Craving Carbs? These Are The 3 Healthiest Kinds You Can Eat

Carbohydrates are one of those macronutrients that seem to always get a bad rep. The paleo diet and the keto diet, which make headlines regularly, aren't exactly "carb-friendly," focusing on high-protein and high-fat foods, respectively.

Legumes like lentils or chickpeas and beans like...well, you name it: kidney beans, black beans, navy beans, and more, are sources of carbohydrates but, more importantly, incredible sources of fiber! For instance, a ½ cup serving of cooked kidney beans boasts about 10 grams a fiber!

Dietary fiber offers a host of benefits ranging from promoting regular bowel movements to facilitating satiety to even lowering cholesterol1. Furthermore, these foods are packed with micronutrients like folic acid, copper, potassium, iron, zinc, and various B vitamins and contain phytochemicals like lignans and polyphenols.

When it comes to carbs, I've always been Team Sweet Potato. They're an excellent source of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene) and a very good source of vitamin C, copper, manganese, various B vitamins, and, of course, fiber.

I've had countless clients ask me if it's OK to eat fruit because "fruit is all carbs and sugar." My answer? An emphatic "yes! Please eat your fruit!" And no, it's not all carbs and sugar!

While fruit contains carbohydrates and, of course, contains natural sugar, it also provides loads of antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber that help our bodies function optimally. This being said, there are some fruits that offer a wider range of health benefits than others. Berries (think blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.) are my favorite type of fruit because they're rich in fiber, antioxidants, and lower in sugar than some of their fruit counterparts. They're high in the antioxidants anthocyanin and resveratrol, which help to protect our cells by preventing free radical damage.