Carbohydrates

Today is the time to talk about Carbohydrates. So many different kinds, so many different experiences, with so many differing viewpoints from all around the globe.

From the Wiki:
In food science and in many informal contexts, the term carbohydrate often means any food that is particularly rich in the complex carbohydrate starch (such as cereals, bread, and pasta) or simple carbohydrates, such as sugar (found in candy, jams, and desserts).
Foods high in carbohydrate include fruits, sweets, soft drinks, breads, pastas, beans, potatoes, bran, rice, and cereals. Carbohydrates are a common source of energy in living organisms; however, no carbohydrate is an essential nutrient in humans.
Carbohydrates are not necessary building blocks of other molecules, and the body can obtain all its energy from protein and fats. The brain fats contain 37.8 kilojoules (9 kilocalories) per gram. In the case of protein, this is somewhat misleading as only some amino acids are usable for fuel.
Organisms typically cannot metabolize all types of carbohydrate to yield energy. Glucose is a nearly universal and accessible source of calories. Many organisms also have the ability to metabolize other monosaccharides and Disaccharides, though glucose is preferred. Polysaccharides are also common sources of energy. Many organisms can easily break down starches into glucose, however, most organisms cannot metabolize cellulose or other polysaccharides like chitin and arabinoxylans. These carbohydrates types can be metabolized by some bacteria and protists. Even though these complex carbohydrates are not very digestible, they may comprise important dietary elements for humans. Called dietary fiber, these carbohydrates enhance digestion among other benefits. (END WIKI)


With so much information out there and so many differing viewpoints, how do we know what is "good" and what is "bad"? I think sometimes we take things to the extreme. For example, when you have high cholesterol, the tendency is to NOT eat any bad cholesterol. The only problem is that if you don't give your body cholesterol, it will utilize carbohydrates to CREATE cholesterol and it could push your levels higher than they really need to be.

There are so many people adopting a "low carb" lifestyle. What is it? Should you do it? How do you know? I think we all have to decide what works for "us" by trying different things and finding out what is good for "your" body! "low carb" does not mean, NO carb...what it means is using raw fruits and raw vegetables as your everyday carbs (for the most part) and keeping your carbohydrate grams under a "certain" number...for me, that number is 80g/day. It seems to be working for me and I tweak daily. Gone are those days when I have to try to figure out what works for me. This has become a great way to maintain my current lifestyle and I like it. It is all about making the "right" choices for me...

For example, a banana has 27g of carbohydrates. That is more than 25% of my daily intake. So I ask myself, do I want to eat that or 3 cups of raw green beans or broccoli? Also - ask yourself do you need to eat it cooked? If you look at a carbohydrate/calorie book, look up Broccoli, Cauliflower, or Green Beans - look them up RAW and COOKED. Look at the difference in Calories and note that when you cook it the vegetable becomes a STARCH and breaks down differently in your system. Learning a lot about food, makes me feel like I have more control over the future of my life and my well being. That's the way I roll now...it wasn't always, but I am much happier in my life every day because of it!

Have you tried a lot of things to keep your body "maintained" at it's "optimum"? If so, what methods to YOU use to keep it "status quo"?

Thanks for listening...