So, I got this email recently and thought I’d share it on the beginners’ Forum. It’s a start as one starts to learn about carb intake and timing…
Help! I’ve been reading in a diet book about good vs. bad carbs. How will I know? I’m eating complex carbs like wheat bread now.
General info. on carbohydrates: They are neither “good” nor “bad”. (Although the foods some come that in are less desirable as a staple of one’s intake.)
Fast acting carbs (“high glycemic index”) like white bread, some “wheat breads” or sugary drinks are generally not helpful to physique-conscious persons unless they are consumed during/ after exercise. The term “complex carbs” used to be used interchangeably with “low glycemic index carbs” by some professionals but now we know that “simple” vs. “complex” is not a very valuable distinction.
Search, read and learn as much as you can using a critical eye, okay?
So, then is white bread, for example, only bad when used outside of the peri-workout window AND because it is devoid of nutrients? And the latter can be remedied by more micronutrients, like, an extra serving of broccoli?
I still feel that there are ‘bad’ carbs. White bread looks terrible. I don’t trust baked potatoes either. For some reason this thread confused me more…
You just can?t trust them. They are sneaky.[/quote]
That’s a bad carb if I ever saw one. LL, stop spreading this disinformation. I think you just might be under the influence of the carb underworld. Boss carb’s put a hit out on you, maybe?
Spotting a bad carb is easy. Just look for tattoos and gang symbols. Everyone knows that someone with tattoos is evil.
[quote]4est wrote:
They have a high glycemic index. You are better off eating sweet potatoe which, ironically, have a lower glycemic index.[/quote]
I thought they found out that some foods that were high on the glycemic index only triggered a low to moderate insuline response, which is why they came up with the insulin index?
And even if potatoes were evil, combine them with enough protein and vegetables and the insulin spike should be moderate. I only worry abour potatoes if they come in the form of potatoe chips or french fries.
[quote]chirag wrote:
th_underdog wrote:
I don’t trust baked potatoes either.
What’s wrong with a baked potato?[/quote]
People get so worked up about good vs. bad carbs, sometimes. If you are bulking (which I believe you still are, chirag) there is absolutely nothing wrong with a nice baked potato.
LOL You guys have a point. Makes me feel like I’m stressing about them for nothing. I wasn’t particularly talking about bulking though. I was thinking more for maintenance or cutting. Would you eat baked potatoes when cutting?
[quote]th_underdog wrote:
LOL You guys have a point. Makes me feel like I’m stressing about them for nothing. I wasn’t particularly talking about bulking though. I was thinking more for maintenance or cutting. Would you eat baked potatoes when cutting? [/quote]
And not heaped with bacon bits, sour cream, butter, and something that resembles cheese, but only by color.
A plain one might make a good c for a p&c meal though.(steak and taters-mmmm!)
[quote]th_underdog wrote:
LOL You guys have a point. Makes me feel like I’m stressing about them for nothing. I wasn’t particularly talking about bulking though. I was thinking more for maintenance or cutting. Would you eat baked potatoes when cutting? [/quote]
Its just a matter of timing, my friend.
Have it AFTER your workout and it shouldn’t be a problem even when cutting.
I personally love 'em and since I’ve still got around 2+ years of bulking to go (LOL), I shall continue eating them…