Diet culture has confused many of us on how to fuel our bodies properly. Currently in the diet culture world, people are saying “carbs will make you fat.” Let me tell you that this statement couldn’t be further from the truth!
Did you know that carbohydrates are our body’s MAIN fuel source? When we eat a carbohydrate, it turns into something called glucose. Glucose is then utilized immediately for energy. The glucose that is not utilized right away is stored in our muscles and liver as glycogen to help with muscle recovery and used at a later time when we run out of immediate glucose.
Our brain alone needs a minimum 120 g of glucose a day just to function.
When we deprive ourselves of carbohydrates, our body goes into a state of ketosis. Ketosis is a clear-cut signal from our body that something is wrong! In the state of ketosis, we begin burning muscle and fat for energy. While this will result in quick weight loss, it has more harmful effects on the body than good and is not sustainable long term. A few examples of the harm it can cause on your body include low blood pressure, kidney stones, constipation, nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease.
So, it’s not NO carbs, it’s KNOW carbs.
It’s recommended to eat whole grains over refined grains, and here is why: Whole grains have the entire kernel (bran, endosperm and germ) intact therefore provide more fiber, selenium, potassium, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, zinc, vitamin E and other nutrients. Whole grains and other unprocessed starches are far better for your heart than refined food, they are slower to digest keeping you fuller longer and contain numerous vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for your overall health.
Refined grains are stripped of the bran and germ leaving only the endosperm which is the starch. If you need immediate energy, this is a good option!
Here are some sources of some of my favorite whole grains:
· Barley.
· Brown rice.
· Buckwheat.
· Bulgur (cracked wheat)
· Millet.
· Oatmeal.
· Popcorn.
· Whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers.
Here is a delicious recipe to try containing the whole grain, Farro!
Farro Salad with Corn, Tomatoes and Edamame
Side Dishes
Servings: 6
Calories: 234 kcal
Ingredients
· 1 cup farro
· 4 cups water
· 1 teaspoon kosher salt
· 1 clove garlic, smashed
· 1 ½ cups cooked corn (I grilled fresh corn and then cut the kernels off)
· 8 ounces grape tomatoes, halved (about 1 ½ cups)
· 1 ½ cups edamame, cooked
· 1/3 cup chopped parsley
· 1 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
Sherry Vinaigrette:
· 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
· 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
· 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
· ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
· 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Place the farro, water, salt and garlic in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and cook until farro is done, 25-30 minutes. Drain the farro.
2. Meanwhile, make the sherry vinaigrette. Place the vinegar, oil, mustard, salt and pepper together in a small jar or other container with a lid. Cover and shake until combined. Alternatively, you can whisk the ingredients together in a bowl.
3. Stir the warm farro together with the vinaigrette, corn, tomatoes, edamame and parsley in a large bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Sprinkle cheese on top. Serve salad warm or chilled. Enjoy
Christina Ellenberg is a Registered Dietitian and Strength and Conditioning Specialist located in the Atlanta Metro Area. Check out her website or book a session with her at www.DietitianDish.com
