Good Carbs Bad Carbs, Here's the Low Down....

Carbs, (short for Carbohydrates) account for a very large part of our diet and give us the biggest part of our energy intake. For this reason, we need to understand them and realize how they can, in fact, act as our weight loss companions, rather than the enemy. This is why the good carbs bad carbs dilemma is so important when it comes to getting a flat stomach. Striped down to the bare essentials, carbohydrates are chains of glucose molecules, in various lengths which can be broken down and then easily transported by the body in order to be burned as fuel. The length of each chain influences its use in the body and its characteristics in terms of providing your body with energy. To keep things simple, carbohydrates can be classified into two different types: good carbohydrates and bad carbohydrates.
Good Carbs vs Bad Carbs
Let's start the good carbs bad carbs explanation with the bad carbs. These are the very short glucose chains or single molecules that are very easily broken down and used as energy. This means that they will give you one big lump of energy, all in one go. This is very dangerous for your weight loss hopes and will not help you to get rid of the fat covering your abs. The associated sugar spike will raise your insulin levels and deal some really bad news to your chances of burning much fat for the day. This rise in the level of insulin released by your body will help you to store more fat, whilst cutting down on your energy levels. This is literally the least ideal scenario imaginable and a great reason for avoiding too many simple, fast burning, bad carbohydrates; this includes sugary foods. So, to complete the good carbs bad cards double act, here are the good carbs: These come in far longer chains than bad carbs and thus are not as keen to release their energy. This avoids the sugar spike and keeps your insulin levels lower. As a direct result of this, you will burn more fat for energy whilst feeling much more energetic and less lethargic.

Where Does Each Type Come From?
Bad carbs come from anything high in sugars and also processed carbohydrates. If what you're eating is whiter in colour than the average detergent advert, then think again before eating it. White carbs are generally bad carbs. Fruit and vegetables can contain this type of carbohydrate yet are so essential that you cannot afford to leave them out of your diet. The advantage with the carbs in fruit is that they contain excellent amounts of fiber... Good carbohydrates are all wholemeal and come from the most natural of sources. Oats are fantastic and release energy very slowly indeed. I can't think of anything better to have for breakfast than a bowl of oats.
The GI index
The GI index is a list of foods ordered according to how quickly their energy can be used by the body for energy. The GI index allows you to classify good carbs bad carbs very quickly by the GI value that the food has been rated. The lower the GI rating, the better! Many foods have an exceptionally high GI and those high in bad carbs or sugars are especially high. Knowing the good carbs bad carbs difference is very important when it comes to maintaining a low GI diet. A low GI diet will keep your insulin levels constant, allow you to feel more energetic and is completely natural.
How the Good Carbs Bad Carbs Difference is Relevant to Weight Loss
Good carbohydrates are very good at keeping your metabolism high. This is due to the fact that they release their energy slowly, meaning more energy to work your muscles with and a more lively feeling. There is no substitute for this when you are trying to lose weight. Bad carbohydrates will cause your body to increase its release of insulin and thus more fat will be stored. I really don't need to tell you that this is bad for your quest to develop a six pack. Eating low GI carbohydrates that release their energy slowly is a really good way to fuel your body and perfect for helping you find the energy you need to complete your workouts as well as possible. Of course, you may need some quick energy and foods such as bananas and recovery drinks are perfect for a post-workout snack. To conclude the good carbs bad carbs equation, the good carbs are the ones you need in order to give yourself the best possible chances for six pack success. The occasional GI high snack or meal doesn't hurt but consume these foods in smaller quantities to avoid the sugar spike. If you're looking for a
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