Craving Carbs? 3 Healthy Ways to Satisfy Your Craving

When you do not consume enough carbohydrates, you may develop a carbohydrate craving. The body needs carbohydrates because they supply the energy that is required for physical and mental functions. Although most carbohydrates are good for the body in certain ways, there are some that are more nutritious than others.

Generally, the best carbohydrates are found in foods that are natural and unprocessed. These carbohydrates have low a glycemic index value, which means that they are converted into glucose at a slower rate. According to health experts, consumption of carbohydrates with high glycemic index values will result in high blood sugar as well as insulin levels, and this will in turn lead to illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases.

Here are 3 healthy foods that will satisfy your craving for carbs.

1) Whole Grains

Whole grains are unrefined grains and they are a good source of complex carbohydrates. Unlike simple carbohydrates, complex carbohydrates have much lower glycemix index values, and they contain high levels of fiber, which make you feel fuller for a longer period of time. As such, consuming whole grains is an effective way to manage weight. The body will benefit greatly from complex carbohydrates because they provide essential minerals, vitamins and phytochemicals, which are usually not present in simple carbohydrates. Examples of whole grains include whole grain bread, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole grain cereals and oats.

2) Fruits and Vegetables

Many types of fruits and vegetables also contain high amounts of complex carbohydrates, and these include spinach, lettuce, asparagus, celery, cucumbers, carrots, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, oranges, apples, plums, strawberries and pears. Fruits and vegetables are low-calorie foods, and they contain good amounts of fiber, vitamins and minerals. They are especially beneficial for those who wish to lose weight, and they can reduce the risk of cancer and heart diseases. It is recommended that you consume a minimum of 5 portions of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis, and you should also eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juice.

3) Beans

Beans bring lots of health benefits to the body because they are packed with a wide range of great nutrients, including complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein as well as essential vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of energy, and they are effective in preventing heart diseases, diabetes and certain types of cancer. Also, beans are affordable, and they can be used to prepare many different types of dishes.

These days, many people are going on low-carb diets because they are convinced that carbohydrates are detrimental to their health. Low-carb diets are not a healthy option either, because some of them contain nutritional supplements, which can cause health problems in the long run. When you feel a craving for carbohydrates, you can make a switch from foods with simple carbohydrates to those with complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates do not only satisfy your carbohydrate craving; they will also supply the energy that is required for the proper functioning of your body and lower the risk of certain diseases.

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