Carbs have been getting a bad name of late, but not all carbs are evil. If you want to build muscle, you can’t do it on protein alone. So what are the best sources of carbohydrate?
Carbohydrates don’t only provide you and your muscles with the energy they need to perform, they also help to process the protein you are taking on properly.
But before you go and reach for a slice of wholemeal toast with your eggs in the morning, consider these better carb sources.
Sweet Potato
Sweet potato is a great source of slow-release carbohydrate, helping to give you the extra energy you need. When choosing your sweet potato, pick the small to medium sized ones and go for the darker skinned variety with the orange flesh. Make sure you choose smooth sweet potato without blemishes. We like to bake ours for an hour, but you can prepare them in a multitude of ways.
Asparagus
Like other green vegetables, asparagus is a great choice of carb. Another slow-release option, the thing that makes asparagus stand out from the crowd (which includes other brilliant options such as spinach and broccoli) is the fact that it helps remove excess water from the body. We cook ours using a steamer in the microwave.
Lentils and Legumes
The staple of the slow-carb diet, lentils and other legumes, such as adzuki beans, are a fantastic source of carbohydrate for those wanting to increase their metabolism, process protein more effectively and stave off hunger pangs. Beans can be notorious for their ‘gassy’ legacy, but you can avoid that with proper preparation. We already covered how to cook beans properly, so follow the instructions and go forward without fear of unsocial repercussions!
There are lots of great sources of carbohydrate available that can help you to build muscle or burn fat when paired with good sources of protein. Other superb options include quinoa, brown rice and mushrooms. Remember; not all carbs are evil. In fact, they’re necessary for a healthy diet and to aid muscle growth, which in turn helps to burn more fat.
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