27/03/2024
🌟 Let's bust a myth! Carbs are NOT the enemy! 🍞🍚
Our bodies thrive on carbs - they're our main source of energy! Plus, research shows they're linked to boosting serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical that keeps our mood up! 🧠💪
***And what do we tell kids...Don't eat that vegetable??*** 🤔
No, but not all carbs are created equal. Some can lead to chronic diseases and hinder our health goals. Here are some healthier alternatives to consider:
✅ Pears 🍐 are a good choice because they contain copper, an
important nutrient. Low levels of copper may be linked to
obesity, heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and nonalcoholic
fatty liver disease.
✅ Stock your freezer with whole-grain waffles. 🧇 Not just for
breakfast! They can be a good anytime snack, especially when
you pair them with peanut butter (look for natural or no-sugar-
added varieties) instead of syrup. Ricotta or cottage cheese
are also good toppings. Choosing whole grains in place of
refined grains can help lower body weight and inflammation.
✅Forget sugar-loaded, store-bought trail mix. When you make
your own, you control the ingredients. A simple blend of dried
cranberries without added sugar and almonds, which gives
you fiber, natural sugar, calcium, iron, and other nutrients.
Cranberries are good for your microbiome.
✅ Hummus with veggies 🥗gives you a one-two punch of
healthy carbs. You get carbs in the chickpea base of the
hummus as well as in the veggies. Dip baby carrots, sugar
snap peas, zucchini strips, or cucumbers in your hummus. You
could also spread hummus on whole-grain pita bread or
whole-grain crackers. Along with protein, chickpeas contain
antioxidants, can help lower high blood pressure and high
cholesterol levels, and can fight cancer.
✅ Unflavored instant oatmeal is a portable snack you can take to
work - just add boiling water and swirl in some no-sugar-
added almond butter. That way you'll add the protein and
health fat that will keep you feeling full longer and help keep
your blood sugar in check.
Remember, it's all about balance and making informed choices! Embrace carbs as a vital part of your diet and enjoy the benefits they bring to both your body and mind. 💪🥦