Macronutrients: Carbohydrates

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Carbohydrates are the foods that our bodies need to get energy. They’re our GO foods.

These include: breads, rice, pasta, maize meal, as well as butternut, potatoes, sweet potato & corn!

There are two types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates include: sugar, sweets, juice, chocolates and chips.

Simple carbohydrates are rapidly broken down into glucose by the body and quickly travel into the blood, giving you a rapid energy boost. Very soon after this boost, there is a sudden drop in your blood glucose levels. We should aim to limit simple carbohydrates, as they are often high in sugar, energy and often fat. Simple carbohydrates also don’t provide long- lasting energy, which is why these foods should be eaten on occasion and in moderation.

A simple way to include these foods into a healthy diet would be to include a vegetable or fruit with the simple carbohydrate. Adding a protein or fat to the carbohydrate ( simple or complex) also helps to ensure longer- lasting blood glucose levels. For example: take a small handful of chips, together with some cucumber slices and hummus.

Complex carbohydrates are broken down slowly, providing you with longer- lasting energy than simple carbohydrates. Examples of complex carbohydrates include: brown bread, brown rice, beans, legumes and vegetables.

We should aim to eat complex carbohydrates more than we eat simple carbohydrates, as they have better effects on our blood glucose levels, are usually better sources of fibre, vitamins and minerals.

Follow along the Go Grow Glow and Rattle & Roll series to find out more about making healthy eating simple!