Why Carbs Are an Important Part of Staying Fit

Posted by In-Shape Health Clubs on June 7th, 2021

When was the last time you enjoyed a sweet potato, a warm bowl of brown rice, a big salad with edamame, or just a simple green apple? These foods provide your body with a valuable source of energy—carbohydrates.

Carbohydrates are an important macronutrient that help fuel your body throughout the day. Yet, somehow, carbs got a bit of a bad rap in the world of healthy eating.

Your health is about so much more than weight loss and crash dieting. In fact, a diet by definition is just the way you eat on a daily basis. Yet, the weight loss industry decided to paint carbs in a bad light. Before jumping to any conclusions, it’s time to try them yourself and see how they make you feel!

Eating More Carbs and Enjoying It

Firstly, it is OK to enjoy a carb-heavy meal or snack without counting macros or feeling guilty. Seriously. Even if it’s a rest day or you skipped your cardio plans. Carbs are a form of energy your body puts to good use—it knows what to do with them. Just focus on whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, or snacks made with complex carbs and a variety of whole grains.

A Carbohydrate-Rich Diet

There are many sources of carbs with a range of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and vitamins. Even low-carb enthusiasts eat carbs in the form of leafy greens, broccoli, and their beloved cauliflower substitutes. And that’s a total win because riced cauliflower is pure genius.

Other nutrient-dense foods that provide a hefty dose of high-quality carbs include beans, brown rice, oats, edamame, whole fruit, and starchy vegetables. You can enjoy many of these better-for-you carbohydrates and avoid less nutritious processed foods.

Eating Carbs for an Active Lifestyle

A constantly hungry belly and an active lifestyle don’t mix well. Eating carbs can keep your body energized for all your activities. While many exercise enthusiasts who visit gyms in Fairfield turn to whole grains, an active lifestyle could also benefit from fiber-rich foods and resistant starches for sustained energy and nutrition. Options like lentils and sweet potatoes help you feel satisfied for longer periods of exercise because they digest slower. Plus, you can feel even better knowing you’ve fueled your body with real food. Congrats on that!

What Really Matters

Diversity is the key to a healthy diet that ensures you provide your body with all the beneficial nutrients it needs. If you genuinely don’t enjoy foods like whole grain bread or quinoa, just focus on eating the unprocessed carbohydrates you do like. Your body will tell you what it needs with cravings and hunger cues, so be sure to listen and eat when you’re hungry.

Ultimately, you need energy to move your body at your favorite health clubs and gyms in Brentwood, Bakersfield, or wherever you choose to exercise. Your body gets energy from food and the nutrients it contains—including carbs. To support a healthier eating plan, avoid restricting yourself. Instead, listen to your hunger cues and eat nutrient-dense foods. See if you can find enjoyment in all your meals and snacks.

Just watch out for favorites like bananas and carrots—they’re so delicious, you just might have to share!

About In-Shape Health Clubs

In-Shape Health Clubs is a California-based fitness community designed to get your body moving and support your fitness goals. Their locations across the golden state, including their gyms in Bakersfield, offer a variety of exciting amenities to help you break a sweat and recover from both high and low-impact workouts. Various membership levels also offer you a chance to join different studio classes and try new things. With In-Shape Health Clubs, you can discover how fitness is so much more than exercise, and In-Shape is so much more than a gym. It’s the perfect place for everyone from families to seniors to high-performance athletes to connect with a community of like-minded people and find joy in movement.

Find out how In-Shape encourages healthy habits and an active lifestyle at https://www.inshape.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3vHshiq