Carbohydrates are an important part of a healthy diet, they’re a source of energy for our body, and fuel for our brain. However, there are some carbohydrate containing foods which are better for daily consumption compared to others which are best to only have occasionally. There are two types of carbohydrates. These are complex carbohydrates, which are generally better for daily consumption. They are found in foods such as rice, pasta, breads, vegetables, legumes with the wholemeal and wholegrain varieties preferred. Complex carbohydrates are nutrient dense and take longer to digest and break down the food into energy, thus making you feel fuller for longer.
The second type of carbohydrates are simple carbohydrates and these tend to be less healthy and if chosen, should only be eaten occasionally. They are often found in ‘energy dense, nutrient poor foods’ (i.e., biscuits, pastries, fizzy drinks) and are digested rapidly which may contribute to overall weight gain.
There is no scientific evidence that supports cutting out all carbohydrates from your diet. It’s all about choosing good quality carbohydrate food choices and knowing how much to eat or serve.
