Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for the body, and are broken down to glucose for energy to go the brain and other areas of the body. Carbohydrates have been one of the most discussed nutritional issues of the last decade. Initially, starches were considered amongst the most fattening food products. Then in the 80's, people in the United States were urged to ingest carbohydrates in an effort to reduce the amount of fat in their diets. Many individuals were consuming diets whose carbohydrate content provided over 70% of their total calories. Many health organizations suggested that Americans get every bit of fat out of their diet by replacing much of their diet with "fat-free foods."

The problem that most people discovered with these diets was that they neither lost weight nor were they able to successfully adhere to the diet for any great length of time. The reason, simply stated, is that protein and fat are necessary in our diets for a multitude of reasons, not the least of which are to increase satiety (the sense of no longer having hunger) and to stabilize blood sugars. Eating a mostly "fat-free" diet can cause a rapid rise and fall in blood sugars only to re-stimulate the desire to eat and increase food cravings. Therefore, a balance of carbohydrate, protein and fat is essential to any type of lifestyle nutrition regimen.

Healthy forms of carbohydrate include fruits, vegetables, dairy products (which contain milk carbohydrate), and grains. Eating a lot of carbohydrates from snack foods, breads, starches, bars, desserts, etc. does not contribute to health and can contribute to weight gain if one over exceeds their caloric needs.

Carbohydrates provide 4 calories per gram and are broken down and digested within one to three hours of eating a meal. They provide the body with B vitamins, fiber, and minerals. The approximate recommendation for carbohydrate is between 45-60% of total calories.

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