C arbohydrates are commonly villainized by the media which is largely unaware of how nutrition works. While it is true that low-carb foods are beneficial for losing weight and high-carb foods for building muscle, a good moderation of carbs is essential to a long and healthy life. Changing your carb intake is never a permanent solution and neither is taking low carbs a healthy decision.
Carb-loaded foods can be very beneficial and can keep your energy levels high throughout the day and lead to a much longer and more fulfilling life in the long run. However, this is only true for unprocessed carbs.
Processed or refined carbs offer little to no nutritional value and should be kept at a minimum to make sure your body gets the proper nutrition it needs. So, what are some carb-loaded foods you should be having?
1. Sweet Potatoes
Potatoes are widely regarded as the favorite vegetable of the people. Delicious and carb-loaded, there are so many ways to enjoy the potato. However, a healthier (and just as delicious) vegetable to add to your meals is the sweet potato.
These are rich in carbs and a delicious way to add carbs as well as a wide array of vitamins and minerals, especially potassium, vitamin A, and vitamin C. In fact, some of the carbohydrate molecules in purple sweet potatoes even have antioxidant and anti-tumor properties!
2. Corn
Corn is a vegetable that can be enjoyed on its own as well as in meals. With 25g of carbohydrates per 100g of corn, this is a brilliant vegetable to enjoy as a snack at work or in-between classes or to add to salads, soups, and various other dishes. Whether it be cooked on an open fire with spices and lemon, or delicious kernels in a warm bowl of chicken corn soup, corn is undoubtedly delicious and very versatile. It is also very beneficial for high blood pressure and to maintain blood sugar levels.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa is quite the popular pseudo-grain that is widely regarded as versatile and highly beneficial. One cup of quinoa has 31 g of carbs making it an excellent breakfast option for a busy day ahead.
Moreover, with its high mineral content including potassium, magnesium, and phosphorous, it has benefits far beyond just dietary, making it brilliant for stronger and shinier hair, better skin, and strength. With 8.1 g of protein as well as high fiber content, this is also the ideal food for someone looking to lose some pounds or generally stay healthier.
4. Mangoes
Mangoes are a delicious fruit that you can add to a variety of foods for better flavor. Whether it be in cereal, oats, or in smoothies, mangoes are bound to make your dish seem much tastier and fresh than you had expected. With 24.72 g of carbohydrates per cup, this is an excellent eat-alone snack with no prior preparation required.
It is also a great way to beat the heat with chilled mangoes being a popular dish in summers in tropical countries. With a high content of potassium, fiber, and vitamin A and C, this is a fruit that keeps you full, and healthy. It is also a great source of natural sugar and the perfect way to avoid reaching for processed sugar items for those with a sweet tooth.
5. Raisins
Raisins are dried grapes and an excellent addition to an array of foods like cereals, granola bars, yogurt, salads, or even sweet dishes to eat on their own. With one cup packing 128.1g of carbohydrates, these dried fruits are incredible for a mid-day snack, midnight munching, or even to have while you work.
Moreover, with vitamins like potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus, raisins are quite healthy and beneficial for the body. Their sweetness also makes them an excellent alternative to refined sugar and makes this carb-loaded food the best way to improve your diet in small ways.
With this list of the best carb-loaded foods, you can make your diet a lot more enjoyable as well as healthy. At the end of the day, remember that food is supposed to be enjoyable rather than just something you need to live. Experiment with foods and find out what works for you. Also, make sure to splurge once in a while because sometimes, a greasy slice of pepperoni pizza can be a lot more fulfilling and healthy rather than eating ‘clean’ all the time.
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This post is tagged in:
- food
- carbohydates
- carbs
- diet
