Last week, we talked about wheat belly and how wheat can not only give you a big belly but a long list of ailments. There are other amazing carbohydrates with so many benefits, including a flatter stomach. Check them out.
Beans, Lentils, and other Legumes
Beans and Lentils are part of the "legume" family. They are packed with loads of fiber and protein and come in so many different varieties that you'll never get bored: lentils, chickpeas, black eyed peas, black beans, red beans, kidney beans, navy beans, butter beans, lima beans, pinto beans, adzuki beans, etc. You can mix them with vegetables, olive oil and salt to make a delicious bean salad or even just sprinkle them on a regular lettuce-salad. You can even mash them up to make delicious dips. Very easy, tasty and filling.
Quinoa
Quinoa is the healthiest of all grains. It has the highest nutritional value as a protein, the lowest glycemic load (causing the least sugar spike), and easy to digest as it is gluten-free. You can enjoy it as a side dish as a substitute for a rice dish or even substitute it for oatmeal in the morning as a high protein addition to any meal.
Sprouted Grain Bread
Sprouted grain breads, like Ezekiel 4:9 bread (one of the most popular brands of sprouted grain bread) is a great way to include bread in your diet without all the negative issues associated with white breads and even 100% whole wheat breads. Ezekiel bread is organic, sprouted, 100% whole grain flourless bread. This means that the grains are still "alive" with active enzymes so your body can easily digest this bread and absorb its beneficial nutrients. This is why you will only find it in the freezer section of your market or health food store. A 2-slice serving even contains 8 grams of complete protein and 6 grams of fiber, so don't give up the bread, just choose the right kind.
Berries & Cherries
Berries like blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and cherries are some of the BEST carbs you can eat. They are high in fiber, packed with antioxidants, and score extremely low on the Glycemic Index (rate of blood sugar spike), especially cherries which come with a low GI of just 22. Fresh berries are a great addition to plain Greek yogurt and a great alternative for dessert.
