The primary function of carbohydrates is to provide energy for the body, especially the brain and the nervous system, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). Carbohydrates can be found in fruits, vegetables, dairy products, grains, legumes, ice cream, carbonated beverages, syrups, salad dressings, candy, and desserts.

There are two main types of carbohydrates:

• Complex carbohydrates

• Simple carbohydrates

Complex Carbohydrates

A complex carbohydrate is one that contains multiple sugars: polysaccharides and dietary fiber, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Want to obtain more complex carbohydrates in your diet? Here are some helpful tips:

• Use whole grains, whole oats, and whole wheat (breads, cereals, pastas, and oatmeals)

• Choose high fiber cereals (little or no sucrose added)

• Use brown rice instead of white rice

• Eat beans such as navy, kidney, black or pinto (contains protein and can be substituted for meat)

• Try bulgur, wheat berries, quinoa, couscous, millet, or hulled barley

• Keep the edible peels on your fruits and vegetables (high in dietary fiber)

• Eat fresh fruits and vegetables (apricots, oranges, plums, pears, grapefruits, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, yams, corn, carrots, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, cabbage, asparagus...)

Simple Carbohydrates

A simple carbohydrate is one that contains vitamins and minerals that are naturally occurring, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH). There are two types of simple carbohydrates, the good and the bad:

Good:

• Eat fresh fruits

• Dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese...)

• Eat fresh vegetables

• Ice cream

• Carbonated beverages

• Candy and desserts

References

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002469.htm

http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/carbohydrates-full-story/index.html#what-are-carbohydrates

*Check back soon to www.tysongriffin.com to find out which foods you should eat before and after training for maximum nutritional performance! Tyson will also weigh-in on what his favorite Pre & Post workout carbohydrates are.