While I was in Italy there were many things I found very interesting about the day to day lifestyle of the Italians, one thing being the food they eat. Everyday I was eating pizza, pasta, and bread, EVERDAY! It was great! When we ordered our food there was no whole wheat pasta or pizza option, when we got bread on the table it was never whole grain bread. So if Italians are eating so many refined carbohydrates without the obesity problems we have, then what's the deal?!?!
In the United States we have become obsessed with breaking apart our food into the smallest of nutrients and then labeling it good or bad accordingly. White bread, pasta, rice and cereal is BAD, eat these carbohydrates sparingly and then feel bad about yourself after you eat them! Whole grain bread and cereal, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta are GOOD, eat lots of this type of carbohydrate and you will be the healthiest person ever! ( I hope everyone can sense the sarcasm in my words)
I'm not going to lie to you.....
Is it true that refined carbohydrates are lacking in nutrient density compared to their whole grain counterpart? Yes
Is it true that refined carbohydrates don't satiate you for a long period of time? Yes
Is it true that refined carbohydrates cause spikes in blood sugar? Yes
Is it true that refined carbohydrates taste darn good? YES
So what are you not being told???
You can change the rate at which your body metabolizes these carbohydrates by eating them with foods that are digested more slowly. If you enjoy to eat some refined carbohydrates like I do, then the problems associated with the consumption of refined carbohydrates can easily be solved by combining foods. Eating only one type of any food does not promote the highest level of well being, which is why having a wide range of foods in your diet is best for your health.
Example-- If you want to eat regular, white pasta eat it with lots of vegetables and/or lean protein. Your body will digest the pasta somewhat quickly, but then spend more time breaking down the protein and vegetables. You will feel fuller so that you won't want to eat after your meal, your blood sugar won't spike so greatly, and you will be getting those nutrients that the pasta is lacking.
Variety is truly the spice of life and the key to a healthy, balanced diet.
*Don't be afraid of food. Food is neither good nor bad, it is what we make it, so lets make it something that is delicious and enjoyable.*
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