Alternative Option to Refined Carbs
There are no beneficial nutrients when consuming refined carbs. You are really eating empty calories. The good news… alternative options offer beneficial nutrients and fewer adverse health effects.
What Is Refined Carbs?
Definition: Refined carbohydrates are produced when whole plants which are high in carbohydrates are processed in a way to strip out everything but the highly digestible carbohydrate (starch or sugar). This has the effect of concentrating the carbohydrate and/or breaking it down so that the body processes it very quickly, generally causing a high rise in blood sugar (glycemic response). It also usually removes the fiber and most of the nutrients in the food.
There are various ways to swap out refined carbs from your diet. You just have to experiment a little. Here are a few ideas how you can choose an alternative option to refined carbs.
If you are eating…
White rice
- choose quinoa, you will increase the amount of iron, B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus, potassiu
m, calcium, vitamin E and fibre. Quinoa can be a little boring by itself. Try cooking it with broth instead of just water.
Regular pasta
- choose brown rice pasta, this will raise the amount of fibre, protein and vitamins you will consume. I was hesitant to try this, but with a homemade tomato sauce, I can’t tell the difference between regular pasta and brown rice pasta.
Pita or tortilla
- choose lettuce as a wrap, low in calories due to the high water content. Depending on the lettuce you choose: Romaine for example has manganese, chromium, vitamins A, B2, B1, C and folic acid. I love experimenting with lettuce wraps. I don’t miss going without a pita or tortilla.
White bread
- choose a true whole grain bread like buckwheat. It will fill you up and keep you fuller longer. Organic Bakery has a great Cinnamon Raisin Bread. Mmmmmmm
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Karen Fleury’s – Clean Eating With Benefits
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E-Mail: karen@cleaneatingwithbenefits.com
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