Fat-Burning Carbs to Incorporate into Your Diet

After the phenomenal success of the Atkins Diet Plan, as well as all of the media coverage, some of us have become extremely wary of carbohydrates. We are taught that sugars and starches have a negative effect on our mood, our metabolism, and our weight. While this may be true, the newest studies have shown that there is a distinct difference in good and bad carbs. The findings are made even more obvious by the reformulation of the Atkins diet plan.

You may think that the existence of "good" carbs is too good to be true, but there are carbohydrate-based foods that you can include in your diet and still lose weight. The definition of "good" carbs varies, but basically it means that a fat-fighting carbohydrate requires more energy to metabolize it than it contains.

Good carbs also have a minimal effect on the blood sugar. This means that it takes the body longer to metabolize them, so there are no sudden spikes in the level of sugar in your body.

The difference between simple and complex, or good and bad carbohydrates can be confusing. Here is a list to get you started on the right track.

Whole Grains
Whole grains such as brown rice, barley, whole wheat bread, and oats are complex carbohydrates. This means that these foods have little effect on the blood sugar and are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates. Whole grains are not only considered a fat-burning carb, they have also been shown to reduce heart disease. Whole grains contain fiber and this helps you to feel full for longer periods of time in addition to promoting digestive health.

Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges have been shown by various studies to be fat-burning carbs that aid in weight loss. Not only do they contain fiber, they also create a thermogenic (heating) effect in the body while they are being metabolized. This thermogenic effect burns fat.

Beans
Legumes are considered a good, fat-burning carbohydrate because they have a low glycemic index. Beans and peas also contain fiber and protein in addition to being extremely low in fat.

Potatoes
That is correct. Potatoes, especially those that have been cooked and cooled contain resistant starches. These fat burning carbs do so because they are bulky, so that you feel full in addition to making your body work harder to digest them. End result? Weight loss.

Hot Peppers
Hot peppers are a great fat-burning carbohydrate because they cause that all important thermogenic reaction during metabolization. The increase in the heat produced during digestion results in a higher level of fat burning.

Good carbs, or those that are considered fat-burning carbohydrates are not going to carry the entire weight loss burden. Exercise, reduction in fat and calorie intake, as well as a reduction in the amount of refined carbohydrates, all need to be included in a weight loss plan. Remember to always consult your physician before starting any diet or exercise plan.

www.webmd.com
www.healthnet.com
www.atkins.com