Low Carb Living, Understanding the Habit
It is related that the carbohydrates which give us the best fuel to produce energy are found in bread, grain, sugar, pasta, dairy, fruit, vegetables, beans and tofu. Beside the fact that these are the most efficient energy providers, they are also the best in stimulating our brain activity. Unfortunately, products like these, that are based on essential nutrition, are less important to people in comparison with low carb recipes.
You should keep in mind that not all carbs are as efficient as those enumerated above. Even if they are mentioned to be simple or refined carbohydrates. Lots of these kind of carbs can easily make you feel energetic for a short while and causing a lifeless period after that. Also, after another short while, you will get hungry of "simple" carbs again. This happens because your blood sugar level gets high and low in a short time under the influence of these so-called "simple" or "refined" carbohydrates. For example, snack food, baked goods, regular pasta or even white bread are refined carbohydrates. That's why you should follow a plan which excludes these foods (or uses only a few from the list) from your weight loss diet.
Forwards you are able to find out the reason why these carbs are called slow carbohydrates:
-The first reason is because they are actually whole foods. While doing the counterpart, all minerals and fibers are removed.
-After "slow carbs" are eaten, they will be released as glucose into your blood. Shortly, "slow carbohydrates" release their glucose at a rate slower than normal.
Nevertheless, the blood sugar level of those who are eating slow carbs is balanced, which is why their level of concentration is higher. Besides, the cholesterol level is also balanced.
If you did not know which are simple carbs, here is the list: whole grain pasta/bread/crackers, legumes, beans, oats, brown rice and potatoes in their skin.
To follow a slow carb habit, you shold know exactly what to eat. So forwards you can find a mini guide which can help you.
First of all, read the labels of all the products you plan to buy. The whole wheat should be the first in its category list, where the ingredients are listed. Grain flour or wheat flour are just two of the most common used names.
So, as you can think, you should eat whole foods. But not any, just those who are natural and contain nutrients like minerals, fibers, carbs (for energy) and vitamins. For example, beans, veggies and fruits are perfect.
As with bread, cereals, crackers and pasta, take a note that you should go for whole grain products which are darker.
If you are one of those who can't live without a snack, take into account that fruits are highly recommended as snacks. Also, you should try red peppers mixed with hummus.
Even if some slow carb recipes take longer to cook, you should not hurry. Take your time, because you deserve it. Anyway, you can prepare them ahead of time and freeze the prepared ingredients you are going to use another time. In that way, you will get some extra time.
Energy, good nutrition and controlling the weight are only some of the advantages offered by a slow carb habit. So why wouldn't you give it a try?