Eat Healthy Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are your body's main energy source. During digestion, sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates) break down into blood sugar.

About half of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. Discuss your diet with your doctor, and focus on the healthiest carbohydrates:

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• Legumes (beans, peas and lentils)
• Low-fat dairy products

To help control your blood sugar level, eat about the same amount of carbohydrates every day, spaced throughout the day. If you eat more or less carbohydrates than usual at a given meal or from day to day, your blood sugar level may fluctuate.

Remember the importance of portion control, too.

Although carbs are an essential part of your diet, they're easy to overdo. Read food labels to determine serving sizes - and stick to them. To discourage overeating, skip second helpings and share restaurant meals.

Published 10/31/08