Good carbs, bad carbs
Eating bread, potatoes and pasta will pile on the pounds, right? Forget what you've heard—our bodies need carbs. Here's how to enjoy them without adding extra inches
Updated November 2, 2012
What is a carb?
First, let's be clear on what a carbohydrate really is. Carbs are not just breads, cereals and pastas. In fact, a carbohydrate is anything your body converts to glucose, or blood sugar, for energyenergy you need to keep your brain, heart, organs and nervous system working. Vegetables, fruit, legumes and sugars are all carbohydrates. What's more, all dairy products contain some carbohydrates. Think of it this way: most foods that aren't a fat or a protein are a carbohydrate. The trick is knowing which carbs to choose.
First, let's be clear on what a carbohydrate really is. Carbs are not just breads, cereals and pastas. In fact, a carbohydrate is anything your body converts to glucose, or blood sugar, for energyenergy you need to keep your brain, heart, organs and nervous system working. Vegetables, fruit, legumes and sugars are all carbohydrates. What's more, all dairy products contain some carbohydrates. Think of it this way: most foods that aren't a fat or a protein are a carbohydrate. The trick is knowing which carbs to choose.
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