Carbohydrates are one of three major types of food sources: carbohydrates, fats and proteins. While the body can depend on any or all three of these for energy, it prefers carbohydrates because they are broken down and enter the bloodstream easily. Carbohydrates are divided into simple and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are foods with high sugar content and are easily broken down into glucose for immediate use. Examples of simple carbohydrates include table sugar, candy, jam and cakes.
Complex carbohydrates are chains of simple carbohydrates that must be broken down by enzymes before they can be digested and used as glucose. They're also excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and because they take longer to digest than simple carbohydrates. They take longer to digest, so they're often the preferred type of carbohydrate for diabetics who want to maintain stable glucose levels.
Breakfast Complex Carbohydrates
Many people prefer breakfast cereals that are complex carbohydrates cause they're fast and easy to prepare. These include all bran, corn chex, oatmeal, raisin bran, shredded wheat, pancakes (not the syrup), buckwheat, cornmeal, most types of breads like white and whole wheat breads and bagels. They're best eaten without high fat additives like butter or margarine or other condiments like jellies or jams.
Lunch Complex Carbohydrates
Start off with a sandwich with two slices of bread containing complex carbohydrates. Other good complex carbs include bagels, croissants, muffins, pita bread, pizza (mainly the crust), beans and lentils. Many other lunch favorites like chips, french fries, various soups, potatoes and rice also contain complex carbohydrates.
Dinner Complex Carbohydrates
Dinner menu selections can offer a wide variety of complex carbohydrates. They include all pastas, fettuccine, linguine, vermicelli, brown and white rice; and all types of potatoes, corn, yams, peas, beans and lentils. They also include many traditional baked goods like pastries with crusts and rice puddings.
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