Carbohydrates And Losing Weight - How to Eat Carbs and Lose Weight

In simple terms, carbohydrates are broken down by various enzymes into simple sugars then glucose so they can be absorbed into the blood. Digestive enzymes are like biological scissors - they chop long starch molecules into simpler ones.

According to experts, if we cannot burn all the fat we consume, the remainder is stored as fat tissue. This fat-burning ability is determined by the amount of insulin in our bloodstream. [Note: a major factor in insulin release is the glycemic index (GI) value of the carb-foods or meal consumed.] When insulin levels are low, we burn mainly fat. When they are high, we burn mainly carbs. But a problem arises when insulin levels remain constantly high, as in the case of individuals suffering from insulin insensitivity. In such cases, the constant need to burn carbs reduces our fat-burning ability. Result? More fat is stored as fatty (adipose) tissue.

A good way to lose weight is to cut out all of the soda you drink. Soda is loaded with sugar and carbohydrates and most of us aren't very cognizant about how much we actually drink. Cut out all of the empty calories you take in from soda and start drinking water, a healthier alternative.

Generally speaking, the speed of digestion is determined by the chemical nature of the carb itself, and thus how "resistant" it is to the activity of the enzymes. A simple sugar is usually much less resistant than a starch, and is digested or metabilized much faster. Things that slow down digestion include: the presence of acid (from gastric juices or the food itself), and the presence of soluble fiber.

A good way to lose weight is simply to eat healthier. Eating more vegetables, quality carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean meats will get you well on your way to being more lean and healthy. Avoid red meat and various junk foods such as chips, cookies, cake, and candy.

High Insulin Levels May Increase Risk of Obesity

Although it takes a certain amount of self-control and discipline to lose weight, giving up on tasty food is not required any more. Years ago, a lot of weight loss foods did not taste that good. Today, modern sweeteners and preservatives allow you to enjoy diet food that tastes just like its high-fat, carbo-loaded conventional equivalent. Choose this option, and you can keep eating foods you enjoy.

This is why experts are linking high insulin levels, together with a reduced ability to burn fat, with obesity. And as you can see, high insulin levels are typically determined by the type of carbs we eat. High GI foods or meals trigger higher levels of insulin than intermediate or low GI foods. This is why the Glycemic Index is considered to be so important in assessing carb eating habits.

To help you lose weight, plan on eating a large, healthy breakfast each morning. Try to make sure that the food you choose is full of carbohydrates and protein. This strategy will help you avoid overeating at lunch time or craving snacks between the two meals. Egg whites are a good choice to help you achieve the results you want.

As we have seen, the human body is fuelled by glucose. Therefore all foods must be converted into glucose before they can be used as fuel. Carbohydrates are more easily converted into glucose than protein or fat, and are considered to be the body's "preferred" source of energy, and the brain's essential source of energy.

The key to weight loss is taking everything in moderation. The goal is to stop excessive overindulgence. A small amount of saturated fat and carbohydrates is acceptable. Do not try to completely remove enjoyable foods from the diet. Instead, choose smaller portions and moderate the intake of unhealthy items that are not beneficial.

Simple carbs (excepting fruit sugar) are more easily converted into glucose because their molecular structure breaks down faster in the stomach and small intestine. Therefore these carbs raise glucose levels in the bloodstream quite rapidly (less than 30 minutes). This explains why diabetics, who occasionally suffer from an excessively low blood-glucose level, can quickly restore their balance by eating simple carb-foods, like sweets.