WHAT ARE CARBOHYDRATES?
Despite many people believing that
carbohydrates are to blame for weight gain,
the truth is that it all comes down to healthy
vs unhealthy. Carbohydrates are the body’s
preferred source of fuel, so it’s important
to include the right type in your daily diet
to provide energy for activities and bodily
functions. Highly processed carbohydrates
have little to offer the body other than
kilojoules, whereas complex carbohydrates
provide energy as well and are found in
foods normally high in vitamins, minerals
and in most cases, fibre.
AM I EATING THE RIGHT AMOUNT?
Herbalife recommends a daily diet that
includes 40% of your total daily
kilojoules from good carbohydrates, to
help you strike a healthy balance. It’s good
to note however that carbohydrate intake
varies from person to person and in relation
to your level of daily/weekly activity. As
well as your normal daily intake of healthy
carbohydrates, after exercising you need
to replenish your body’s fuel stores by
consuming carbohydrates (and protein) –
ideally within an hour of your workout.
SO WHAT SHOULD I EAT?
Just like a car, your body needs high
quality fuel to function at its best, so try
to eat carbohydrates in their most natural
state. Swapping the processed ‘white’
carbohydrates that are usually high in sugar
and kilojoules, and low in other nutrients
(such as cakes, pastries and biscuits) in
favour of complex carbohydrates like beans,
wholegrains, and vegetables can make a
big difference in keeping you healthy and
helping you reach your goals. After exercise,
combine carbohydrates with protein to
replenish fuel stores and help muscles
recover.