5 of the best carbs to eat to lose belly fat
With all the extreme weight loss diets that are on the market, most people are a little confused about carbs. They are confused about how many they should eat (if any at all!) – and if they should cut them out of their diet completely when trying to lose belly fat.
So why are carbs important in reducing belly fat? It is mainly due to the high fiber content of these foods that help with weight loss and losing belly fat.
Fiber helps in a number of ways, such as keeping you fuller so you tend to eat fewer calories in total and also taking longer to chew, giving your brain time to get the signal that you have had enough to eat.
The fact is that carbs are the number one source of energy-producing foods. Therefore we CANNOT leave them out of our diet. We need an array of carbs including grains, seeds, and vegetables on a day to day basis. Try to consume a small portion of whole grain carbs at each main meal to increase your dietary fiber intake and aid in weight loss.
5 carbs to add to your meals to help you lose belly fat
1. Brown rice
Brown rice is a whole grain, and more nutritious than white rice as it contains more fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as manganese, selenium, and magnesium. Organic brown rice is especially better for you as it’s grown without the use of any pesticides or harmful chemicals.
Brown rice retains the bran and has a higher nutritional value than most other kinds of rice. The germ of whole rice also contains phytin, which helps expel toxins from the body.
Try the Tamari Fried Rice from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
2. Konjac noodles
A great alternative to wheat pasta and noodles, Konjac is a vegetable and not really even a carb. Also known as ‘slim pasta’ it is essentially all-fiber, therefore contains no fat, no sugar, and no carbs. At only 44 kilojoules (6 to 10 calories) per 100 grams, low GI, gluten-free, they really are so helpful as an option.
Use them in any noodle dish when you feel like a change, like these Chicken Satay Noodles.
3. Oats
Rolled Oats are naturally gluten-free, but when cross-contaminated with Rye, Barley and Wheat in farming or processing equipment, these grains become a gluten-sensitive food. Rolled oats digest slowly, are packed with fiber and have little impact on your blood sugar. Oats are also a great source of manganese, selenium, vitamin B1, dietary fiber, magnesium, protein, and phosphorus.
Oats, thanks to their high fiber profile, are also great for clearing the junk from your digestive system, including cholesterol, that would otherwise end up in the bloodstream. Oats can also help stabilize your blood sugar levels and help prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Look for organic natural oats when selecting the best type.
Check out our delicious recipe for Dairy Free Chocolate Oats from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
4. Quinoa
A great alternative to couscous. Quinoa is a seed and is considered a complete protein because it contains all eight essential amino acids. Most grains are lacking in at least one amino acid, therefore this makes it a great protein source for vegans or vegetarians.
Quinoa is also being tested in research laboratories as a possible way to curb hunger and alleviate protein malnutrition in underdeveloped countries. It goes great in salads, soups, and stews and is a very stable good fat so you don’t have to worry about keeping it in the fridge.
Try making this delicious Macro Bowl, using quinoa as your grain.
5. Broccoli
A great non-starchy carb, broccoli contains many nutrients such as folate, soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamins C and A, and calcium, which are needed for numerous functions in the body.
Try broccoli in the Cheesy Broccoli Bites from the 28 Day Weight Loss Challenge.
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