Carbs or carbohydrates are one of the most important macronutrients for our body. Based on an article published by harvard.edu carbohydrates provide our body with glucose then it’s converted to energy. We use this energy to support our body, including the internal organ functions, and also our daily physical activity.
For people who do the low carbs diet, fasting can be a little bit challenging. Because you have the limitation of time to refuel your body with food. That’s why we suggest you not avoid all the types of carbs, but consume complex carbohydrates food during suhoor and iftar to maintain your energy level.
What are Complex Carbohydrates?
According to the National Library of Medicine of The United States, complex carbohydrates are made up of sugar molecules that are strung together in long, complex chains. It contains vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are important to our body and health. The sugar contained in complex carbohydrates is different from the sugar in your favorite dessert, which mostly contains refined sugars, also called “empty calories”. You can find complex carbohydrates in peas, beans, vegetables, and whole grains, including rice.
In Indonesia rice is the staple food. We always heard the line of “belum makan, kalau belum makan nasi”. It means rice plays an important role in our life.
But why do people always avoid white rice and called it unhealthy carbs?
Okay, first of all, let’s stop victimizing food as bad food.
All the food is good in the context of refueling your body, and also balancing your mood.
People tend to avoid white rice because it has a higher glycemic index than brown rice. It converts more quickly into your blood sugar. White rice also has lower fiber compared to brown rice. That’s one of the majority of reasons why people substitute white rice with other types of carbs, like brown rice.
The thing is not all people like the texture and the taste of brown rice. The texture is usually harder than white rice. And the taste is not as delicious the white rice. That’s all because brown rice has more fiber, which makes the texture harder, and lower sugar, which makes the taste less sweet. The good news is brown rice has lower glycemic index, which is also good for people who have diabetes, or for everyone who wants to avoid this chronic disease.
So, how to choose the healthiest carbs to consume during Ramadan?
If you like the taste and the texture of brown rice, we suggest you swift your carbs from white rice to brown rice. But, if you don’t like it at all, you can also mix the two types of rice in your daily consumption. It’s one of the best hacks to help you to like brown rice.
Consuming white rice is still good for your health as long as you maintain the amount and not overeating it. You should also add more vegetables to complete the amount of fiber that you need. Make sure to combine your carbs with protein, because protein helps to make you feel full and satisfied for a longer time.
Indonesia also has huge varieties of carbs, such as cassava and corn. Replacing rice with other types of carbs could also be good for your body. In fact, you can always do these tricks not only during the Ramadan season but in your daily consumption.
So, don’t skip your carbs during Ramadan, but try to find the best options for you. Complete your daily meal on suhoor and iftar with the healthiest macronutrients, which contain carbs, proteins, and fiber.
We hope you have an amazing Ramadan season.