5 Complex Carbs that Will Help Your Weight Loss Journey

Carbs are not the enemy. Yes, you can still reach your weight loss goals even if you include them in your diet.

However, you need to be mindful of the kind of carbs you consume if you want to stay on track. In today’s blog, we’ll be talking about the best complex carbs you can include in your diet. Let’s get started!

Understanding Complex Carbs

Carbohydrates are one of the three macronutrients that the body needs to function well. It is the main energy source for humans because it is fast-acting and the calories you get from it can be converted to ATP as soon as soon as it is digested.

There are three types of carbs that are usually included in our diet: complex carbs, simple carbs, and dietary fiber.

While both simple and complex carbs are made of sugar molecules that are turned into glucose, the latter is more beneficial if you’re looking to lose weight. This is because complex carbs are made up of long chains of sugar molecules that take longer to digest. This means they keep you fuller for longer periods resulting in potentially less caloric consumption overall.

Apart from this, food that are rich in complex carbs are also more nutrient dense. They have more vitamins and minerals that can support your overall health and wellness.

The Best Complex Carbs to Stock Up On

Complex carbs are found in whole grain foods, legumes, and starchy vegetables. Here are some of the best sources of this carbohydrate that you can stock up on in your pantry:

Quinoa

While it’s technically not a true grain, quinoa is still one of the healthiest carb sources you can eat. The edible seeds are gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain sufficient amounts of all nine essential amino acids.

It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants.

Green Peas

Peas are legumes that are usually grown for the spherical seeds found in their pods. They are fairly low in calories at about 60 kcal per 170 gram serving. Apart from containing complex carbs and dietary fiber, they are also highly nutritious. It contains several vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also one of the best sources of plant-based protein.

Barley

Barley is a cereal grain often used in making bread, beverages, stews, and other dishes. As a whole grain, barley provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains the dietary fiber called beta-glucan which helps in blood sugar control. It also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which help protect against and repair cell damage caused by oxidative stress

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread or whole meal bread is a type of bread made using flour that is partly or entirely milled from whole or almost-whole wheat grains. Bread made from 100% whole-wheat flour is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals than breads made from refined wheat.

Black Beans

Black beans are a great source of fiber, protein, and folate. They are effective at reducing the rise in blood sugar after a meal compared to other high-carb foods, such as rice and bread.