As we learn more about how the human body works, it’s become clear that carbs are not the enemy. Instead, they’re one of our best allies for healthy muscle growth and feeling energized from morning to night. So, if you’re asking yourself “What are the healthiest carbs?”, you’re in the right place!
Eating healthy carbs is an important part of any active person’s workout regimen. That’s because if there’s enough glycogen (an energy-boosting substance created from carbs) in your body, your body will turn to that for energy. However, if your body doesn’t have enough glycogen, it will start breaking down your muscles to get energy for your workout. To avoid that, include these five healthy carbs in your diet:
- Quinoa
- Oats
- Sweet Potatoes
- Bananas
- Grapefruit
We’ll share more information about each of these foods in the rest of this article. Each of them makes a great pre- or post-workout snack, and can be incorporated into your other meals as well. So, let’s get started!
5 Healthy Carbs to Fuel Your Next Gym Session
Quinoa
An absolute powerhouse, quinoa is one of the only complete plant-based proteins. That means it contains all nine of the essential amino acids. Plus, one cup provides 8 g of protein, while simultaneously giving your body plenty of energy-boosting carbohydrates. Try topping a batch with pan-fried veggies to eat after your next workout.
Oats
Oats have enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, and for good reason. This versatile grain can be prepared sweet, savory, plain, or even added to other recipes like muffins, pancakes, and smoothies. Plus, they’re full of important vitamins and minerals including zinc, vitamin B, and iron. Try prepping for intense workouts with a bowl of oatmeal topped with nut butter, protein powder, and fresh berries.
Sweet Potatoes
In addition to being a delicious addition to sweet and savory dishes alike, sweet potatoes are a very healthy source of carbs. They’ll also give you 400% of your daily dose of vitamin A, plus vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Keep baked sweet potatoes on hand in your refrigerator for an easy pre- or post-workout snack. Stored in an airtight container, they’ll last 3 to 5 days.
Bananas
Bananas are a classic, easy snack. Toss one in your bag to eat for pre-workout energy, add nut butter for a protein boost, or add one to a smoothie. Not only do they provide plenty of carbs, they also have lots of potassium, which promotes effective muscle recovery and reduces cramps.
Grapefruit
Perhaps surprisingly, grapefruits are a great source of healthy carbs. They also contain 100% of the daily vitamin C requirement, which helps boost your immune system, in addition to vitamin A, fiber, and more. On days when you want something light before or after your workout, try eating a refreshing grapefruit.
Great nutrition is the other half of a great workout plan, and carbs are an important component. We hope this article gave you some ideas for adding healthy carbs to your daily diet.