By Carleton Rives, MS, RD, LD

Carbohydrates are found in many different types of foods and drinks as sugars and starches. Too many of the wrong types of carbs can be bad for your health and might cause diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

But some carbs are better than others.

GOOD CARBS

Carbs that are good for you have a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fiber which make your body strong and make you feel healthy.

Good carbs can also help you lose weight because if you eat them in small amounts with a meal or snack, they will help to fill you up and keep you from feeling hungry.

BAD CARBS

Carbs that are bad for you can have a lot of sugar but not a lot of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These carbs do not help your body to get stronger or make you feel healthy. Bad carbs may even make you gain weight and feel bad.

BAD CARBS

Try not to eat the foods and drinks listed below. These items are high in calories and sugar but low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber which your body needs to be healthy. These foods may cause you to gain weight and not feel good.

• Canned fruit in syrup
• Fruit juice and soda
• Cookies, cakes, donuts, candy
• Pastries
• Sugary cereal
• White bread
• White rice or pasta

GOOD CARBS

All foods listed below are good for your body but eating too many of these foods can make you gain weight and feel bad. Good carbs are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that make your body strong and make you feel good.

• Starchy Vegetables
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Potatoes
  • Beans
  • Peas
  • Corn
• Whole Wheat, Whole Grain, or 100% Whole Wheat
  • Bread
  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Unflavored oatmeal
• Fruit (fresh, frozen or canned in natural juices or water)
• Unsweetened Dairy Products