Sustaining Energy with Complex Carbs
DimensionL Wellbeing provides the philosophy, methodology and container to enable a person to experience what it truly means to feel and stay well: we call it a return to Wholeness. Our approach keeps LOVE in the center. We are here to guide our clients to the highest expression of themselves. The result being greater well-being for the individual and therefore greater well-being for society. Our way provides the opportunity to function in your fullness with more consistency.
At DimensionL Wellbeing we recognize and honor that multidimensional beings must be met with a potential focused, sustainable, multifaceted approach to Vital Wellbeing. We define Wholeness through the lens of 8 dimensions and when applied with LOVE creates a Vibrant Lifestyle.
Through our offerings and care, we help our clients navigate these issues to support them in becoming their own health advocate and turning on their Inner Light. When these dimensions are in resonance, the more LIGHT a person will exude. This is not a quick fix or another marker of achievement, rather it is a way of living and thriving through connection, education and exploration. True health is found in personal coherence - this is when what one says, believes, feels and acts upon are in alignment.
Our mission is to provide impactful and empowering care which awakens people to their divine design and entanglement to the universe; supporting the activation of their full potential. That is why we created the 8 Dimensions of Wellbeing, which transforms lives and reduces or eliminates suffering. At the core of our Dimensions of Wellbeing, is Love and is the inspiration and reminder in our name: DimensionL Wellbeing.
Love is the great equalizer and ground on which one can make all decisions, because every choice is an act of Creation. We believe in a benevolent world. When we keep Love as our focus, all of these wellness ‘to-do’s’ become an act of service to our Highest Good. What’s more, Love is the great multiplier; it is an unending supply source which expands upon itself. When one is centered, it is easier for someone to know what they need and the more they activate their Intuitive abilities, the greater access they have to this part of themselves. Love is an actual vibration, one of which all humans are naturally attuned to if only one can be still and align. From this space one has access to transformational healing and awareness of their interconnectedness to all.
So instead of simply labeling foods as GOOD or BAD, we share with you food profiles and personalities. This can be really supportive in helping you discern what is for you. Like everything in this world, we change and so does our body and dietary needs. To truly be well and free from suffering, one should not be enslaved by their food choices. So get to know your food, it is one of the most important, and longest, relationships you will ever have.
According to the World English Dictionary, ENERGY is defined as ‘an adequate or abundant amount of such power, available power’. My personal definition is my ability to spring out of bed and the subsequent amount of ‘power’ I have throughout the day. With a combination of our swelling responsibilities and SAD diets (Standard American Diet) it is no wonder that our bodies are crawling their way through the day trying to retain just enough energy so we can crash in our beds.
Many people turn to energy drinks, coffee & sweets to receive a ‘pick me up’ only to be left with the sugar crash accompanied a few hours later. So what is the answer to sustained lasting energy throughout your day? Of course this question is multi-faceted but an easy place to start is by eating complex carbohydrates.
I know many of you are thinking that I am crazy for suggesting that carbs could be a probable solution to our fledgling energy problem. We all know they have been chastised in the past as a culprit of cultural weight gain. Although this is true to some degree, this all depends on the type and quality of carbohydrate.
Complex carbs (also known as polysaccharides) form a long & complex chain of glucose molecules. This type of complex structure equates to slower digestion of glucose which means your blood sugar will not spike & crash like that of it’s counterpart…simple carbs (ie candy, syrups & sodas).
Uncontrolled blood sugar can lead to a host of health problems including but not limited to migraines, hypoglycemia and diabetes. While I believe there are few steadfast rules in diet, in order to support healthy energy levels, have complex carbohydrates account for 50-60% of your daily intake.
Choosing the best forms of complex carbohydrates can become very tricky without considering several factors. I have been studying nutrition for at least a decade now and there are times when I felt overwhelmed by the amount of information to sift through, often contradictory. First, lets explore where complex carbs are found in our food.
whole grains
flour
bread
rice
corn
oats
potatoes
legumes
Reviewing this list there are a few items that jump out at me as great choices; however, there are additional factors we still must consider. Since sustained energy is what we are aiming for it is also important to consider a food’s fiber content. Fiber is not digested by your body but it is responsible for a wealth of health benefits. Maintaining blood sugar, lowering bad cholesterol & improving bowel function are just a few of fiber’s claim to fame. Choosing complex carbs with sufficient amounts of dietary fiber gives you more bang for your buck and more ounce in your bounce. Great examples include quinoa, legumes, & seasonal vegetables.
Another factor to consider is gluten. Gluten is a protein found most commonly in wheat, barley & rye and is responsible for the elasticity in dough. Gluten-free diets are extremely popular now and this is because gluten can be a protein that is very difficult for bodies to digest. The side effects for those who are intolerant or have Celiac disease can range from aching joints, migraines, cramps, depression. In the Celiac’s case even more severe symptoms, such as the development of cancer. Although you may not be intolerant to gluten removing or reducing this protein from your diet may result in added energy because your body doesn’t have to produce the extra energy to digest this stubborn protein.
Next, let’s talk about genetic modification & hybridization of our food supply. Corn, rice, wheat and potatoes are 3 of the top genetically modified foods in the US. Unless you are aware of where these items are coming from you may be subjecting yourself, and your family, to something that isn’t quite the corn our grandma’s ate. Genetically modified foods have been linked to cancer, food allergies, organ toxicity, and a host of other ailments. To add insult to injury, our complex carbs wheat & corn are woven into almost every food on your plate or squeezed from a pouch. If you don’t believe me, check it out. In fact, please check it out for yourself you may be amazed where these culprits lie. The food industry has added wheat & corn to virtually every item in our pantry from salad dressings, ice creams, sauces, and spices just to name a few. The WHY this is happening is an entirely other story and if you would like more information this site is a good place to start.
Taking all of these factors into account, my top choices for energy-packed carbs would include millet, quinoa, rice, oats, legumes, and seasonal vegetables. Since there are so many choices it is possible to weave complex carbs into almost every meal.
For breakfast you can enjoy quinoa with coconut milk & cinnamon. Delicious spinach salads for lunch and the possibilities are endless when it comes to food combining at dinner.
The world of nutrition can be vast & confusing but always remember keeping it simple is your best option for optimal health. Eating local, seasonal, whole, unprocessed foods allows our bodies to function the way nature intended. Fall is the season for harvest & reflection, enjoy your complex carbs in hearty porridges, legumes soups & stews, and roasted vegetables….yummy!
