Carbohydrates are key to a balanced diet. That is why flours have to be in your diet since they mainly provide us with carbohydrates and these are essential to obtain energy.

Flours became “forbidden foods” for people seeking to lose weight and for those who want to lead a healthy life. However, eliminating them from our diet would not contribute to a healthy life. It is not healthy to avoid flours because they are part of complex carbohydrates, which are our main source of energy. The brain feeds exclusively on glucose obtained from carbohydrates, meaning that if we do not consume them, we will have to use other sources such as fats and proteins to obtain energy; This produces not only loss of muscle mass and dehydration but also generates changes in mood, increases fatigue, irritability and can cause dizziness.

Flour is the grinding of a cereal, a legume or a seed. There are many types of flour: amaranth, chia, rye, among others. Flour is associated with the classic, white wheat flour. What is the difference between white flour and the rest?  The difference is that the bran is removed, it does not remain whole. Only the middle part remains, the one with the least nutrients. Wholemeal flours have the whole grain, so they provide more fiber, vitamins, minerals and provide greater satiety. That is why, if you can choose, a wholemeal flour is always preferable. While whole grain flour is much healthier, calories are the same in all flours. The key is not to overdo it.

You can eat flours and lose weight. Learning to eat everything is the best solution to achieve sustainable results over time. The idea is not to ban flours or carbohydrates, but to learn how to moderate them. Consumption will depend on each person in particular, their goal and requirement, but the idea will always be to cover those carbohydrates together with all the macro and micronutrients: proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals.

Lic. Melody Cané

Nutrition Area

La Posada del Qenti