If you think that carbs are the ‘bad guy’ then think again because it’s actually about choosing higher quality carbs and then enjoying every bite.
What are Higher Quality Carbs and Why are they Great Nutrition Choices?
There are several things that add up to high quality in carbohydrate foods and here are 3:
- More fiber
- Important vitamins and minerals
- Efficient energy-producing calories
There are several more things that make high quality carbs great choices and here are 3:
- Rich flavors
- Appealing textures
- Very filling, satisfying
How to add Higher Quality Carbs to Your Meals and Snacks
Step 1: Choose your favorites.
For example,
Here are 12 higher quality carbs: sweet potato, apple, acorn squash, whole wheat spaghetti, oatmeal, blueberries, whole wheat crackers, green beans, black beans, whole grain bread, canned pumpkin, spinach or kale.
Step 2: Plan to eat one or more higher quality carbs in your upcoming meals and snacks
For example,
- Blueberries on breakfast cereal
- An apple and PB for snack
- Green beans and/or a sweet potato as dinner side(s)
- Wilted-sautéed spinach or kale with breakfast scrambled eggs
- Solid pack, canned pumpkin stirred into breakfast oatmeal or vanilla yogurt
- A half slice of whole grain bread with hummus or salmon for breakfast or lunch
- Black bean soup for lunch or a hearty snack
Step 3: Follow through by adding your favorite higher quality carbs to your grocery cart and then enjoy them at your meals and snacks.
Succeeding with Higher Quality Carbs
Success begins by making a decision to improve nutrition and personal wellbeing. With carbs, it’s important to choose carefully for higher quality. These are essential to the pleasure of eating, better nutrition habits, and overall healthy aging. Be sure to take advantage of the vast variety within key food groups as you choose your carbs such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and some dairy foods and you will feel the difference. My free Mediterranean Menus and Recipes booklet will get you going in the right direction so do check it out.
Will you try higher quality carbs and which ones?