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What are carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates, one of three kinds of nutrients that give you energy, have four calories per gram, and are either “simple” or “complex.” Complex carbohydrates are made up of sugar molecules that are strung together in long chains and are found in foods such as peas, beans, whole grains, and vegetables. Simple carbohydrates, found naturally in foods such as fruits and milk products, are used up quickly by the body. They are also found in 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 | | Legumes | Fruits | | Starchy vegetables | Milk products | | Whole grain breads and cereals | Vegetables | | | Candy | | | Table sugar | | | Syrups | | | Sodas |
Why do I need carbohydrates?
Simple and complex carbohydrates are turned into glucose—or blood sugar—and are used as energy. Body and brain cells use glucose, while unused glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. 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, preferably from complex carbohydrates and naturally occurring sugars.
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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