It may seem impossible to look for healthy carbs, especially when most of you have been told repeatedly to limit your starchy intakes. But carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced diet – they can be in various foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that provide the body with the necessary energy. Contrary to popular belief, plenty of healthy carbohydrate-rich foods out there that you should be eating more often; these healthy carbs help keep you fuller longer while still providing vital nutrients. This article will explore some of the healthiest carbs you should incorporate into your diet!
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Prioritizing The Healthiest Carbs
Carbohydrates are essential to a balanced and nutritious diet, and prioritizing the healthiest carbs you can eat can make a huge long-term difference in your overall health. Not all carbs are created equal; it’s essential to differentiate between the more natural, unrefined carbs found in whole grains and fruits compared to processed carbohydrates with added sugars.
Eating healthier carbohydrates provides your body with the protein, vitamins, minerals, and fiber needed to maintain optimal physical and mental health. Opting for healthier carbs is beneficial from a nutritious standpoint and can also help increase energy levels and improve cognitive function. In short, incorporating healthy sources of carbohydrates into your diet is vital for reaching your full potential both physically and mentally – so why not prioritize eating the healthiest carbs you can?
Healthiest Carbs You Should Be Eating
Quinoa
Quinoa is quickly becoming one of the most popular superfoods, and for a good reason. This ancient grain offers a powerful nutrient profile, containing valuable amounts of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, and zinc. Quinoa also contains all nine essential amino acids making it a complete protein – which is especially beneficial for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Its filling nature also makes it an ideal base for salads and sides that won’t leave you reaching for snacks not long after eating. Cooking quinoa is easy, too – prepare it just like any other grain, such as rice, and then get creative with your toppings to make a healthy, nutritious, and delicious meal.
Oats
Oats may be one of the simplest and most basic ingredients, but they are far from ordinary. Oats, both rolled and steel-cut, are a great source of fiber that helps support gut health and can also reduce bad cholesterol levels. With a notable low glycemic index, oats are among the healthiest carbs you should be eating because they can provide your body with sustained energy throughout the day.
Moreover, oats offer an array of essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, protein, B vitamins, and more. As such, consuming oats in various dishes is a nutritious way to start or end each day.
Strawberries
Strawberries should be incorporated into your diet to ensure you eat healthy carbs. High in potassium and vitamin C, they are a great addition to any salad, oatmeal, or cereal. Strawberries are also full of antioxidants that can help boost the immune system, and their high fiber content helps keep the digestive system running smoothly.
While they can be enjoyed out of hand as a delicious treat, they can also be frozen and used as a substitute for ice cream or yogurt, adding sweetness without adding unnecessary extra calories. You don’t just have to grab them from the supermarket either – homegrown strawberries offer the same benefits and taste even better!
Black Beans
Black beans are an excellent health food full of plant-based protein and fiber, which can help you to feel full for longer. Eating black beans regularly has been linked to many health benefits, such as improved digestive health, better blood sugar control, and a lower risk of heart disease.
Black beans are also low in calories but still high in essential vitamins and minerals like folate, iron, thiamin, and zinc. As a versatile ingredient used in soups, salads, or side dishes – they provide the perfect accompaniment to any meal. So if you’re looking for a healthy source of carbs, adding black beans to your diet is a smart choice.
Lentils
Lentils are a type of legume that can play an integral role in your healthy diet plan. Since lentils are low in calories yet high in nutrients, they are an excellent source of carbohydrates for those looking to lose weight. Lentils contain a range of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which benefit overall health and wellness.
As these little legumes pack a big nutritional punch, as little as one cup of cooked lentils provides about 18 grams of protein, 40 grams of complex carbohydrates, 16 grams of dietary fiber, and 15% of your daily iron needs – there’s no doubt that adding them to your meals is beneficial! Not only are lentils versatile and easy to prepare, but they can also easily be added to soups, salads, or even savory dishes like curries – making them the perfect choice when you’re trying to get more healthy carbs into your diet.
Sorghum
Sorghum is a powerhouse of grain that should be part of your diet. This whole grain is full of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health and can help to reduce bad cholesterol levels. It’s also packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as thiamine, copper, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, and selenium – all key players in boosting energy and strengthening the immune system.
If you’re looking to diversify your carb intake healthily, sorghum may be your new go-to super grain! Aside from its nutritional value, sorghum is incredibly versatile in cooking applications. Whether you boil it like rice or sweet popcorn sorghum for a tasty snack or make some delicious flatbreads, the possibilities are endless.
Beets
Beets are an easy way to incorporate nutritious and filling carbs into your diet. They are a great source of complex carbohydrates and provide antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals like phosphorus, magnesium, and iron. Beets are also high in dietary fiber, which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Additionally, beets contain nitrates proven to improve physical performance during endurance activities. Regarding taste and convenience, beets can be boiled, steamed, roasted, or eaten raw — perfect for salads or smoothies. All in all, beets offer a healthy dose of carbohydrates with various health benefits, making them a must-have at daily meals.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest carbs you should add to your diet. Not only do sweet potatoes contain vitamins and minerals like beta carotene, iron, and calcium, but they are also packed with fiber, making them very filling and good for your gut health. They have a low glycemic index, plus they’re gluten-free and non-allergenic.
You can cook sweet potatoes in many ways to fit any palette – roasted or mashed in side dishes, steamed or puréed in soups, or cut up in salads – this makes them extremely versatile. For a nutrient-dense snack, try adding a baked sliced sweet potato as a side dish when you’re grilling or roasting main courses. Don’t forget the delicious flavors of adding cinnamon and nutmeg to your mashed sweet potatoes!
These Are Some Of The Healthiest Carbs You Should Be Eating!
In conclusion, adding some of these healthy carbohydrates to your diet is essential for maintaining a balanced and nutritious meal plan. Not only do they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, but they are also incredibly versatile in cooking applications. So make sure you keep these carbs in mind when planning your meals – they are some of the healthiest options! Incorporating legumes, grains, beets, and sweet potatoes into your meals can help ensure that you get the fuel you need to stay healthy and energized.
