It is a common misconception that carbohydrates are one of the biggest causes for weight gain, and in order to look and feel your best, they should be eliminated from your diet. However, the reality is that in order to maximize your health, your body needs a mix of proteins, fats, and yes, carbs, to provide you with the nutrients needed to function efficiently. While not all carbs are healthy, there are plenty of valuable options to include in your diet for effortless weight loss while giving your metabolism a boost. According to health experts, these are the four carbs you should be eating regularly for weight loss results without feeling deprived.
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Barley
Grains are vital for weight loss as they can provide your body with a healthy serving of fiber to stoke your metabolism and enhance gut health. Barley is particularly effective in your diet, and Professor Anne Nilsson explains to Medical News Today, “After eating the bread made out of barley kernel, we saw an increase in gut hormones that regulate metabolism and appetite, and an increase in a hormone that helps reduce chronic low-grade inflammation, among the participants,” Prof. Nilsson says. “In time, this could help prevent the occurrence of both cardiovascular disease and diabetes.”
Vegetables
It’s no secret that vegetables are great for your health as it is, but cruciferous veggies in particular may help to boost your metabolism and pave the way for easy weight loss. Nutritionist Dana James shares with Byrdie, “Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain three essential nutrients that power your metabolism: B vitamins, calcium, and vitamin C. They also contain a nutrient called sulforaphane that supports the detoxification of toxins and estrogen. When both of those are active, it stalls fat loss.” Great for increasing fat burning capabilities in your body, boosting your intake of these veggies can do wonders for your weight loss journey.
Oats
Oatmeal is one of the best breakfasts to fuel your morning, and for good reason. Complex carbs naturally provide you with more energy and fiber than simple carbs, making them better for weight loss. Eat This, Not That explains, “Because oats also have 10 grams of protein per half-cup serving, they deliver steady, ab-muscle-friendly energy. And that fiber is soluble, which lowers the risk of heart disease. The éminence grise of health food, oats garnered the FDA's first seal of approval.”
Legumes
A source of carbs which are also high in protein, legumes are a great addition to any diet if you’re looking for a metabolism boost to support healthy weight loss. Healthline reported, “In one study, humans consuming a legume-rich diet for eight weeks experienced beneficial changes in metabolism and lost 1.5 times more weight than the control group. Legumes are also high in arginine, an amino acid that may increase the amount of carbs and fat your body can burn for energy.” Even if you don’t follow a plant based diet, legumes can provide some wonderful health benefits to aid in losing weight and feeling your best in your body.
