With every cell in your body running on carbohydrates it really doesn’t make sense to cut it out of your diet completely. Yes, you might shed a few pounds here and there but the changes won’t remain with you long term and might even cause adverse effects on your health. A lot of women fear carbs because they think that they’ll immediately pack on weight but be aware, it’s a myth! As long as you eat healthy carbs and stray clear of processed foods, carbs will only boost your weight loss progress.
Whether you are craving something naturally sweet or just in a mood for a fully satiating meal, sweet potatoes are a great guilt-free option! They are low in calories and very effective in curbing sweet or even salty cravings. Sweet potatoes are also very high in fiber and vitamin A, making your immune system stronger and leave you feeling fuller longer.
What’s the best way to start off your morning? With a bowl of warm oatmeal topped with fresh fruit of course! This will provide you with plenty of energy to start out your day and keep you active right until lunch. Having a filling meal in the morning will prevent you from binging later on in the day and keep your weight loss in check!
Just because you are watching what you eat, doesn’t mean that you have to swear off bread. Personally my body always craves bread and if I deprive it of what it wants, I always feel low on energy and cranky throughout the day. Overtime I’ve learned that I have to listen to my body and just try to find healthy alternatives that will leave me and by body happy! Ezekiel bread is one of the healthiest breads you can eat. It’s made from organic sprouted whole grains and contains no added sugar!
Recently I’ve been hearing a lot more about the raw ‘till four diet, which consists of lots of vegetables and fruits, especially bananas. Some of the people who follow the diet can eat as many as 20 bananas for breakfast! And maybe they have the right idea in mind, there is an endless list of benefits that comes from eating bananas such as easier digestion, regulation of blood sugar, elevation in mood and energy! Just remember to eat them when they are spotty for easier digestion.
Whenever you are craving chips, reach for some popcorn instead. It’s whole grain, very light on your stomach and just a really good alternative to other salty junk food! Just make sure to stick with the right kind of popcorn and avoid microwave popcorn, movie popcorn, kettle corn and caramel in addition to other flavored types filled with artificial chemicals. Instead, air pop whole kernels and lightly season them with salt!
Barley is definitely not for everyone’s taste and sometimes takes time to get used to. However, it’s a rich superfood, full with vitamin B1, copper, magnesium and phosphorus. It gives your intestinal health a boost with the amount of fiber it offers to your digestive system in addition to its significant cardiovascular benefits. Give it a try and begin incorporating it into your diet!
Quinoa is gluten free, very high in protein and fiber, and as a result perfect even for those who are gluten intolerant! It contains nine amino acids, vitamin E and multiple beneficial antioxidants that your body can use. Plus, it’s super easy to incorporate into dishes and it is available at pretty much every store.
A study done in Canada shows that eating pulses-chickpeas, beans, lentils-actually prevented participants from overeating. Roast chickpeas on olive oil and spices for a healthy, quick, and easy snack you can store for the week or two.
A medium sized pear contains more fiber than an apple-6 grams to be exact. Those who eat at least 30g of fiber a day are said to lose more weight than those who don't. So the next time you reach for a snack, make it a pear and start racking up the fiber for the day.
Oh the age old debate-is granola actually healthy? Why yes, yes it is. What is not healthy is all the things we tend to add to granola to mask the flavor. Chocolate, raisins, etc. Be sure and check to make sure your granola isn't packed full of sugar, or make your own at home with recipes found online.
With these foods in mind, stop shying away from carbs and instead embrace your cravings in best way possible!
Sources: shape.com