WELLNESS HABIT 11

ENERGISING CARBOHYDRATES

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Carbohydrates are a fuel source for our bodies. Carbohydrates include foods such as bread, pasta, rice, cereals, snacks, fruit and vegetables. Thus, they can be highly processed foods, foods in their natural state and everywhere in between. Some of the highly processed carbohydrates like bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits may also contain gluten from wheat. Carbohydrates also include beverages such as soft drinks, milk, beer, wine and spirits.

 

Carbohydrates can be classified on how quickly they release their glucose (sugar). This is called the Glycaemic Index (also called GI). A food having a high GI releases it's glucose very quickly and makes it more difficult for the body to control the level of glucose in the blood. A food with a low GI releases its glucose more slowly which makes it easier for the body to control the glucose in the blood. Carbohydrates also includes foods with a high fibre content, probiotics containing live bacteria to support our gastrointestinal health and prebiotics which are foods that support our gastrointestinal bacteria.

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Become a Warrior to learn more about the types of carbohydrates that can be included in a healthy diet - that is a way of regular eating and not just to lose weight. Learn strategies for including more of the low GI carbohydrates and less of the high GI foods. This can help the way your body manages the glucose level in your blood which may reduce your risk for developing diabetes and many other related diseases.