Good vs. Bad Carbodydrates: Is there a Difference?

Carbohydrates have been one of the many conflicts of the recent years. Are they good, or are they bad? Well, BOTH actually.

Good ones are found in our whole wheat or brown breads and grains. Bad are found in the white breads and grains.

Diets such as the Atkins diet have proved extremely successful for several people. The problem with this diet is that once a person begins to eat grains etc. again is that the starvation of the proper sugars and grains present in these foods puts the body into shock.

It instantly converts the nutrients into sugars and more quickly then other people causes fast drops and increases in blood sugar levels. It also causes significant weight gain.

If not properly monitored, it can cause significant health risks.

So what's all the fluff anyway?

Basically what it comes down to with carbs is this: They are absolutely essential to the health and maintenance of your body.

They are a major source of Fiber. There are two basic types of Carbs.

Simple and complex. Simple is easy to digest and dissolves in water, and complex come in a range of all kinds.

When eating breads or grains, you will always notice an increase in your energy levels. If it is an extremely fast and quick "bounce in your step" that you feel then these are likely the "bad" starches for you.

So, yes although the Canada Food Guide says it is okay to eat a bagel, remember that just one white bagel is the equivalent of 6 pieces of white bread. They highly recommend eating whole grains for a reason.

That is because the complex carbohydrates take longer for your body to break down so those are the carbs you want to be eating for healthy eating and sport endurance. They are a fantastic fuel for that marathon you have planned or even for that little walk down at the park.

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