Dig in some guilt-free carbs

The popularity of low-carb diets, have unfairly blacklisted some carb-heavy foods.

There is no need to shun certain carbs. People magazine listed down six blacklisted carbs which are in fact really good for you.

Cereal



Many cereals are made with whole grains, so they can be a healthy way to start your day. Before eating, look for the ingredients list. Make sure it has whole grains, at least 3 grams of fiber and no more than 10 grams of sugar per serving.

White Potatoes



Consumption of white bread, white rice, and white pasta should be limited, however, as opposed to popular belief; this does not apply to white potatoes. They are a great source of potassium and vitamin C, and they have almost 4 grams of fiber with the skin on, which is 15% of your recommended daily allowance.

Corn



Real, straight-up corn and not the packaged one is a healthy whole grain. It’s a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote healthy vision.

Bananas



Bananas are a good source of vitamin B6, manganese, potassium, and fiber. When slightly unripe, bananas are also a good source of slimming resistant starch. It’s bananas to think that nature’s perfect portable snack could have ever gotten black-listed, just because of its carbs and sugar content.

Sourdough Bread



Sourdough contains beneficial bacteria known as probiotics. When these good bacteria are present in the bread-making process they help break down some of the gluten, so sourdough may actually be easier on gluten intolerant people than other gluten-containing bread. They also lower your insulin response and make some nutrients more readily available for digestion.

Green Peas



They may be higher in carbs and sugar than other non-starchy vegetables, but peas are a great source of phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and potentially protect against stomach cancer.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2014.

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