Not all carbs are equal. Try to limit highly processed (refined, high glycemic) carbohydrates. These carbs will cause your energy level to spike and crash. Higher glycemic carbs are actually good choices for post-workout recovery foods as they help replenish energy to muscle quickly. For the rest of your meals and snacks, choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables for longer lasting energy. If you’re considering a low carb diet for weight loss, make sure you introduce some healthy carbs into your plan or you’ll soon find yourself lacking energy. As a general rule, the more active you are, the more carbs you needs.

“Good Carbs”/Low Glycemic:
Whole wheat bread (look for at least 3 grams of fiber and less than 5 grams of sugar per slice)
High fiber, low sugar cereals (Grape Nuts, Cheerios, Kashi Go Lean, Puffins, Shredded Wheat, Oatmeal)
Sourdough bread
Brown rice
Bulgur
Couscous
Whole-wheat pasta
Beans

Fruits such as apples, apricots, banana, blackberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, cranberries, grapefruit, grapes, guava, kiwi, mango, orange, papaya, peaches, plums, pomegranate (or pom juice), prunes, raspberries, tangerine, watermelon

Vegetable such as artichokes, asparagus, avocados, beets, bok choy, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, cucumber, eggplant, greens (leafy), green beans, green peas, kale, mushrooms, okra, onions, pumpkins, romaine lettuce, snap peas, soybeans, spinach, squash, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, watercress

*Fruits and vegetables contain phytonutrients. Phytonuetrients are natural compounds found in plant-based foods that provide the rich pigment. Phytonutrients acts as the plant’s immune system and will help keep your immune system running strong. You can also find phytonutrients in whole grains, garlic, ginger, and cilantro as well as green and black teas. The more phytonutrients you eat, the better!