Oh yes, it is time to clarify the great carb debate. On one hand we’ve got Tim Noakes comparing carbs to Satan, and on the other we have white bread sarmies feeding kids across the nation, and they seem to be doing fine as they run across the playground. So what’s all the fuss?

Well, it’s simple: there are two types of carbohydrates. We call them good carbs and bad carbs, but really they are known as complex and refined carbs. Which are which, you ask? Complex carbs are the ones that are good for you – whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, legumes, nuts and seeds. Refined carbs are white bread, enriched flour and sugar –things which have “been highly processed to the point that little to no nutrition remains”.

Eating complex carbs will not kill you – they will only make you stronger. Without them, you’re set for a number of deficiencies, such as lack of energy, problems with digestion, lack of fibre, sleep problems…

First of all, good carbs provide you with energy so that you can actually lift your head off the pillow in the mornings. Without them, you’re going to be tired all the time. Eat whole grains (corn, quinoa, barley) as they’ll take longer to burn and thus will slowly release energy (this way you won’t get that mid-morning, post-coffee slump).

With regards to digestion and fibre, you want to listen closely. Without it, you’re not going to be ‘regular’, and you’re going to feel bloated and revolting as a result. Eat the fibre from the good food group. Processed foods are simply going to clog you up, whilst the complex carbs are going to result in less bloating and gas, less constipation, and more toxins will be removed from the body. Did someone say flat tummy?!

Sleep and brain function come hand in hand – some complex carbs (oatmeal, sweet potatoes, bananas) contain trytophan, which helps to relax the body and puts you to sleep. And what’s a good night of sleep going to result in? Yes, a wide awake brain (you’re so clever today!). Quinoa, beans, legumes, nuts and fruit will usher in mental focus and a healthy mood (and as Elle Woods so profoundly taught us, happy people don’t kill people).

How do you know what to eat though? It’s not like we have the time these days to study the ingredients list on a loaf of bread in the store. Whilst we’ve said you can eat some whole grains, buying a loaf of “whole grain” bread and smothering it with peanut butter is not what we were describing. So, why not try eating at Osumo? For breakfast they do three great options with oats (think raw oats, sliced banana, flaked almonds, cinnamon, low fat milk and honey).

For lunch you’re going to get a whole array of different complex carbs, which will see you through to dinner. Salads and wraps include sunflower seeds, veggies, beans and a dash of protein. You can even up your good carb intake with smoothies and juices, which are all made from the freshest fruits and veggies.

Try it out for a while  – you’ll be surprised the difference it will make to your life and your lifestyle.