Carbs. It seems they’re always in the news: “Don’t eat too many of them!” or “To lose weight, stop consuming carbs!” Lately, however, carbs are in and may even be good for us. Here are eight carb-y foods you should eat.
1. Oatmeal
Oatmeal has LOTS of protein, which provides us with a lot of fuel for our day. Just check out these ways to make eating oatmeal more fun!
2. Bananas
We all know bananas are an excellent source of potassium, but also great for a vitamin B and fiber fix. Whether you eat them as they are or blend them into a healthy shake, they’re a good-for-you carb, so grab a bunch the next time you’re out.
3. Milk
This dairy staple has lactose, a kind of sugar (as does yogurt and other dairy-based foods). Milk also provides us with protein and sodium. “It does a body good,” as you may remember from the old ad slogan. Some say it’s beneficial after a workout, while it’s my beverage of choice before bed.
4. Sweet Potatoes
These pretty potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which means they’re good for our immune systems. But, don’t limit your consumption of them to Sweet Potato Pie at Thanksgiving (which is probably not the best way to eat them). Roast or sautée some today!
5. Quinoa
I know many people cannot even pronounce it, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it. A 100g serving will give you 14g of protein and 7g of fiber. Plus, it’s high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which means it’s great at warding off diseases. So, eat up!
6. Barley
We’ve all heard of it, but we probably rarely eat it. With tons of recipes out there, there’s no reason not to, though. Barley is a great source of soluble fiber, which can lower cholesterol and blood sugars. Plus, it’ll keep you more full than other foods.
7. White Potatoes
I LOVE potatoes, so when I found out they’re a “good” carb, I was ecstatic. “White potatoes are actually very good for you,” said Christian Henderson, RD, a New York City-based nutritionist.
“They’re a great source of potassium and vitamin C, and they have almost 4 grams of fiber with the skin on-15 percent of your recommended daily allowance.” If a nutritionist says we should eat them, we should listen, right?
8. Popcorn
Yes, you read that right! Popcorn! America seems to love popcorn—and it’s way better than a lot of the other GMO-laden snacks out there.
Plus, it is a whole grain. Three cups of it, popped, is equivalent to one of three recommended daily servings of whole grains. Plus, those cups will give you three grams of fiber. So, get popping! But that doesn’t mean you should douse the popcorn in lots of butter and processed cheese powder!
