Ahhh there is nothing like a slice of avocado toast with salt, pepper, and a gooey egg on top to start your morning. Nothing better than sopping up extra marinara sauce with a piece of Italian bread after a spaghetti dinner. These two easy meals, and many others, that college kids tend to turn to are hiding secrets that would shock us all.
Carbohydrates: A delicious food group that all of us hate to love. Starches, the main components of bread, are complex forms of carbohydrates that are filling our bodies with sugar and could be the reason for your muffin top (it sure is the reason for mine).
Now I'm not saying cut out carbs completely, carbohydrates are necessary in order for the body to create energy out of food. Most fruits and vegetables actually contain carbohydrates! However, overdoing it can create consequences. Here are the carbohydrates you need to cut and the ones that are OK to keep indulging in...
White Bread is the WOAT
If you're making a sandwich or that avocado toast I was dreaming about, white toast is the wrong way to go. White bread has simple carbohydrates, meaning the body digests it quickly allowing no time for the absorbance of nutrients. It may taste good, but it's definitely not good for you.
"Multi Grain" Doesn't Mean "Whole Grain"
You cannot always trust bread or bagels that appear to be better for you. In order to be a good source of energy and fiber, the ingredients list needs to start with the word whole. Next time you're at the grocery store make sure to get whole wheat or whole grain rather than multigrain or wheat bread.
Bagels are the (Delicious) Enemy
If you're like me, bagels are your weakness. Nothing like an everything with cream-cheese as a hungover breakfast or a midnight snack. However, if you are going to cut any carb out of your diet - bagels should go first. One bagel is equivalent to 4-5 slices of bread, and not just any bread... white bread. Next time go for a slice of toast, or try peanut butter rather than cream cheese if you can't give up these babies.
Pasta isn't THAT bad
You may be excited to hear that pasta really isn't that bad for you.. as long as you eat it right! If you're covering your pasta in butter or cheesy goodness, it may add some calories. However, pasta is not very dense and as long as you eat it in the right proportions it can be good for you! If you're still looking for an alternative, protein pasta or zucchini noodles are both delicious.
Take it Step by Step!
It is okay to take things slowly. If you're trying to cut carbs out of your life, start off with things like bagels or white bread and move on from there. Try asking a restaurant to "gut" your roll or hoagie when you order a sandwich. Try buying zoodles (zucchini noodles) or whole grain bread. If I can do it, you can do it!