When you’re following a weight loss plan, you want to recruit every possible tool to your arsenal. So it helps to learn all of the ins and outs of nutrition, and how different nutrients function in your body. Food is not just food! Depending what you eat, you can either support your goals or work against them.
So you might have heard about something called “resistant starch”. What is it, and how does it help you lose weight and/or get healthier?
Essentially, these starches are called “resistant” because they’re resistant to digestion. They don’t get digested, and instead ferment in the large intestine to feed the “good bacteria” of the colon. So, resistant starches are important to those of you who care about probiotics and their role in health.
Resistant starches also aid in something called insulin sensitivity. After meals, your body releases insulin which lowers blood sugar. People who eat more resistant starches often show greater insulin sensitivity, meaning they respond better to insulin. That means your blood sugar goes back to normal more quickly after meals.
Also, foods high in resistant starches can help you feel full for longer in between meals. That can be a good thing if you want to ward off cravings and snacking on foods that undermine your weight loss plan. And some studies have shown that people who eat more resistant starches (instead of other types of carbohydrates) see increased fat burning after meals. That’s a definite plus!
So at this point, you’re probably wondering which foods contain resistant starches, so that you can include them in your eating plan. Some good choices include beans, lentils, brown rice, oats, and potatoes. And here’s a weird little fact: Bananas are high in resistant starches, too, but more so when they’re green! So if you don’t mind them a little under-ripe, that can be the best time to eat bananas.
For more tips on your weight loss plan and the right mix of nutrients that you should be eating, give us a call. We can help you meet your goals and support your health at the same time.
