Complex carbohydrates are an energy source for the body and have a low glycemic index. They are also high in fiber, which helps to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar.
Trying to lose weight? You may want to consider complex carbohydrates as your go-to food. Complex carbohydrates are the main energy source for the body, so they have a vital role in weight loss. The best foods with complex carbs include sweet potatoes, yams, brown rice, quinoa and whole-grain breads.
Complex Carbohydrates for Weight Loss
Complex carbohydrates can be helpful when you’re trying to lose weight because they provide steady energy. If you’re eating mostly simple carbs like white breads or refined sugars, your blood sugar levels will fluctuate from high to low and back again throughout the day. This can leave you feeling tired and hungry with no energy to exercise. Complex carbohydrates provide more stable energy sources that keep your body running smoothly throughout the day and allow you to focus on weight loss goals instead of feeling tired all the time.
Here are some foods with complex carbs that can help with weight loss:
- Tropical fruits such as bananas, pineapples, and mangoes contain complex carbohydrates that can keep you full for hours. Along with providing you with tons of energy, these fruits also help to reduce hunger pangs and cravings by keeping your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day.
- Oatmeal: Oatmeal contains fiber and it helps fill you up so you don’t overdo it on calorie-rich foods. Fiber also helps lower cholesterol by carrying cholesterol out of your body before it has a chance to build up in your arteries and cause blockages.
- Quinoa: Not only is quinoa a great source of protein, but it’s also loaded with fiber and complex carbs. It’s also gluten-free and a complete protein, making it an ideal food for people who follow a plant-based diet.
