If you plan on eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, you have to eat plenty of carbohydrates. Carbs are the main energy source for all of our bodily functions. Carbs are broken down by the body for cell and muscle use, making carbs a necessary part of any diet. By knowing what carbs do, how they work in your body, and by following a list of carbohydrate grams to ensure you are getting the right amount of carbs, you will find it much easier to maintain your health.

There are two different types of carbs: starches and sugars. Sugars are easily digested and includes foods like some fruits, jellies, soda, cake, and candy. Starches are more complex carbohydrates that take your body longer to digest such as grains, breads, pasta, tortillas, and some vegetables.

Most foods that are high in carbs are loaded with other nutrients as well. For example, fruits and vegetables containing starches are also loaded with vitamins A and C, as well as many other vitamins and minerals. Dairy products are carbs that are also high in Calcium.

Foods that are high in sugar that are rich in carbs have fewer other nutrients and are not as healthy. These foods do not provide much of anything nutritionally except extra calories. Examples are molasses, corn syrup, and honey, and you should limit the intake of these types of foods.

Make healthy carbohydrate choices that give your body the most other nutrients along with the carbs. If you like to snack on crackers, make sure they are whole-wheat like Triscuits, and try the reduced-fat, low sodium version if available. Get carbs from milk but reduce the fat by drinking 1% or skim milk that is calcium fortified.

Many people have no idea how many carbohydrates their diet should consist of. Medical experts agree that about 60% of your daily calories should be carbs. The following is a list of foods that are high in carbs and good for your diet: beef, cheddar cheese, roasted chicken breast, green olives, pork chops, smoked salmon, and canned tuna.