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What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are one of three kinds of nutrients that give you energy. They have four calories per gram, and are either “simple” or “complex.” You need both kinds. Complex carbohydrates are found in foods such as peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates are found naturally in foods such as fruits and milk products, candy, table sugar, syrups, and soft drinks. Most carbohydrate intake should come from complex carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugars rather than from candies or syrups.
Complex | Simple | | Beans | Fruits | | Starchy vegetables | Milk products | | Whole grain breads and cereals | Vegetables | | | Candy | | | Table sugar | | | Syrups | | | Sodas |
Why do I need carbohydrates?
All types of carbohydrates are turned into glucose—or blood sugar—which is used as energy. Cells in your body use glucose, while unused glucose is stored in the liver and muscles. Complex carbohydrate foods provide vitamins, minerals and fiber that are important to good health.
How much do I need?
Almost half of all calories in a CF patient’s diet should come from carbohydrates.
To increase complex carbohydrate calories: • Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Eat more whole grains, rice, breads and cereals.
• Eat more legumes (beans, lentils and dried peas).
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