Not all carbs are created equal!

Does the word 'carbohydrate' strike fear in the heart of your stomach and waistline? Carbohydrates are on everyone's most hated food list these days and they need not be. Not all carbohydrates are created equal. There are two kinds of carbohydrates - simple and complex. Simple carbs are just what they sound like - simple in composition and often comprised of processed poisons that convert to energy quickly and are stored just as easily - rice, pasta, pretzels, crackers, potatoes. Stored energy is a fancy term for fat.

Complex carbs are what they sound like - complex in their structure and harder for the body to convert to energy. A complex carb will sustain your energy level longer by keeping your blood sugar balanced. Complex carbs give you a viable source of energy that you can use and not store - since they are more slowly metabolized. Sources of complex starchy carbs are slow cooking steel-cut oatmeal and whole grain breads - made from wheat berries, not processed, refined flour.

The difference in carbs does not end there. Vegetables and fruits are also carbs and contain 4 calories per gram, just like their starchy counterparts. However, vegetables and low-glycemic fruits (berries, citrus, melons) contain fiber. Fibrous vegetable carbohydrates will not put weight on your body due to their calorie to carb/fiber ratio. Your body has to work overtime to convert these foods into energy. Satiety is achieved and blood sugar levels stay balanced longer with fibrous carbs and low-glycemic fruits. Added plus - you reap the benefits of fiber and nutrition contained in these foods.

Unlimited complex/fibrous carbohydrates: Limited complex carbohydrates:

Green beans Bok choy Tomatoes Brussel sprouts Carrots Cooked tomatoes

Kale Arugula Cucumbers Peas

Spinach Lettuces Broccoli Butternut squash

Mushrooms Raw onions Cauliflower Corn