Carbs speed up metabolism and blast fat – say what?

Insert bells ringing here. Alas, there is evidence that proves you should not be afraid of carbs. Popular diets like Atkins and South Beach have brainwashed people to think that the only way to lose weight is to restrict carbohydrate intake to a scary low amount. I’ve been preaching it for years: carbohydrates keep our bodies going – they give us the energy to power through a workout, think creatively during a brainstorm and ultimately keep our weight in check. Yes, you heard me, carbs play a key role in keeping that sexy bod.

A recent multicenter study reveals that your odds of getting and staying slim are best when (good) carbs make up to 64 percent of your total daily caloric intake, or 361 grams (the equivalent of several bagels). Keep in mind that most low-carb diets limit you to fewer than 30 percent of total calories from carbs and sometimes contain as few as 20 grams of carbohydrates a day.

When we talk about good carbs, we mean resistant starch. Various studies from leading universities and research centers have shown resistant starch helps you eat less, burn more calories, feel more energized, stress less and lower cholesterol.

Carbs high in resistant starch speed up your metabolism and your body’s other natural fat burners. As resistant starch moves though your digestive system, it releases fatty acids that encourage fat burning, especially in your belly.

These fatty acids help preserve muscle mass, which stokes your metabolism, helping you lose weight faster.

RESEARCH: Researchers set out to fatten up two groups of rats, feeding one group food that was low in Resistant Starch.

A second group was fed resistant starch-packed food. The rats fed the low resistant starch chow gained fat while losing muscle mass. Rats that ate the high resistant starch meals preserved their muscle mass, keeping their metabolism moving.

Want 8 more evidence-based reasons why you should stuff your face with (good) carbs to slim down? Who wouldn’t? Visit one of my favorite health and fitness websites, That’s Fit, for more. You can also follow them on Twitter: @Thats_Fit.