which is not loaded in preservatives but still is well balanced and tastes great.  After tasting Wildtree’s Hummus, I don’t think I will be buying from anywhere else.  For those of you who didn’t know, garbanzo beans are a fantastic carbohydrate which come loaded with vitamins and minerals and are a great source of fiber.  If you appreciate a good loaf of bread as your source of low carbohydrates, you may be interested in Flaxseed Beer Bread which is a great source of dietary fiber and loaded with tons of omega 3 which is good for your brain and your heart. Our Grapeseed Oils are also a great way to cook and add a little bit of pizazz to your vegetables if you are “watching it” as far as carbs go.

Remember, eating healthy doesn’t necessarily mean depriving yourself of what is good.  Wildtree provides some wonderful and tasty options to help you with your goals!!