Your carbohydrate questions answered
Are carbs the enemy?
Over the past few decades, carbohydrates have gone from highly praised, to the enemy for weight loss. But is this controversial macronutrient really bad for you? For Susan Bowerman, Senior Director, Worldwide Nutrition Education and Training at Herbalife Nutrition, “perhaps they are just misunderstood!” Those on a low or no-carb diet will often steer clear of the most well-known sources such as bread, pasta and potatoes, but did you know that carbs are hiding in lots of other foods too? As Susan explains, “Lots of foods supply carbohydrates, which are good because carbs are what your body relies on for fuel.”
However, Susan points out that all carbohydrates are not equal. Explaining that the least processed carbohydrates are the most beneficial, she lists fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains as the best options to choose. “In addition to carbohydrates, these foods deliver vitamins and minerals,” she says. “And in the case of plant foods, they supply fibre too.”
The carbs to avoid are highly processed and refined; found in pastries, biscuits, white pasta & white flour breads, along with some savoury foods such as pizzas to name just a few. “These have little to offer the body other than kilojoules,” says Susan. “So it makes sense to meet our carb needs from healthier sources, since many other nutrients are part of the package.”
Why is fibre important?
Many people are unaware that fibre is a type of carbohydrate, and is considered one of the most important dietary factors. Fibre is found in foods such as fruits, vegetables and grains.
Adults are recommended to consume 25 g fibre per day, but most people fail to reach this recommendation. Including high fibre foods and fibre supplements in your daily diet can help you feel the benefits of fibre.
Try Herbalife Nutrition’s Multifibre, a kilojoule-controlled choice that provides 5 g fibre per serving. It’s also great-tasting and sugar-free!
Your fibre intake?
Replace 2 meals per day with your favourite Formula 1 shake, plus 1 daily serving of Herbalife Nutrition’s Multifibre to help increase your daily fibre intake. Finish the day with a healthy, balanced meal.