Carbs a Few Questions

Hey guys,

I've been reading around the site and found a lot of info. One was about eating complex carbs, things like brown bread and rice.. Do you guys think eating these sort of foods will give my weight loss a huge boost?

Can I get by with just reducing my calories?

Brown bread is do dry :(

Darren.

Reducing calories is ultimately the way to go to lose weight. You can eat a ton of healthy food, but if u still eat too much you'll gain weight.

Brown rice, whole grain bread, oatmeal, potatoes, etc.. are excellent carb sources. One thing I should mention on the bread tho is that "brown bread" is just the color. You can still have "brown white bread" - the type that's still stripped of all nutrients. It's funny how you think it's too dry, cuz I think white bread is too moist and it sticks to the roof of my mouth. lol You wanna go for whole grain, rather than just looking for color. Even whole wheat can be equivalent to white bread.

Don't forget that fruits are a carb source too. They are mostly sugar, but at least it's natural and they pack in a lot of good things your body needs. I'd still keep them in moderation though, but reaching for an apple is a lot better than grabbing a snickers.

I'm a diabetic and carbs are something I have to think about daily along with a lot of other stuff such as calories.

Complex carbs are better for you than simple ones.

If I'm remembering correctly complex carbs are digested more slowly so you don't get hungry as often.

As far as brown bread goes look for 100% whole wheat. Some brands have a better taste than others. So play around and find a brand that suits you taste wise etc.

As far as loosing weight goes I'm not sure if complex carbs are superior to simple ones. But it stands to reason if the complex ones are digested slower and that affects hunger in a positive manner then it would help with weight loss.

I agree with filefolie calories count big time

Original Post by dtiddles:

Brown bread is do dry :(

:)

If cost isn't too much of an issue, try german-style whole wheat breads. Farmer's loaf is a good one. Slice it thin, toast it (then you'll expect it to be dry anyway), add thin layer of butter.... oh yum. There are a lot of fantastic whole wheat, whole grain, multi-grain breads out there that are so much tastier and healthier than store bought brown bread loaves. I really don't blame you for not liking those!

Everything in moderation.  I personally know someone that actually gained weight on a diet high in complex carbs the goal here is a balanced diet with the right amount of nutrients  and brnyrbr  is  iright complex carbs do digest slower.  But as far is weight loss goes i would stay away from simple sugars(snickers bars case in point)  and create a calorie deficiet in your diet(800-1000 is a good amount).  this a proven way to lose weight.

You need to keep your calorie intake slightly below your energy output to lose weight....  that's a given

If you choose complex carbohydrates to make up some of those calories you will feel healthier, better nourished and not as hungry as if you make poorer food choices..... More 'bang for your buck'.  That's how it helps.

Original Post by brnyrbr:

Complex carbs are better for you than simple ones.

If I'm remembering correctly complex carbs are digested more slowly so you don't get hungry as often.

Well, white bread, soda, chocolate bars, and cookies all digest slower than pumpkin or cooked carrots.  Potatoe chips digest slower than baked potatoes (source).  Does that mean soda is better for me than carrots?

Carbs that occur in nature are better for you than ones that only come out of factories.  Simple vs complex, fast vs slow digesting don't really mean anything.