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Most people are under the impression that carbs are bad for you and that eating carbs will always lead to weight gain. But carbs don’t deserve that much hate in reality! While it is true that a low-carb diet can help support healthy weight loss, this doesn’t mean that all carbs are bad for you.
There are three different types of carbs: sugars, starches and fiber. As you could probably guess, sugars are an unhealthy type of carb. Starches, like potatoes, pasta, corn or beans, are good for you but should be eaten in moderation. And fiber is the healthiest type of carb, that you can basically never have too much of. Read ahead for our favorite types of high-fiber carbs.
Quinoa
Quinoa is loaded with protein, fiber and B vitamins that aid in metabolism and energy. It is a good carb that can do wonders for your health - especially if you substitute it for starchier carbs like pasta or rice.
A single serving of quinoa can give you as much as 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, with less than a gram of sugar. We love adding quinoa to salads or protein bowls.
Oats
A powerhouse of health benefits, oats are high in fiber, protein, iron and B vitamins. They’re actually one of the healthiest grains out there, and have been found to lower cholesterol and improve blood sugar control.
It is very easy to get more oats into your diet. Our favorite method is to make overnight oats, which often contain Greek yogurt for even more health benefits.
Bananas
It might surprise you to learn that bananas count as a carb, but they are one of the healthiest carbs out there. They contain magnesium and potassium, which can help lower blood pressure.
Bananas make for great snacks, and we even love baking them into healthy, 3-ingredient cookies with oats and chocolate chips.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are on the starchier side, but these are excellent carbs that are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C and vitamin B6.
They promote gut health and healthy digestion, plus their sweet flavor makes them very easy to incorporate into any diet.
Buckwheat
Buckwheat is another great grain that you can substitute for pasta or rice. It is extremely flavorful, plus high in protein and fiber.
Many health experts even consider buckwheat to be a superfood.
