We have all seen the ads for no carb and low-carb foods and diets, but kids and adults need carbohydrates Most foods contain carbohydrates, which the body breaks down into simple sugars, which is the major source of energy for the body. However not all carbohydrates are created equal, there are 2 major types of carbs, simple and complex. Simple carbs are the bad carbs and should be avoided. Complex carbs are actually goo for you and your body needs them.



Simple carbs are for the most part refined sugars with few vitamins and nutrients. The body quickly converts this into glucose which goes into the bloodstream causing an energy rush. You also get an insulin spike to combat the sugar and if you ingest too many simple carbs you most likely are on your way to diabetes. Now not all simple carbs are bad, there are fruits and vegetables that are okay since they contain fiber, vitamins and nutrients. You should stay away from refined processed foods, white bread and pasta, sugary beverages and the like.

Complex carbs are complex sugars and are packed with vitamins, nutrients and fibers, They take longer for the body to digest and do not raise the blood sugar quickly. They are used as fuel or stored as a useful energy source in the body. These include vegetables, whole grains and cereals.

Now you can eat bread and paste but you need to eat whole wheat/whole grain bread and pasta. Whole grains are what you want but the food industry is taking advantage and putting that on labels but it is minimal in the food. It may say whole grain and then when you read the label it has enriched/bleached flour in it as a main ingredient, followed by your grain. So what you are getting is mostly simple carbs instead of the good complex carbs that you think you are getting. Always check the label and look at the main ingredients in cereals and bread. You will also notice that whole grain is being added to childrens cereal boxes, but they are full of sugar which is a simple carb.

The ads concerning carbohydrate diets should not be no carb or low carb but more appropriately the right carbs. Not all carbs are not bad and your body needs them for energy. Most of your carbs should come from complex ones, while the simple ones should come from the ones that your body can use like orange juice. Your body can use the vitamin C and if your buy the one with added calcium you get an added benefit. Make sure you read the labels on items you are buying to make sure the are whole grain/whole wheat. Stay away from items that contain enriched and bleached flour. Choosing the right carbs will put you on the way to a healthy diet.