Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates - Nature's Healthy Diet-Fitness Supplement

     Diet foods rich in complex carbohydrates are a great source of energy and fitness benefits. They typically contain a range of other essential nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. In addition, they are often excellent sources of dietary fiber, and are often low in fat. By contrast, sugary (refined) carbs can cause fatigue.

     For example, foods such as starchy vegetables, pasta, whole-grain bread and cereals, barley, and rice provide plenty of long-lasting energy and offer lots of valuable nutritional benefits, while excess calories from sugary treats, which quickly shoot up your blood sugar level, can leave you feeling listless later on.

The Top Carbs to Boost Energy and Fitness

     Complex carbohydrates are excellent energy boosters. Grain products and fruits are your best sources; and many offer a host of extra benefits. For example:

- Amaranth
     This highly nutritious grain is high in calcium. Like brown rice, whole wheat, buckwheat, and barley, it is a rich source of fiber and trace minerals.

- Bananas, Cantaloupes, Oranges
     These fruits are full of vitamins, fiber, and carbohydrates, and a single banana contains as much as 25 percent of a day's supply of potassium, a mineral needed for healthy blood pressure.

- Carrots
     Easily the richest natural source of beta-carotene, carrots are high in fiber and minerals. Enjoy carrots frequently in all forms: cooked, raw, and as juice.

- High Vitamin C Fruits
     A single serving of citrus fruit offers almost a day's supply of vitamin C; and so do kiwis, pineapples, persimmons, and honeydew melons. In addition, many of these are rich in potassium and other valuable nutrients.

- Beans
     All beans are high in iron and other minerals, high in fiber, and can be good sources of protein when combined with other vegetable proteins, such as rice.

- Potatoes
     A good source of vitamin C, copper, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, iron, and fiber, and low in calories. Eat them plain or with reduced-fat dressing.

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