Carbohydrates are quite different from protein or fat.  They are burnt as energy in the body, not used as building blocks.  All carbohydrate foods are broken down into a sugar called glucose (the type of sugar found in your blood stream).  Glucose is the body’s energy source but to use this energy effectively, first you need to make sure you are getting enough of the other macronutrients and micronutrients.  Glucose that is not needed for energy is stored as body fat usually around your middle.

There are two types of carbohydrates.  Simple carbohydrates (sugary foods) are broken down into glucose very quickly and rapidly affect blood sugar levels.  Excess sugar appears to depress the functioning of the immune system and can be stored away by the body as body fat, so it is best to avoid a lot of these foods.  A high intake of simple carbohydrates in the diet may also worsen fatigue and deplete energy.  Try to choose foods with less than 10gms of sugars per 100gms (read the nutrition information panel on labels).

Complex carbohydrates (starchy foods) are more slowly broken down into glucose and are the better type of carbohydrate to choose; they also provide a good source of fiber, B-group vitamins, zinc, iron and some other micronutrients.  The less processed the carbohydrate food is, the more nutrients it will contain.  You can fill up with complex carbohydrates, but first be sure you are getting enough protein and essential fats