How is it 2023 and women still believe they have to cut out carbs in order to lose weight?! Luckily that narrative is SO NOT TRUE. Cutting out carbs can have more of a negative impact than a positive one. I’m here to share some of my favorite carbs for weight loss that you can incorporate and still see results!
Quick little recap so we’re all on the same page: Carbohydrates are a macronutrient and they are the key to SO MANY of our body’s functions. Carbohydrates are needed for our brain function, making key hormones, supporting our metabolic processes, and maintaining great digestion. They also support sleep, and help with satisfaction at meals. Carbohydrates are our body’s preferred source of energy, so you can see why it wouldn’t make any sense to eliminate them. But you can read a little more about that and how much you should have here.
Now I’d like to introduce you to some of my favorite carbs for weight loss, and WHY they’re my favorite 😊
Bananas: I’m honestly offended that bananas have been given such a bad rap lately. If you follow me on Instagram, you know bananas are one of my favorite foods! Whether it’s for a pre-workout snack or a busy day, they’re a delicious, high-fiber, easy grab and go option. This makes them perfect for your weight loss goals!
Quinoa: Adding texture is one of the best ways to make a meal more appetizing. Quinoa just happens to be one of my favorite carbs to help add texture! It’s super simple to make, and packs a punch of about 8g of protein and 5g of fiber in a 1 cup serving. Quinoa also contains a number of other beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Potatoes: I bet you’ve heard potatoes are “bad” for weight loss, haven’t you? I’m happy to report that potatoes can absolutely be a part of a healthy diet. Yes, even regular potatoes! While sweet potatoes are my personal favorite, all potatoes are a good source of fiber at any meal!
Protein Pasta: Pasta seems to be a staple in a lot of women’s pantries, yet most women view pasta as a “bad” food. We never label foods as “bad” around here. One of my favorite hacks for making your favorite foods fit your goals is to make them higher in protein and fiber. So while regular pasta certainly isn’t “bad”, protein pasta can give you a little protein boost to help reach your goals!
Oats: Here I go again with another food that is a good source of fiber and even a little protein! Are you starting to see a pattern yet? 😉 But seriously, oats are a fantastic choice for a quick breakfast and I love that you can add whatever fun toppings to them for color, texture, and flavor!
Protein Waffles: If you’re in the Facebook group, you already know that protein waffles are in my weekly grocery haul. Protein waffles are a fun source of carbs that add a little protein and can be dressed up at breakfast (or a snack if I’m being honest) with some fruit, honey, or nut butter to make them even more enjoyable!
Whole Grain Bread: What busy gal doesn’t love some carbs in the form of bread? Sign me up! Whole grain bread is one of the easiest and tastiest ways to add some carbs and more fiber to meals and snacks! Whether you’re making a sandwich for lunch or having a piece of toast with your fav toppings at breakfast, never let someone tell you bread can’t fit into a well-balanced diet…OK???
