By Dr. Jorge, Ph.D.
Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen subscription box for sourdough breads, fresh pastas, and artisanal pastries.
When embarking on a weight loss journey, one of the biggest questions is what you should eat and what you should avoid. Carbohydrates often get a bad rap, leaving many confused about whether they fit in with a weight loss diet.The good news is that not all carbs are bad. In fact, choosing the right carbs can help you lose weight. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best (and worst) carbs for weight loss.
What’s the best carb for losing weight? What’s the best carb to eat for weight loss?
Complex carbohydrates are the best choice for weight loss because they are nutrient-dense and high in fiber. Foods like brown rice, whole grain pasta, whole grain bread, lentils, beans, nuts, seeds, and fruits and vegetables with edible skins or seeds are all rich in essential nutrients compared to simple carbs like white bread, white pasta, soda, and sweets. The higher fiber content in complex carbs helps support digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can aid in weight loss by reducing overall calorie intake.
What are healthy carbs? What is the healthiest carbohydrate to eat?
Complex carbohydrates are not only the best choice for weight loss but are also the healthiest type of carb. Complex carbs are known for their nutritional value, high fiber content, and ability to help regulate blood sugar levels. When selecting a healthy carb, choose options like quinoa, lentils, oats, sweet potatoes, and whole grain bread, among others.
What’s the worst carb for belly fat? What carbs should I avoid to lose weight?
In contrast to complex carbs, simple carbs are the worst for belly fat. Often referred to as "empty calories," simple carbohydrates offer little nutritional value. Examples include refined sugar, fruit juice, soda, candy, cereal, white bread, and white pasta. These carbs are quickly broken down by the body, which can leave you feeling hungry and potentially contribute to weight gain. Consuming too many simple carbs can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Can I eat carbs and still lose weight? How many carbs should I eat a day to lose weight?
Yes, you can eat carbs and still lose weight. As with any food, moderation is key to achieving your weight loss goals. As long as you maintain a calorie deficit, you can enjoy your favorite carbs and still lose weight. The amount of carbs you can consume daily while losing weight depends on various factors like your age, weight, and activity level. In general, it’s best to limit simple carbs and focus on incorporating more complex carbohydrates, all while staying mindful of your overall caloric intake.
What’s the carb pairing trick? Should you balance carbs with protein?
The carb pairing trick refers to the concept of pairing carbs with high-protein foods and healthy fats. Pairing these foods together can help to stabilize blood sugar and further increase the feeling of being full, which can help support weight loss goals. Balancing carbs with protein is recommended, as eating carbs alone can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels.
Which carb is easiest to digest? What carb is best for gut health?
Simple carbs tend to be the easiest carbs to digest because they have a simpler molecular structure that is easier for the body to break down. This makes foods like white rice and white pasta easier to digest compared to complex carbs. Sourdough bread is another example of an easy-to-digest carb due to its unique and prolonged fermentation process which naturally breaks down complex carbs into more digestible units.
The best carbs for your gut health are fiber-rich carbs like fruits, vegetables, oats, legumes, beans, and whole grains. Carbs high in fiber promote gut health by feeding the good bacteria in your gut. This helps to facilitate regular bowel movements and prevents constipation.
Are carbs from bread good or bad? Is bread a good carb or a bad carb?
Bread can be either a good or bad carb, depending on whether it's made from refined or whole grains. Refined grains, like those in white bread, are considered "bad" carbs due to their lack of nutrients and fiber. In contrast, whole grains, such as those in whole wheat bread, are considered "good" carbs because they provide more nutrients and fiber. So, bread can fall on either end of the spectrum, depending on the ingredients used to make the bread.
Are carbs from pasta good or bad? Is pasta a good carb or a bad carb?
Similar to bread, pasta can be considered a good carb or a bad carb based on the grains used to make the pasta. Traditional white pasta is made from refined grains, which lack nutrients, so white pasta would be classified as a bad carb. On the other hand, whole wheat pasta is made from whole grains which is nutrient-rich and thus would be considered a good carb.
Is it ok to eat carbs every day? Can I eat carbs every day and still lose weight?
Yes, it is completely ok to eat carbs every day and still reach your weight loss goals. You can enjoy both simple carbs and complex carbs daily, as long as you manage your overall calorie intake and maintain a calorie deficit, or burn more calories than you consume. Balance and moderation are the keys to losing weight while eating your favorite carbs daily.
Where can I buy fresh bread and fresh pasta online?
At Wildgrain, we specialize in making high-quality, fresh breads and pastas that are delivered directly to your door. Wildgrain is the first bake-from-frozen delivery subscription service for breads, pastries, and fresh pastas. Some of our popular pastas include fresh fettuccine and fresh tonnarelli. Some of our popular breads include everything sourdough bread, plain sourdough loaf, and sourdough 7-grain loaf. Learn more about Wildgrain and our artisanal baking and cooking methods.
About the Author
Dr. Jorge has been a public health researcher for many years, holding both a Bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. in Chemistry. They presently work as a medical writer and love being able to assist others in understanding various health and scientific topics.
This content is for informational use only and does not replace professional nutrition and/or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It is not a substitute for and should not be relied upon for specific nutrition and/or medical recommendations. Please talk with your doctor about any questions or concerns.
