Are you eating too many carbs?

One thing is clear: we love carbs! Can you say no to cookies, cakes, candy bars, pasta, bread, or fruits? Probably not, and if you are one of the ones who are able to do it, it is probably not the easiest choice of your life. These things are delicious!

The thing is that not all carbs are created equal, and this is why it is so important to know more about them and how your body reacts to them. There are simple and complex carbs, and understanding how they work can keep you healthy for longer.

Simple carbs, the ones that are found in cakes, candies, or sugary drinks, are the ones that mess with your blood sugar levels and cause spikes. On the other hand, we have complex carbs such as the ones found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. They digest more slowly, and this gives them the chance to provide you with energy throughout the day.

But how can you know you are eating too many carbs? What are the signs your body gives you? Read on and find out!

Constipation and bloating

Both of these symptoms can be incredibly annoying, and they are a clear sign that something is not working in your digestive system. Constipation and bloating are very common, and most of the time you can deal with them at home using natural remedies or OTC medication.

But if you want to get rid of them for good, it is important to find out the main cause. If you don’t know where to start, it is great to be aware that a major culprit is eating too many refined carbohydrates, like white bread, sugary snacks, and processed foods.

What do these foods have in common? They are low-fiber, and as a result, they can rapidly cause constipation and bloating. Fiber is the most important element when it comes to keeping your digestive system running smoothly, and when you are neglecting it, you might suffer from these uncomfortable symptoms.

So, what can you do about this? Try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds because they are known to bulk up and soften stool, making it easier to pass. Also, since fiber supports the growth of good bacteria, bloating will never be a problem again.

Skin breakouts

You are probably dreaming about that glowing, blemish-free skin, but you are still one of us, and you are getting breakouts from time to time. This can be a little frustrating, but they are normal. But if you have to deal with them on a regular basis, you need to know that there might be something about the food that you are eating that is causing them. Most of the time breakouts are caused by too many carbs.

Research shows that high-glycemic foods—like sugary snacks, white bread, and other refined carbohydrates—can contribute to recurring acne. Since they cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels, this triggers insulin to be released much faster. When the levels of insulin are elevated, your body will produce more oil on the surface of the skin and in the end create the perfect conditions for acne to appear.

You should try to eat more lower-glycemic, nutrient-dense foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, and this should keep your blood sugar levels stable and your skin clear.

Depression

This is a complex mental health condition, and it affects millions of people worldwide. Those suffering from it need professional help to manage what is happening to them, but there is one little trick that can help you despite all the advice you received from your doctor and your therapist. Your diet means a lot, and eating too many carbs can make your depression worse.

Particularly, studies have demonstrated a link between excessive sugar consumption and a higher risk of depressive disorders in adults. Consuming too much sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which can disturb mood stability and have a negative impact on mental health over time.

But interesting enough, including colorful, nutrient-dense foods in your diet might offer mood-boosting benefits. At least eight servings of fruits and vegetables daily can improve overall well-being, increase happiness, and make you feel more satisfied about your life.

Always feeling hungry

Do you find yourself constantly feeling hungry, even after eating? If this is a rather common occurrence for you, then eating too many carbs might be the culprit. When you are eating sugary cereals, bread, and pastries, you are basically consuming foods that lack fiber and water. These are two ingredients that are essential to feeling full and satisfied.

Refined carbs are digested very quickly, and this leads to spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. As a result, you will feel hungry faster. When you are eating complex carbohydrates and whole foods, things change because these foods are full of water, fiber, and nutrients that your body needs to stay full longer.

For example, just a single cup of oatmeal has 83% water and contains 4 grams of fiber and 5 grams of protein. This will keep hunger at bay for hours in a row! On the other hand, one cup of Frosted Flakes, which is a refined food, has just 1 gram of fiber and 2 grams of protein. You eat these flakes, and soon enough you will feel hungry again.

Cavities

Yeah, we know that going to the dentist is not your favorite activity, but if you want to maintain your teeth health, you will need to do that every so often. Unfortunately, about one-third of Americans avoid dental visits altogether. But this is risky behavior. Considering that research showed us that resting too many refined carbs causes cavities because it’s basically sugar, you need to take care and do something about this.

But why is this happening? When you eat carb-rich or sugary foods, all the bacteria in your mouth will be more than pleased because that is their favorite food. The bypass of this is the production of various acids that over time weaken your enamel, the hard outer layer of your teeth, making them more susceptible to decay over time.

To protect your smile, try to limit your intake of sugary and refined-carb foods, so no more candy, soda, and white bread. Try to focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are less likely to contribute to tooth decay.

Low energy

If you usually find yourself dragging through the day, struggling to stay awake, this might be caused by your poor diet. When you eat refined carbohydrates, you will get a quick and powerful burst of energy, but this is followed by a crash that will leave you feeling tired and sluggish.

A protein-packed diet is the best one to have if you want to be full of energy because most protein-rich foods also have iron, and this nutrient is excellent at transporting oxygen throughout the body. Oxygen is fueling your muscles and brain and supporting overall energy levels.

These little changes in your diet can make a huge difference, and this is your sign to start taking action right now! Don’t let your diet take you down.

Do you want to eat more oats? This might help you: NETANY 6-pack 16 oz Overnight Oats Containers with Lids

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