Not All Carbohydrates
Are Created Equal
You want to make sure you’re eating the right kind of carbs such as fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Not overly processed, refined grains or starchy white breads and pasta. According to researchers at Tufts University in Boston, people who regularly eat whole grains rather than refined grains pack on less fat in their midsections. Nutritionists tend to think of carbs as three types of fuel—slow, medium and fast burners.
Medium Burners
Eat medium burners like oats, quinoa or peanut butter on whole grain toast in the morning, or before a workout so they can provide you with plenty of sustained energy.
Fast Burners
Faster burning carbs like bananas, raisins or trail mix can offer a nice shot of energy in the middle of the day. They also are ideal, immediately following a workout to fight fatigue and help with muscle repair.
Slow Burners
Choose slower burning carbs at dinner time. Vegetables (such as sweet potatoes) and legumes (such as black beans) are lower in carbohydrates but packed with fiber to keep you full. Lowering your carbs in the evening will also keep your fat-burning furnace hot while you sleep because carbohydrates tend to slow the release of growth-hormones during sleep. And that’s what encourages muscle recovery and growth while at the same time promoting fat burning.