Did you know that carbs are our body's preferred energy source? We need around 130g of carbohydrates for our brains to function optimally. To put this into perspective, this is around ~9 slices of Ezekiel bread.
That being said, carbohydrates are not all created equal.
Complex carbohydrates contain many essential nutrients like protein and fiber which are necessary for healthy and regular bowel movements, blood sugar control, and gut health. It also provides an efficient source of energy and provides long-term satiation.
Here are three of our favorite pantry staple carbohydrate sources.
Chickpea pasta by Banza. This pasta is completely gluten-free with 20g of plant-based protein per serving. If you don't like chickpeas, don't worry! There are many other options such as edamame, red lentil, and even black beans.
-
Chickpea rice by Banza. Similar to the pasta, this product is also gluten-free
and packs 11g of protein and 5g of fiber. You can find a variety of flavors to pair with any style of dish you want to make. Another brand to look for is Right Rice which is a similar concept.
-Bob's Red Mill Oat bran. It has a slightly different texture with more fiber and protein because, unlike regular oats, they retain their outer layer.
Did you sense a theme?
All of these pack more protein and fiber which is important for staying power. If you are trying to lose weight or simply increase your protein intake, using carbohydrates that multitask as protein is a great hack!
Pro tip: We love shopping pantry staples from Thrive Market!
Written by: Luciana Perasso, M.S, R.D.N
NextGeneration Nutrition Registered Dietitian
_____________
Jessica Mantell M.S., C.N.S., L.D.N.
CEO & Founder of NextGeneration Nutrition
NextGeneration Nutrition believes that better health should be accessible to everyone and that we all are able to improve our health through good nutrition, physical activity, and lifestyle change. We do not support setting shame-based goals but encourages embracing our bodies, genetics, and personality. Our philosophy is abandoning the “One Size Fits All” mentality to create a personalized wellness plan based on your biological makeup and your lifestyle.
For more information connect with us on Social Media or send us a message!
Schedule a 15 Minute FREE Consultation!
Comments