Getting To Know Your Food

What is the difference between Complex Vs Simple Carbohydrates 

Complex carbs are actually very simple. And you’ll find this healthy carbohydrate list of good carbs will help you to feel simply great! So what are carbohydrates anyway? The healthy carbohydrates in food are the macro nutrients your body needs in order to look better, feel better, think better and have an abundance of endurance and stamina. When you choosing carbohydrates, choose wisely complex carbohydrates such as whole grains that are high in fiber get converted to glycogen and either used immediately for energy, providing a steady dose of blood sugar, or they are stored in the muscles and liver for energy at a later time. Simple carbs, which include white bread, and anything containing refined sugar, cause a spike in blood sugar that quickly dissipates. For sustained energy, eat foods rich in complex carbs.

Whole Grains 

Whole grains are high in fiber, have moderate protein levels, are low in fat and are also a good source of complex carbs. Specific examples include millet, oats, wheat germ, barley, wild rice, brown rice, buckwheat, oat bran, cornmeal and amaranth. Any product that is made from these grains is also complex as well. Whole grain bread, bagels, buns and rolls are examples of these. Also pasta, macaroni and breakfast cereals that are made from whole grains are complex carbohydrates. 

• Whole Barley
• Buckwheat
• Buckwheat bread
• Oat bran cereal
• Oat bran bread
• Oatmeal
• Multi-grain bread
• Whole meal bread
• Wild rice
• Brown rice

Fruits

Fruits are high in water content, fiber, vitamins and they have virtually no fat at all. Fruits packed with complex carbohydrates include:

• Prunes
• Dried apricots
• Grapefruit
• Apples
• Pears
• Plums
• Strawberries
• Oranges

Vegetables

Vegetables are high in water, low in fat, have multiple vitamins and minerals, and most varieties are complex carbs they include:

• Spinach
• Lettuce
• Brussels sprouts
• Sprouts
• Cauliflower
• Radishes
• Broccoli
• Turnip Greens
• Zucchini
• Asparagus
• Water Cress
• Yams
• Celery
• Carrots
• Cucumbers
• Potatoes
• Eggplant
• Cabbage
• Okra
• Artichokes
• Onions
• Dill Pickles

Legumes

These are characterized by seeds that have an exterior pod surrounding them. Beans are a type of legume that is a complex carbohydrate. Specific examples include :

• Pinto beans
• Navy beans
• Garbanzo beans
• Kidney beans
• Soy beans
• Lentils
• Black Beans
• Peas
• Split peas

Miscellaneous

Dill pickles are made from cucumbers and they are complex carbs. Soy milk made from soy beans is a complex carb and dairy products like low-fat yogurt and skim milk are also complex carbs.

• Low fat yogurt
• Skim milk
• Soy milk

What not to eat.

Here's a list of simple carbohydrates foods to stay away from.

• Table sugar
• Corn syrup
• Honey
• Jam
• Fruit juice
• Soda pop
• Candy
• Cake
• Milk
• Yoghurt
• Chocolate
• Pasta made with white flour
• All baked goods made with white flour (bread, biscuits, pretzels, rolls, pizza dough, etc.)
• Most packaged cereals

Still not sure what are good, bad, simple and complex carbohydrates? As you can see, the above healthy carbohydrates good carbs list can help you to choose healthy carbs that will make you look and feel great.

But you still may wonder, what are carbohydrates? Especially bad carbs.

The difference in good carbs vs bad carbs is not based on a simple and complex carbohydrates list. It’s based on how much fiber is in the food and how fast the food’s sugars are absorbed into your blood stream.

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