A lot of starchy foods have a bad reputation when it comes to our health. Oftentimes, we try to avoid these products when we want to stay healthy and slim. However, carbohydrates are essential for your body to function effectively. Thus, knowing which carbohydrate-rich foods you can include in your diet is vital. To help narrow your search, here are some starchy foods for a slim body.
1. BARLEY
Barley can provide a good amount of starch. However, this ancient grain’s carbohydrates will not make you gain weight. Instead, barley’s fiber contents can slowly raise your blood sugar levels, making you feel full longer. But, that’s not all. This starchy food’s soluble fiber can also help lower your bad cholesterol levels, which can aid in preventing heart diseases. Furthermore, fiber is also essential for a healthy digestion. Thus, barley can offer numerous benefits aside from helping you maintain a sexy physique.
2. QUINOA
Quinoa is one of the most popular starchy foods for a slim body. In fact, a lot of weight and health-conscious individuals include this superfood in their diet, especially those who have a vegan lifestyle. One primary reason is due to its complete protein contents, meaning you can get all the essential amino acids in this food without the added fats present in most animal products. Moreover, quinoa is also a good source of calcium, fiber, omega-3 and some B vitamins. So, people who prefer plant-based products can greatly benefit from this gluten-free product.
3. RICE
Rice is another good source of carbohydrates and some nutrients, like magnesium and B vitamins. However, when buying rice, you should opt for the brown variety. Keep in mind that the nutritious parts of this grain are removed in white rice. Thus, brown rice has a higher nutritional value. A better option you can choose is black rice. Basically, this ancient grain has powerful antioxidants, such as anthocyanins and vitamin E. As such, this black-colored food can help maintain your ideal weight while giving you a youthful complexion.
4. OATMEAL
Oatmeal is one of the best breakfast foods that provide long-lasting energy because of its high amounts of complex carbohydrates. Like barley, oats are also rich in soluble fiber that can promote a healthy heart, reduce visceral fat, and prevent diabetes. Because of these health benefits, it is not surprising that oatmeal is among the most favored starchy foods for a slim body. However, as much as possible, try to avoid instant oatmeal products, which contain added sugar and artificial flavorings. Instead, you can choose steel-cut oats and flavor it with cinnamon powder or nut butter.
5. WHOLE GRAIN BREAD OR NOODLES
When trying to lose weight, most of us will avoid all kinds of bread and noodles. But, you don’t have to stop eating your favorite sandwich and pasta recipes, especially if you choose whole grain products. Remember, these foods can provide fiber, which can make you feel full longer. Plus, some types of bread can offer added nutrients aside from fiber. Ezekiel bread, for example, can provide some protein, magnesium, and B vitamins. Nonetheless, you have to meticulously check the labels of these types of products and avoid those with ingredients, like high fructose corn syrup.
6. TEFF
Teff is another gluten-free product in this list of starchy foods for a slim body. Basically, this carbohydrate-rich food offers fiber and protein, which can fuel your body for a long period. Aside from that, this nutty-flavored grain is now gaining more popularity than quinoa. The main reason is that teff can provide more iron and calcium compared quinoa. So, adding this Ethiopian food to your diet can definitely help you achieve your desired weight and improve your health at the same time.
7. SWEET POTATOES
Finally, the last starchy food in this list that can help you maintain a sexy body is sweet potatoes. This root vegetable may possess a natural sweetness, but your body digests its carbohydrates at a slow pace .¨ preventing blood sugar spikes. Like other yellow and orange-colored foods, sweet potatoes are also rich in beta-carotene. As you know, this antioxidant can turn into vitamin A once inside body, resulting in several health benefits, like improving your eyes’ health. The best part is that a sweet potato is loaded with energy-boosting nutrients, making it one of the best pre or post-workout foods you can bring to the gym.
Overall, consuming foods rich in carbohydrates is essential if you want to maintain a healthy and fit body. However, picking the right kind of carbs is also crucial. As much as possible, you have to opt for products with complex carbohydrates, like the above-mentioned starchy foods for a slim body.
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