Debunking the Low-Carb Myth: 6 High-Carb Foods You Should Be Eating

We all know carbs have a bit of a PR problem. Somewhere along the way - maybe it was the rise of keto, or the “low-carb equals skinny” era - carbohydrates got lumped into the same category as junk food.

But here’s the thing: not all carbs are the same. And cutting out good carbs just because they contain starch or sugar? That’s like avoiding water because soda also comes in a bottle.

Your body runs on carbohydrates. Your brain literally prefers glucose (a simple form of sugar from carbs) for energy. And when you choose the right sources, like carbs that are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, you’re not just fueling your body. You’re strengthening it, nourishing it, and helping it recover.

So, let’s throw out the blanket fear of carbs and take a closer look at six high-carb foods that are actually very good for you. Because yes, they belong on your plate.

Let’s start with quinoa. This little seed is high in carbs but what most people don’t realize is that quinoa is also a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Which is rare in plant-based foods.

• Packed with fiber to help regulate blood sugar and digestion
• High in magnesium, iron, and zinc, vital for energy, immunity, and muscle function
• Naturally gluten-free
• Can help you feel full and satisfied, not spiked and crashed

Unlike processed carbs that flood your bloodstream and burn out fast, quinoa is like a slow-burning log on your metabolic fire.

First things first, buckwheat sounds like it should be related to wheat, but it’s not. It’s actually a seed, just like quinoa, and it's gluten-free. Despite being high in carbs, buckwheat has a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t mess with your blood sugar the way white bread will.

• Rich in antioxidants like rutin, which supports heart health and reduces inflammation
• High in resistant starch, a type of carb that feeds good gut bacteria
• Surprisingly high in protein compared to other grains
• Great for people with gluten intolerance or anyone who wants to reduce inflammation

It has a nutty, earthy flavor that works great in porridge, pancakes, or even as a base for a salad. It’s satisfying, grounding, and good for your gut.

If you’ve been avoiding oatmeal because “carbs,” let’s set the record straight: yes, oats are high in carbs. But those carbs are mostly soluble fiber, especially a kind called beta-glucan, which has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol (that’s the bad kind if you didn’t know), stabilize blood sugar, and improve gut health.

• Keeps you full for hours. Perfect for avoiding mid-morning cravings
• Balances blood sugar, especially when paired with healthy fats or protein
• Supports heart health and lowers cholesterol naturally
• Easy to make sweet or savory

Go for steel-cut or rolled oats, not the pre-flavored instant packets with 19 grams of added sugar. Add some fruit, a spoonful of nut butter, maybe some cinnamon. Now you’ve got a high-carb, high- value breakfast.

Beets are sweet. Beets are starchy. And yes, beets are high in carbs. But you know what else they are? Insanely good for your cardiovascular system.

Beets contain nitrates, which convert into nitric oxide in the body. That helps dilate blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and improve blood flow, especially during workouts. That’s why beetroot juice is often used by endurance athletes before races.

• Natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties
• High in folate and manganese, key for energy production and metabolism
• Supports detox pathways in the liver
• Can boost stamina and athletic performance

Roast them, juice them, throw them in a smoothie mixed with a powerful blender. Or slice them raw in salads for crunch and color. Just don’t fear the sugar - it’s paired with fiber, which slows absorption and balances the effect.

Apples have sugar, yes. But they’re also wrapped in a perfect package of fiber, hydration, and antioxidants. The fiber (especially in the skin) helps slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, so you're not getting hit with a spike and crash like you would from soda or candy.

• Rich in polyphenols, compounds that fight oxidative stress
• Natural source of pectin, a fiber that supports digestion and gut health
• Hydrating, crunchy, and easy to carry
• Linked to lower risk of heart disease and stroke

And let’s be honest, if you’re craving something sweet, an apple is a way better choice than a protein bar loaded with artificial ingredients and fake fiber.

Pair one with peanut butter and you’ve got a balanced, blood-sugar-friendly snack.

Bananas get way too much hate from the low-carb crowd. Yes, they’re high in sugar and starch. But they’re also one of the best pre- and post-workout foods you can eat.

Why? Because bananas deliver fast, usable energy. Not to mention potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 - all essential for nerve function and muscle repair.

• Natural source of dopamine precursors (hello, mood boost)
• High in electrolytes, great after sweating or training
• Contains resistant starch, especially when slightly green (feeds healthy gut bacteria)
• Helps reduce muscle cramps and fatigue

If you’re active, your body will thank you for feeding it the right fuel at the right time. And bananas are one of the best, cleanest options out there.

Carbs are not the enemy. Refined, stripped-down, ultra-processed carbs? Sure, those can mess with your metabolism. But whole, nutrient-dense, plant-based carbs? They’re some of the best foods you can put in your body.

These six [quinoa, buckwheat, oats, beets, apples, and bananas] provide sustainable fuel, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and real long-term health benefits.

So if you’ve been white-knuckling your way through low-carb life, constantly tired and cranky, maybe it’s not your willpower that’s the problem. Maybe it’s your lack of complex, beautiful, body- loving carbs.

Let go of the guilt. Eat the damn banana.

Want to make your carb-friendly lifestyle easier? Pack your daily essentials, like magnesium, omega- 3s, or creatine, in a PROMiXX CORE pill holder case. It’s magnetic, stackable, and perfect for organizing all the things that help you feel better, move better, and live stronger.

Because health isn’t about fear. It’s about fueling smart.