We all know the myth that carbs are the enemy, but for anyone looking to sustain long-term weight loss, the food group could be the key to keeping off the pounds.
While we’re big believers in everything in moderation, adding some of these healthy carbs to your diet could help you feel satisfied and fuller for longer.
Barley
Swedish research suggests barley can fight hunger by raising blood sugar levels more slowly , meaning you’ll by-pass that sugar spike. Pearled barley is popular, but barley groats or whole hull-less barley contain even more healthy nutrients, including 20 to 25 percent of your daily fibre intake in just one serving.
Green Peas
This surprising carb is actually a staple in most kitchen freezers! Peas pack a serious punch nutritionally. A serving of peas can provide up to 12% of your daily zinc requirements as well as helping fight colds and flus. The mineral may also help reduce hunger by boosting levels of leptin – a hormone that alerts your brain when your stomach has had enough.
Oatmeal
Everyone knows a bowl of porridge will keep you feeling fuller for longer, but did you know oatmeal is made of soluble fibre, which not only delays the stomach from emptying, it can also help your vital organs?
According to a journal in Obesity, soluble fibre may reduce the fat found around vital organs and associated with metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Best make oatmeal a part of your breakfast routine so!
Sweet Potatoes
Packed with fibre and with a high water content, sweet potatoes will fill you up without filling out the waistline! Be careful to avoid toppings that could add on hidden calories.
Versatile and filling, check out some ways to add them to your diet here!
Quinoa
It may be pretty difficult to pronounce but Quinoa is one of the world’s most popular superfoods and after a little research, we can fully understand why.
Quinoa is a super-grain packed with many vitamins and a multitude of minerals that include magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, zinc, copper and selenium. Many opt for including quinoa in their salads and stir-fries. It is also a great option when replacing white rice or couscous and can bulk out a meal for a more filling effect.
Watermelon
Yes, we were surprised to learn it’s a carb too. With 92% water content, this snack is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without giving in to sugar!
Chop it up for a fruit snack, or freeze into cube for popsicles on the go!
