6 Carbs That Can Actually Help You Lose Weight
Carbs get a bad reputation in the health and fitness industry. Many people believe that all carbs are unhealthy and will hinder their weight loss goals. Well, we’re here to inform you that this is not the case. Believe it or not, there are some carbs that are good for you and can actually help you shed unwanted pounds. This is great news if you love carbs and are struggling to completely remove them from your diet. Here are four carbs that may help your weight loss efforts.
1. Air-popped Popcorn
The next time you’re craving a bag of chips, reach for some air-popped popcorn instead. It contains fewer calories than chips and other popular snacks so you can eat a lot more of it while still losing weight. If the taste of air-popped popcorn is a bit too bland for you, try sprucing it up with some parmesan or olive oil.
2. Sweet Potatoes
If you love fries or loaded baked potatoes, try sweet potatoes instead. They are a nutritious carb that’s full of fiber and an antioxidant known as beta-carotene. You’ll love them because they’ll give you your potato fix and your body will love them because they’re actually good for it. It’s really a win-win situation.
3. Quinoa
It’s no surprise that quinoa is more popular today than ever before. It’s a powerhouse grain that has almost twice as much fiber as other grains. In addition, it’s a great source of protein. By incorporating quinoa into your diet, you can eat less fatty red meat and other foods with high amounts of saturated fats.
4. Black Beans
Rather than a side of pasta, opt for a side of black beans. Here’s why: black beans contain one weight loss essential that pasta simply lacks. That essential is fiber. Since black beans are loaded with soluble fiber, they can reduce the fat that can increase your waistline and raise your risk for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even some cancers.
5. Brown Rice
You don’t have to say goodbye to rice on your weight loss journey, as long as you’re open to brown rice. While white rice contains practically no nutrients, brown rice is a great source of fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
6. Spaghetti Squash
Swap traditional spaghetti for spaghetti squash and enjoy a great side dish or meal without the guilt. Even though spaghetti squash has more carbs than other veggies, it can fill you up quickly with far fewer calories and carbs than pasta.
Contact Total HealthcareMD
For more information on healthy carbs that can help you meet (or even exceed) your weight loss goals call Total HealthcareMD at (919) 436-3777. We’ll be happy to evaluate your situation and recommend a personalized physician-led weight loss treatment plan.
