Growing up, we all knew that fruits and vegetables were good for us, but sometimes we still didn’t eat them because, as children we only wanted sweets. Then, as adults, some of us avoided them because fruits and vegetables contain carbs and sugars. However, the carbs in fruits and vegetables are nothing to be feared. If anything, they’re something to be appreciated.

When the body goes without carbs for too long, it causes many metabolic imbalances and can lead to intense cravings, fatigue, anxiety, and more. That doesn’t mean you need to load up on bread and processed carbs, though. By adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals each day, you’ll see a huge improvement in your mind and your body.

Here are some of the best fruits and vegetables to eat for their high-quality carbohydrate content.

1. Bananas

Source: Banana Hemp Seed Sushi Slices

Rich in potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, magnesium, vitamin C, and fiber, bananas can help relieve inflammation, nausea, stomach ulcers, depression, and anxiety. One banana also contains less digestible carbohydrates than one piece of wheat bread. Ripe bananas are usually easier to digest than the starchier yellow ones, but yellow bananas have less of a glycemic impact than ripe. Plus, bananas help improve gut bacteria since they contain large amounts of prebiotics. If you don’t like ripe bananas, don’t just throw them away. Freeze them for smoothies, or use them to make these delicious banana recipes that will leave you loving the way this fruit makes you feel. Check out these banana recipes.

2. Broccoli

Source: Seitan Beef and Broccoli

Broccoli contains roughly three grams of fiber and three grams of sugar per serving for only 50 calories a cup and three grams of protein, along with large amounts of vitamin B6 and calcium. Broccoli is best digested when steamed until it’s soft enough to chew without being crisp. You can even add frozen broccoli to a smoothie if you don’t enjoy eating broccoli whole. You’ll never taste it when combined with some fruit, and it makes your smoothies especially rich and thick!

3. Apples

Source: Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

Apples are one of the best sources of carbs you can eat since they contain large amounts of pectin (a fiber that keeps you fuller longer), vitamin C, and potassium. They’re also rich in natural sugars that digest more slowly than those found in processed foods and faux “healthy” foods such as granola bars. Apples can even prevent weight gain, especially in the abdominal area. Check out this article on how to pick the right apples for your recipe.

4. Pears

Source: Berry Lavender Poached Pears With Granola

These delicious, juicy fruits have a high satiety factor. Pears offer a large dose of potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, and fiber. They can also aid in cleansing the digestive tract and are one of the most alkaline fruits to eat.

5. Leafy Greens

Source: Pumpkin Polenta With Wilted Spiced Greens

No one should ever deny themselves a serving of leafy greens since these are one of the best sources of carbohydrates to eat (though they’re very low in carbohydrates overall). Leafy greens provide balance and satiety to the body. They also help relieve stress and fatigue due to high levels of magnesium and B vitamins. Optimize your diet by including at least three cups of leafy greens such as spinach, chard, kale, romaine, arugula, turnip greens, collards, and mustard greens in your meals. These green monster smoothie recipes are an easy way to do just that!

6. Carrots

Source: Baked Shoestring Carrot Fries

Carrots are full of fiber and natural sources of glucose that help give you energy and keep you full. Their high vitamin A (beta-carotene) content is also excellent for your heart and helps your skin stay clear. Try this Whole Wheat Carrot Bread.

7. Sweet Potatoes

Source: Roasted Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Creamy Tahini Sauce

Technically a member of the squash family, sweet potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B6, and fiber. They’re the perfect alternative to white potatoes if you avoid potatoes. They can help you lose weight because they’re low on the glycemic index and help prevent sugar cravings. Try these sweet potato recipes.

8. Figs

Source: Lemon and Fig Tarts

Figs are one of the best sources of vegan calcium you can eat, along with fiber and natural sources of glucose to fuel your brain and body. Figs are also known as an ancient aphrodisiac and can help improve your mood and sense of well-being. They’re also helpful to women since they help remove harmful estrogens from the body and contain less fructose (fruit sugar that may cause digestive problems) than dates. Dried figs such as Black Mission figs are also one of the best sources of antioxidants and fiber of all dried fruits.

9. Berries

Source: Five-Ingredient Blueberry Mousse

Berries are low on the glycemic index and full of properties that nourish your heart, mind, and body. They also help relieve abdominal bloating due to their high fiber and potassium content. No matter what berry you choose, you’re sure to get a large dose of antioxidants into your diet. Choose from raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, mulberries, acai berries, goji berries, strawberries, Camu Camu berries, and maqui berries.

10. Squash

Source: Quinoa Mushroom Stuffed Acorn Squash

All forms of squash, such as zucchini, yellow squash, acorn, butternut, kabocha, turban, pumpkin, and other winter squashes, are powerful sources of alkalizing nutrients. Their high potassium and water content are excellent for hydrating the body and preventing bloat. They can also help relieve anxiety due to high amounts of magnesium, Vitamin C, and Vitamin B6. You can grill zucchini and yellow squash or steam them if you don’t enjoy them raw. For winter and hard squashes, keep things easy and just bake them whole. To do this, place a whole squash on a baking pan and turn the oven to 375. Bake for 50 minutes, remove, and cut open with a fork to cool. Then you can remove the seeds and ta-da! Fresh squash you can enjoy without a bit of hassle at all.

Other great fruits and veggies with high fiber and or water content to include in your diet are:

• Artichokes
• Cucumbers
• Peppers
• Tomatoes
• Oranges
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Green Beans

Don’t fear fruits and vegetables. Fill your diet up with them, and you’ll notice a huge sense of fullness and satisfaction throughout the entire day, not to mention a more balanced mood and sense of well-being. Check out our recipe section for inspiration and ideas.

What are your favorite fruits and veggies to eat each day?

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