Living With COPD: Feeding Yourself The Right Kind Of Food For Fuel
If you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), you should be eating meals high in calories to combat weight loss. Your body and muscles have to work ten times harder than average to be able to breathe, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Your energy is used in all your activities, ranging from sleeping to exercising. However, it’s important to eat the right kind of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide fuel for your body, so it’s essential you get the right kind. But what are the differences between simple carbs and complex carbs?
Complex carbohydrates – These provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are important to an individual’s health. Examples of these include whole grains, such as whole wheat bread or whole wheat pasta, beans, and quinoa, brown or wild rice, and vegetables.
Simple carbohydrates – These are easily digested carbs and processed foods, such as regular soft drinks, white bread, pastries, and white pasta. Although tempting, try your best to avoid these foods:
- Sugary cereals
- Canned pasta
- White rice, white bread, and white pasta
- Breads or pastries made with extra saturated and Trans fat, such as donuts. Croissants, muffins, cheese breads, and scones.
While it’s good to eat enough complex carbohydrates, it’s also important to get enough protein in your diet. Eat a good source of protein at least twice a day to maintain strong muscles. Good sources of protein can include eggs, meat, fish, poultry, milk, nuts, and beans.
At Portable Oxygen Solutions, we are your liaisons to leading a healthy and active lifestyle with portable oxygen. Always consult with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding your diet or health.