Let’s Talk About Carbs

Good? Bad? What’s the difference?

Q: I’ve heard there are “good: crabs and “bad” carbs. Can you tell me how to add healthy carbohydrates to my diet?

A: Some diet books use the term “bad carbs” to talk about foods with refined carbohydrates (i.e. meaning they’re made from white flour and/or have added sugar). Examples include white bread, cakes and cookies. The term “good carbs” is used to describe foods that have more fiber and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are those that take longer to break down into glucose, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans. These terms aren’t used in the CDC’s “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” Instead, the guidelines recommend making fiber-rich carbohydrate choices from the vegetable, fruit and grain groups, while also avoiding added sugars.

-Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention