What Foods Are High In Complex Carbohydrates?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

What foods are high in complex carbohydrates? Complex carbohydrates, found mostly in whole plant foods, maintain their natural fiber and fuel your body with the energy it needs. Examples include

beans, oatmeal, 100% whole-wheat bread, quinoa, barley, potatoes, sweet potatoes

, and many other plant foods.

Is peanut butter a complex carb?

A relatively low-carb option, one serving of pure peanut butter contains 7 grams of carbohydrates, including 1.6 grams of fiber,

a complex carb

that helps your body absorb micronutrients and sugar. Speaking of sugar, peanut butter also has a low glycemic index value that helps your blood sugar levels remain steady.

Is Sweet Potato a complex carb?


Complex carbohydrates

, found mostly in whole plant foods, maintain their natural fiber and fuel your body with the energy it needs. Examples include beans, oatmeal, 100% whole-wheat bread, quinoa, barley, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and many other plant foods.

What snacks are complex carbs?

Complex carbohydrates such as

whole wheat bread, non-starchy vegetables (carrots, asparagus, pea pods, bean sprouts), popcorn and fruit

. These foods break down slowly, and helps stave off the blood sugar spikes or crashes that could interfere with a person's sleep or appetite, according to the article.

What foods melt away belly fat?

  • Eggs.
  • Red fruit.
  • Olive oil—and other healthy fats.
  • Beans, brown rice, oats, and other healthy fiber.
  • Extra plant protein.
  • Lean meat and fish.
  • Leafy greens, green tea, and brightly colored vegetables.
  • Your favorite spices and flavors.
  • Apple. Fresh and crunchy apples are packed with healthy flavonoids and fibres that may help burn belly fat. …
  • Tomato. The tangy goodness of tomato may do wonders to cut your belly fat. …
  • Guava. …
  • Strawberries. …
  • Kiwi.

Examples of low glycemic foods that are complex carbohydrates include:

Most fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, strawberries, kiwis, Vegetables

: such as carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens Legumes: such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, Rice: such as brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, Grains: such as …

Avocados

Avocados are another extremely healthy,

low-carb

plant food. They're technically a fruit and happen to be very high in certain nutrients, especially fiber and potassium. Over 60% of its fats are monounsaturated, with small amounts of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids.

It seems too good to be true, but you can believe it:

Popcorn is a whole grain. That means it's got complex and fiber

. Your healthiest choice is air-popped, without any added fat and salt.

  • Chocolate. High levels of caffeine in chocolate make it a poor choice for late-night snacking. …
  • Cheese. While cheese is generally considered a comfort food, it is actually one of the worst foods to eat before bed. …
  • Curry. …
  • Ice cream. …
  • Crisps. …
  • Cherries. …
  • Raw honey. …
  • Bananas.

Raw carrots contain

9 grams of net carbs per cup (122 grams)

. Although they're not as high in starch as other root vegetables, they're still higher in carbs than many non-starchy vegetables.


Complex carbohydrates

: These are also called starches. Starches include grain products, such as bread, crackers, pasta, and rice. As with simple sugars, some complex carbohydrate foods are better choices than others.

“A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics found that

dark green veggies, like broccoli

, may help reduce belly fat,” says Amidor. Bonus: “The study also found that these veggies may also decrease risk factors for type 2 diabetes.” “Beans are the ultimate weight loss food,” says Hever.

If you

eat too much and exercise too little

, you're likely to carry excess weight — including belly fat. Also, your muscle mass might diminish slightly with age, while fat increases.

  • STRING CHEESE. Is string cheese good for fat loss? …
  • ALMONDS. Are almonds fat burners? …
  • AVOCADOS. Avocados are a well-known superfood. …
  • COTTAGE CHEESE. …
  • CITRUS FRUIT ESPECIALLY GRAPEFRUIT. …
  • LENTILS. …
  • EGGS. …
  • GREEK YOGURT.
  1. Mixed nuts. Nuts are an ideal nutritious snack, providing the perfect balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. …
  2. Red bell pepper with guacamole. …
  3. Greek yogurt and mixed berries. …
  4. Apple slices with peanut butter. …
  5. Cottage cheese and fruit. …
  6. Celery sticks with cream cheese. …
  7. Kale chips. …
  8. Dark chocolate and almonds.
  • Focus on low calorie foods. …
  • Eliminate sugary drinks. …
  • Eat fewer refined carbs. …
  • Eat more fruits and vegetables. …
  • Go for lean proteins. …
  • Choose healthful fats. …
  • Develop a workout. …
  • Boost overall activity.

Honey (fructose and glucose), table sugar (sucrose) and milk (lactose) all contain

simple carbohydrates

. Complex carbohydrates have more nutrients and take longer for your body to digest, so they help fill you up and don't cause the same swings in blood sugars as simple carbs.

Complex Carbohydrates


A cup of blueberries has close to the same amount of calories (approximately 85) as a tablespoon of sugar

(depending on the source, you'll see claims of anywhere from 48 to 65 calories).

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.