The purpose of carbohydrates is to provide fuel and essential nutrients to our body. There are two types of naturally occurring carbohydrates: Simple sugars and Complex carbohydrates. Simple sugars are what you find in honey, white sugar, brown sugar, milk sugar and some sweet ripe fruits like grapes, apples, fruit drinks and tomatoes. Complex carbohydrates are also known as starches and they can be found in grains, breads, cereals, pastas, vegetables, rice, peas and beans.
Simple sugars and complex carbohydrates are both used to fuel your brain and your muscles. One of the general problems with the American diet is that we are choosing the wrong carbohydrates which are nutrient-poor and high in sugar, salt, and calories that do not nourish our bodies. Carbohydrates that are processed have lost most, if not all of their nutritional value, and are filled with preservatives to prolong shelf life. I am going to give you a very easy way to decipher what carbohydrates are good for your body and what carbohydrates are bad for your body. The bottom line is this: you want to avoid processed foods as much as possible, and choose carbohydrates that are wholesome, high in fiber, low in sugar and as close to nature as possible, untouched by man. It really is that simple. Choose Whole Foods that are natural and untouched by man!
Bad carbohydrate examples are white bread, white pasta, cookies, cakes, deep fried foods, fruit drinks, sodas, high fat milk, high fat cheeses, high fat/sugar yogurts, fried chips and candies and junk food.
Good carbohydrate examples are: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole wheat bread with fiber, whole-wheat pasta with fiber, brown rice, nuts, beans, high fiber cereals and snacks, brown rice cakes, low fat/low sugar yogurt, low fat milk, and low fat cheese. Choose carbohydrates wisely, looking for choices low in sugar, low in saturated fat, high in fiber and high in nutritional content (vitamins and minerals). Choose Carbohydrates that are whole and unprocessed. Don’t give man the opportunity to change the biological structure of your food! Wholesome, nutrient rich carbohydrates should make up 30-60% of your daily caloric intake. There is 4 calories in one gram of carbohydrate.
