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Some trendy diets may suggest cutting out carbs to lose weight, but most experts agree that removing an entire food group from your diet is not the best way to achieve sustainable weight loss.
Carbs, like every other food, can be a part of a healthy, weight loss friendly diet. However, there are some ways to make sure that the carbs you’re eating are good for you. Specifically, focus on complex carbohydrates.
What are complex carbs?
Complex carbs include whole grains, legumes, and starchy vegetables. They're labeled complex "because of the longer series of sugars that they are made of, which the body takes longer to break down. That means you will get lower amounts of sugars released at a more consistent rate—instead of peaks and valleys—to keep you going throughout the day," according to Everyday Health.
If you have the choice between complex and simple carbs, it's a good idea to skip the simple. Healthline explains, "Complex carbs pack in more nutrients than simple carbs. They’re higher in fiber and digest more slowly. This also makes them more filling, which means they’re a good option for weight control."
Time of day could play a role.
Eating your carbs for the day with your evening meal might also help you stay on track when it comes to weight loss.
Eat This, Not That! explains, "One study in the journal Obesity put two groups of men on an identical weight loss diet. Half the group ate their carbs throughout the day; the other half ate the majority of the meal plan's carbs in the evening. The result? The nighttime carb eaters lost 27 percent more body fat—and felt 13.7 percent fuller—than those on the standard diet."
With that in mind, keep reading for some of our favorite dinner recipes—complex carbs included.
Healthy Chicken Buddha Bowl
What You'll Need: chicken breast, sweet potato, cauliflower, chickpeas, paprika, turmeric, cumin, cayenne pepper, sea salt, extra virgin olive oil, kale, lemon, tahini
Full Recipe: Tris Alexandra Nutrition & Wellness
Mediterranean Penne with Sun-dried Tomatoes
What You'll Need: whole-grain penne pasta, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, sun-dried tomatoes, black pepper, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, pine nuts, baby spinach, feta cheese (fat-free)
Full Recipe: SkinnyMs.
