Examples of Simple, Complex Carbohydrates

A guide to understanding two very different dietary energy sources...

Looking for examples of simple & complex carbohydrates? It's very important to understand the difference between the two because, generally, one is much better for you than the other - especially if you're trying to get fitter, healthier, and/or leaner.

For the most part, your diet should incorporate a good amount of healthy complex carbohydrates for energy and few, if any, simple carbohydrates.

Examples of Simple & Complex Carbohydrates: Simple Carbs

Generally, simple carbs are any food that contains sugar. These include:

• White 'Table' Sugar
• Honey
• Molasses
• Fruit
• Milk/Dairy Products
• Candy d
• Regular soda
• Many processed snack foods

All of the above foods contain one or more of the various forms of sugar (including sucrose, fructose, maltose and glucose/dextrose). They are absorbed into the blood stream very quickly, causing a spike in insulin levels and increased fat storage (among other negative health effects).

With the exception of fruit and low-fat dairy products (like milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese), simple carbohydrates should be avoided, especially if you're trying to lose bodyfat and improve your health.

Examples of Simple & Complex Carbohydrates: Complex Carbs

Complex carbohydrates are generally healthier for you than simple carbs. They take much longer to digest and often - but not always - contain a good amount of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. A few examples of complex carbohydrates are:

• Vegetables
• Legumes
• Oatmeal
• Cereals
• Breads
• Pasta

By far the best (ie 'healthiest') complex carbs are vegetables and legumes (beans, peas, etc). Usually, when people speak of 'good' carbs, those are what they're referring to. The next best form of complex carbohydrates is whole-grain oatmeal, breads, cereals, and pastas. These provide lots of fiber and should be consumed in small amount several times per day.

Finally, breads, pastas, and cereals made from refined 'enriched' white flour are the worst type of complex carb to eat. They cause many of the same negative effects in the body as simple 'sugar-based' carbohydrates. These carbs should be avoided for the most part.

These are just a few examples of simple & complex carbohydrates but they should give you a good idea of what types of food to base your diet around.

-----------------

For more info visit these links:

More Examples of Simple, Complex Carbohydrates
Detailed Carbohydrates Info