3 Powerful Fat Burning Carbs
by Kevin DiDonato, MS, CSCS, CES
Do you love carbs
But you’re worried that if you eat them, they will add to your saddlebags…
Well, be afraid no longer!
I am here to set the record straight on the one food that people avoid because they think it will cause them to gain fat…
Carbs are NOT the enemy!
In fact, carbs are a much needed food when you’re trying to lose fat.
But there’s something to remember…
See: What to Eat After a Hard Workout
Carbs and Fat Loss
It’s very important to remember that carbs may be very beneficial to your health.
But there are some exceptions…
Carbs – like doughnuts, desserts, and candy bars – are NOT beneficial carbs to your health.
Not only do they add fat to your belly, hips, and thighs, but they may also increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.
BUT:
Not all carbs are like this! Not all carbs may increase your risk for certain diseases…
…or lead to an ever expanding waistline!
For example, sprouted grain bread (a type of whole grain bread) may contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that could speed up your metabolism.
Plus, these foods contain fiber – a nutrient that may wrap itself around food particles – which could slow the rate of digestion, therefore slowing the rate of sugar that is absorbed by your body and sent into the bloodstream.
This could decrease the amount of insulin that is released, therefore slowing the rate of fat gain that could be associated with a high amount of carbs.
So, what carbs do we recommend? These are some good ones to start:
1. Barley
Barley is a cereal-type of grain that possesses a world of beneficial nutrient.
Not only is it chock full of potent vitamins and minerals, it also contains plenty of fiber.
And that fiber may control blood sugar, boost your fat loss, and increase your meal satisfaction.
Now, the fiber in barley may also act as a food for the trillions of bacteria that are found in your gut.
You see, when your gut bacteria ferments the fiber found in barley, it may produce butyric acid, a major fuel source for your intestines.
And when you have a healthy gut, these bacteria may produce two important acids – propionic acid and acetic acid – which may have cholesterol-lowering effects via the liver.
You can mix this grain in with pancakes, muffins, or any type of breakfast food you could think of!
2. Quinoa
There is so much to say about the powers of quinoa that a simple section like this just doesn’t do it justice.
But, we will sure try!
The main driving factor behind quinoa is the amount of fiber that is contain in this powerhouse grain.
This grain may contain TWICE the amount of fiber than other carbs and grains.
The increased amount of fiber may further slow the rate of digestion, therefore leading to a much slower release of blood
sugar.
This could slow the release of the fat-storing hormone, insulin, therefore adding to your overall weight loss.
Plus, quinoa may also produce less free fatty acids. Too many free fatty acids may lead to insulin resistance, which makes it that much harder to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Another food that is packed full of nutrition is sweet potatoes which are a perfect food for boosting your fat loss.
But that’s not the secret to sweet potatoes' fat burning power…
Sweet potatoes may increase levels of Adiponectin – a very powerful protein that interacts with your brain.
When you have higher levels of Adiponectin, you may see drops in your insulin levels.
And this may increase your fat loss in the long run!
Three Powerful Carbohydrates
Most people avoid carbs, either due to some sort of fad diet or because they’re afraid they will gain fat.
However, carbs are not the enemy when it comes to fat loss…
In fact, carbs are a much needed nutrient if you want to push your fat loss to the next level.
Avoiding certain carbs – like sugary junk foods and desserts – may lead to improvement in your body composition.
However, including the THREE carbs from above may boost your fat loss, leaving you leaner and toner than ever before.
So, go ahead, indulge a little…
You may see a flatter stomach and thinner legs before you know it!
Well, be afraid no longer!
I am here to set the record straight on the one food that people avoid because they think it will cause them to gain fat…
Carbs are NOT the enemy!
In fact, carbs are a much needed food when you’re trying to lose fat.
But there’s something to remember…
See: What to Eat After a Hard Workout
Carbs and Fat Loss
It’s very important to remember that carbs may be very beneficial to your health.
But there are some exceptions…
Carbs – like doughnuts, desserts, and candy bars – are NOT beneficial carbs to your health.
Not only do they add fat to your belly, hips, and thighs, but they may also increase your risk for heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers.
BUT:
Not all carbs are like this! Not all carbs may increase your risk for certain diseases…
…or lead to an ever expanding waistline!
For example, sprouted grain bread (a type of whole grain bread) may contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that could speed up your metabolism.
Plus, these foods contain fiber – a nutrient that may wrap itself around food particles – which could slow the rate of digestion, therefore slowing the rate of sugar that is absorbed by your body and sent into the bloodstream.
This could decrease the amount of insulin that is released, therefore slowing the rate of fat gain that could be associated with a high amount of carbs.
So, what carbs do we recommend? These are some good ones to start:
1. Barley
Barley is a cereal-type of grain that possesses a world of beneficial nutrient.Not only is it chock full of potent vitamins and minerals, it also contains plenty of fiber.
And that fiber may control blood sugar, boost your fat loss, and increase your meal satisfaction.
Now, the fiber in barley may also act as a food for the trillions of bacteria that are found in your gut.
You see, when your gut bacteria ferments the fiber found in barley, it may produce butyric acid, a major fuel source for your intestines.
And when you have a healthy gut, these bacteria may produce two important acids – propionic acid and acetic acid – which may have cholesterol-lowering effects via the liver.
You can mix this grain in with pancakes, muffins, or any type of breakfast food you could think of!
2. Quinoa
There is so much to say about the powers of quinoa that a simple section like this just doesn’t do it justice.But, we will sure try!
The main driving factor behind quinoa is the amount of fiber that is contain in this powerhouse grain.
This grain may contain TWICE the amount of fiber than other carbs and grains.
The increased amount of fiber may further slow the rate of digestion, therefore leading to a much slower release of blood
sugar.
This could slow the release of the fat-storing hormone, insulin, therefore adding to your overall weight loss.
Plus, quinoa may also produce less free fatty acids. Too many free fatty acids may lead to insulin resistance, which makes it that much harder to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
3. Sweet Potatoes
Another food that is packed full of nutrition is sweet potatoes which are a perfect food for boosting your fat loss.
But that’s not the secret to sweet potatoes' fat burning power…
Sweet potatoes may increase levels of Adiponectin – a very powerful protein that interacts with your brain.
When you have higher levels of Adiponectin, you may see drops in your insulin levels.
And this may increase your fat loss in the long run!
Three Powerful Carbohydrates
Most people avoid carbs, either due to some sort of fad diet or because they’re afraid they will gain fat.
However, carbs are not the enemy when it comes to fat loss…
In fact, carbs are a much needed nutrient if you want to push your fat loss to the next level.
Avoiding certain carbs – like sugary junk foods and desserts – may lead to improvement in your body composition.
However, including the THREE carbs from above may boost your fat loss, leaving you leaner and toner than ever before.
So, go ahead, indulge a little…
You may see a flatter stomach and thinner legs before you know it!
