Good Carb Vs. Bad Carb

What’s a good carb and what a bad one? How do I tell the difference? Here is an easy way to remember it: white is wrong, brown is bliss. Pastas, rice, and breads usually come in two different options—white or whole grain (brown).

“White carbs” are a simple carbohydrate. (Carbohydrates are simply foods that provide your body with energy and fuel for different bodily processes). Simple carbohydrates have lots of sugar—sugar is rapidly digested in the body, then leaving a want for more. It’s an insatiable cycle, and your body is left wanting more and more, because the simple carb cannot keep your body satisfied for a period of time. Think sugar-rush from candy—it’s great while it lasts, but the problem is it doesn’t last very long. “Brown Carbs,” (this even includes things like oatmeal, vegetables, and fruit) are complex carbohydrates, meaning that they take longer in your body to digest—keeping you satisfied for longer and maintaining a consistent blood sugar level, meaning you won’t be having a peak of energy (sugar-rush) and then be crashing soon enough. When dieting or even just trying to eat healthy, “good carbs” help to curb hunger and are more efficiently used in your body.

Carbs are good for your body, the key is moderation—just like anything else. So next time you’re dining out and you are just dying for some pasta, ask if they have a whole wheat option and you will be surprised how many places offer it.