Carbs can be controversial -- even scary. Should we eat them or avoid them at all costs? How much of them should we eat? Which kinds are best for our bodies? Despite what you may have heard, not all carbs are bad! In fact, some of them are great for your health -- it’s just a matter of knowing which ones to nosh and which ones to nix. So before you pick up that white-bread bagel chock full of refined carbs, read on and find out more about the benefits of eating unprocessed carbs.

First, what are carbs? We’re glad you asked! Carbs are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms and are one of three macronutrients (the other two are proteins and fats). They come in lots of different forms, but the big three are: starch, sugar, and fiber. Foods like potatoes and other veggies, fruits, milk, grains, and nuts are all sources of carbs. They’re actually an incredibly important source of energy that help our bodies do what they need to do to keep us alive and thriving. They metabolize super quickly and help major organs like our brains, kidneys, and heart function.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break it down further. There are two kinds of carbs: unprocessed and refined. Refined carbs have most of the nutritional value removed during the manufacturing process in order to produce a longer shelf-life. While the process starts with carbs that are found in nature, it strips away valuable nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, leaving them all but unrecognizable. Foods like white bread, pastries, soda, and breakfast cereal most likely have refined carbs in them, so you’re basically eating empty calories and putting yourself at risk for health issues like obesity and type 2 diabetes. Unprocessed carbs remain untouched and in their whole-food form, so they retain all their yummy and important nutrients. They’re definitely a healthier and more nutritious alternative!

What makes unprocessed carbs the better choice for your bod? First and foremost, you get every ounce of nutritional value because none of it has been stripped away. When they come to you in their natural form, they’re fiber-rich, full of vitamins and minerals, and help your body function optimally. This is one area where eating complex foods, as in more nutritionally dense, is a good thing. Eating foods with unprocessed carbs also help sustain your energy levels for longer periods of time, so you can stay alert during that big client meeting or keep up the pace while you’re training for your next 10k.

So don’t be afraid of carbs, just know what kind of carbs you’re eating and look for the good stuff. We’re all about complex, unprocessed carbs and love including these energy-packed, nutritious ingredients -- like vegetables, potatoes and whole grains -- in our meals. We’re committed to creating tasty food that’s good for your taste buds and your health!

In Unprocessed Carbs We Trust