Best Carbs for a Healthy Meal Prep

Now that you are convinced that meal prep is the way to go, it is vital to know what makes a healthy meal prep. If you are not choosing healthy ingredients for your meal prep, your efforts to stay healthy will go in vain. So here are a few quick pointers for stellar meal prep ideas  that make you a super chef!

Choose these carbs, and you can't go wrong. 

Complex carbs: Carbs, when taken in its wholesome form, meaning with their fiber intact, is a treasure trove of nutrients. The pericarp, the outer layer of carbs, is rich in B vitamins that boost energy and vitamin E that keeps your skin and heart-healthy. It is the simple carbohydrates like refined sugar, refined flour that are bad for your waistline and your overall health. Make sure to include carbs from brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, or whole wheat to boost your nutrient intake, and you will never run short of healthy meal prep ideas. Your taste buds will thank you for the added variety to your weekly meals. 

Lentils and beans: Another fantastic source of complex carbs that does a double-duty as a protein source are beans and lentils. If you meal prep to lose weight, then lentils are your best friend. They are rich in fiber and protein; the combination keeps you full for longer hours, and you will eat less.  Chickpea, black beans, pinto beans, red lentils, and green peas are just a few examples of dry bean varieties that are rich complex carb and protein sources. Keep in mind some of the dry beans varieties like chickpea need overnight soaking to be cooked. Buying canned beans can save time if you feel its extra work. 

Carbs from veggies: All leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, vegetables like artichokes, swiss chard, sweet potato, green banana are all healthy carbs that pack plenty of fiber, vitamins and complex starch that keeps your meal prep nutritious. It adds to taste, and variety so don't ever miss out on including them in your fresh meal prep shopping list. 

Carbs from fruits: Apples, strawberries, persimmon, bananas, are loaded with fiber, antioxidants, vitamins which are beneficial to you. Avoid choosing canned fruits as they may contain sugar syrup (a simple carb) as an additive. 

Adding healthy carbs (complex) to your wekly meal prepping plan is a sure way to add variety to your menu without sweating it out. Carbs are so versatile they combine with almost every vegetable and protein sources. Besides, complex carbs are vital to keep type 2 diabetes away and guard you against heart diseases.