Carbohydrates in Foods
 When the topic of nutrition arises, it always seems like the first nutrient to come under attack is carbohydrates. This often misunderstood part of our diet is quickly blamed for weight gain and a myriad of other health problems people face, but what many don't realize is that we need carbs, and it is our job to understand them and choose healthy carbohydrates in food in order to be in control of our nutrition and lead healthy lives.
It is important to understand that there are "good" and "bad" carbs. "Good" carbs are found in the form of complex carbohydrates. These take longer for our body to process and use, which means there is less of a chance of them getting stored as fat. Complex carbohydrates in food include a lot of natural and unprocessed products such as:
- Potatoes and other starchy foods
- Most fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Brown rice
- Milk
"Bad" carbs, also known as simple carbohydrates, are made up of sugar compounds. The body almost immediately begins to break down these nutrients once eaten, and many go unused, getting stored as fat instead. Many processed foods use fillers and sweeteners made from simple carbs, which can lead to weight gain and unhealthy eating habits. Simple carbohydrate foods to avoid include:
- Candies
- White, enriched grains
- Fast and processed foods
- Sugary drinks
- Artificially sweetened foods
If you choose carbohydrates in food that contain complex carbs over simple ones, you can provide your body with the fuel it needs from healthy, natural sources, and it will also be a step towards maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding conditions caused by high blood sugar.
Before you make any changes to your diet, however, consult a healthcare professional to avoid complications. Your primary care provider or an experienced nutritionist will be able to help you determine which carbohydrates in food are healthiest for you and help you make educated choices when it comes to food for you and your family. |
