Continued from Slow-Digesting Carbs.

Fast-digesting carbs are even more confusing than slow-digesting carbs. The reason for this has to do with the fact that fast-digesting carbs are tricky. However, just because they are a little trickier to figure out than other types of carbs, does not mean you should be afraid of them, and it is not a good idea to avoid them completely because there are some cases when you they can be beneficial.

So, how would one define fast-digesting carbs? Generally speaking, fast-digesting carbs can be described as simple carbohydrates or “unbuffered” sugar. They work like this: when you ingest sugar without fiber or protein your blood sugar levels spike, which signals your body to release large amounts of insulin.

The list of fast-digesting carbs You do not really need a complete list of fast-digesting carbs, but you do need to know which common foods contain fast-digesting carbs. Sugar (obviously), fruits and vegetables that contain very little fiber, sweets of any kind, dry fruits, milk, fruit spreads and condiments, white bread, most bagels or any baked goods that use white flour, soda, fast food – they all contain fast-digesting carbs.

When is the best time to ingest fast-digesting carbs? It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish, and it also depends on what you are trying to prevent from happening.

For example, if you are trying to lose weight, it is not a good idea to eat foods containing fast-digesting carbs in the evening or late at night. On the other hand, if you are lifting weight in the evening, it is perfectly fine to ingest fast-digesting carbs.

In fact, if you have been exercising for at least 30 minutes (the time of day does not matter), it is recommended that you ingest some protein and fast-digesting carbs immediately after your workout.

Is there such a thing as the best time of the day to eat foods that contain fast-digesting carbs? Yes, at breakfast.