Going Complex on Carbohydrates

Complex carbs are chains of three or more single sugar molecules linked together. Long chains of sugar molecules are called starches and they serve as the storage form of energy in plants. Branched complex carbohydrates called cellulose form the structural components that give plants their shape.

Complex carbs are found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains. Some examples of foods high in starchy complex carbohydrates include bread, cereal, rice, pasta, potatoes, dry beans, carrots and corn. Green vegetables like green beans, broccoli and spinach contain less starch and more fiber. All grains include starchy carbohydrates. Whole grains such as whole wheat pasta are better for you because they have much more fiber. Complex carbs should be a huge part of your diet. About 50% of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates mostly from grains, cereals, fruits and vegetables. Only a few of your daily calories should come from simple carbohydrates like table sugar.

Simple carbs are made up of one or two sugar molecules linked together. Some of simple carbohydrates include glucose, fructose [fruit sugar], sucrose [table sugar] and galactose [sugar in Milk]. Simple sugars are used as ingredients in candy, ice cream, cookies and other sweets. Plus they occur naturally in fruits and very small amounts are found in vegetables.

Complex carbs really should be the basis of your diet. Instead of bleached white bread, eat whole wheat bread. Instead of white rice, eat brown rice. Instead of white bagels, eat whole wheat bagels and so on. Oatmeal is another great complex carb. Starting your day with a lot of Complex carbs for breakfast such as Oatmeal, will help you become better focused and energized throughout the day.

Making the transition from simple carbs to complex carbs will be very effective in improving your nutrition. It is much less fattening and offers many benefits to your health and metabolism.