Carbohydrates are simply sugars and starches that our bodies can use for fuel.

Of course there are many different types of carbs out there; some are sugary, some digest more quickly, some provide more fibre, some make us sleepy, some make us more energetic, some satisfy us, some cause us to overeat, some help us lose weight, some help us gain weight.

So today’s lesson is about choosing the best carbohydrates.

The ones that will help us get healthier, lose weight and feel awesome.

Carbs can be broken down into 3 categories: high fibre, starchy and sugary.

High fibre carbs include most vegetables, most fruits and legumes, like beans and lentils. All of these digest slowly because they are high in fibre. They’re also full of vitamins and minerals and other healthy plant nutrients. These carbs are good for you so choose them as often as possible.

Starchy carbs include tubers such as potatoes, sweet potatoes or yams, wild or brown rice, pasta, bread, oats and other whole grains like quinoa, amarinth or buckwheat. Eat smaller portions of these and try to eat them only when you need the extra calories. For example on days you’re doing more physical activity, maybe even after exercising.

Finally, sugary carbs include cakes, pastries and muffins, cookies and bars (including granola bars), candies, sweets and chocolate, fruit juices, soda or pop, other sweetened drinks (including sports drinks). These are the foods that screw up our blood sugar, cause metabolic disturbances and make us gain weight. So eat, or drink, them very sparingly.

This week when planning your meals choose your carbs wisely.

Start by filling your plate with colourful high fibre vegetables and maybe a handful of beans or legumes. If you like add a small handful sized portion of starchy carbs and saved those sugary carbs for special occasions, like a slice of cake on your birthday, choose wisely.