Nutrition 101: Carbs It’s unfortunate that carbohydrates have gotten such a bad rap. At some point or other you’ve probably heard that eating carbohydrates will make you fat and sluggish, so you should avoid them at all costs. But the truth is that our bodies need carbohydrates to work properly. Without this essential nutrient we might have low energy (and a slower metabolism), be moody, and not be able to think straight. Now doesn’t that suck?
Simple carbs can be found in sugar and highly processed foods like chips, candy, and white bread. These are quickly absorbed into the body and give you a rush of energy that goes away fast. You end up wanting to eat more to bring your energy level back up and that can eventually make you gain weight over time. The bottom line: don’t avoid all carbs, just be smart and stick with the complex type!
By June 2
There are basically two types of carbs–complex and simple. The complex kind is primarily found in whole grains, brown rice, beans, veggies, and fruit. These carbs are great because your body digests them slowly, making you feel full longer. They also contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals that help keep your body in top shape.
