The Ideal Protein Weightloss Method
The Difference Between SIMPLE AND COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES
It is important to learn how simple and complex carbs can affect your weight and health. What is the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates? The short answer: not much. They are both carbohydrates that end up broken down into glucose, which is the major fuel source for your body. The long answer: Everything related to health, digestion, fullness and nutrition separates the two. The ‘flexible dieting crusade’ has led many people to believe there’s no difference between 25 grams of carbohydrates from a sweet potato or a sleeve of Sweet Tarts. As long as you’re hitting your daily numbers, they argue, you’re A-Okay! In reality, the structure and nutrient content of a carbohydrate significantly affects how your body digests it, which influences blood-glucose and energy levels, as well as fullness. If you’re constantly taking a numbers- based rather than a health-based approach to carbohydrates, you’ll be riding the energy roller coaster all day long. This doesn’t work bode well for your attempts at weight loss or long term health. The majority of the time, you’re better off reaching for a complex rather than a simple carb. Simple carbohydrates are composed of a single sugar unit, or multiple units strung together (fewer than 20 units), whereas complex carbohydrates are composed of strands with at least 20 sugar units and often more than 100. This structure means the body will break down and digest each differently. The glycemic index (GI) is a system that ranks carbohydrates (on a scale of 0-100) by how quickly glucose (the end product of carbohydrate
breakdown) enters the blood. The higher the GI value, the quicker glucose enters the bloodstream after eating that food. • SIMPLE Carbohydrates: White potato, white bread, white rice, cookies, candies fruit juice, sports drinks • COMPLEX Carbohydrates: Brown rice, oats, apples, oranges, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots Over time, excessive insulin production (to controk blood glucose) may tax the pancreas leading to insulin dysfunction. Cells become insulin resistant and elevated blood glucose levels occur; usually causing weight gain. Resulting additive impact is probable development of Type 2 diabetes. Complex carbs result in the slower release of glucose; overall a better health choice. Learn more about this and how to lose fat pounds at a free Information Workshop on Monday, November 28, from 6:30-8:00pm. at Advanced Physical Therapy. Reservation: 316-283-7187.
Article credit in part: Paul Salter, MS, RD per Ideal Protein of AMerica, Inc.
Dixie Pomeroy, RN, BSN Ideal Image, LLC Weight Management Consultant
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