Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are a major macronutrient and one of your body’s primary sources of energy. Certain weight loss programs prohibit eating carbohydrates, but the key is finding the right kinds of portioned carbohydrates- not avoiding them completely. Most of us equate carbohydrates with breads and pastas but you can also find them in fruit, dairy, nuts, seeds, grains, vegetables, legumes and sweets. Carbohydrates are made up of 3 components; sugar, fiber and starch. There are two different kinds of carbohydrates, simple and complex.
Choosing the right carbs can take time and practice. With a bit of research, and keeping an eye out for nutrition labels, you can start making healthier choices to energize your body and protect it from long-term complications.
Simple Carbs
Simple carbs are mostly sugars, while some of these naturally occur in milk; most simple carbs in our diets however are additives to food. Some simple carbs added to food are:
• Raw sugar, brown sugar,
• Corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup
• Fruit juice concentrate
• Glucose, fructose, sucrose
**Simple carbs to avoid or limit are: Soda, baked treats, packaged cookies, fruit juice concentrate, breakfast cereal**
