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More commonly referred to as a carb, a carbohydrate is a very abundant form of biological molecules, in fact the most abundant one.
Often demonized by the dieting industry, a carbohydrate is actually quite necessary for a balanced exercise diet and healthy lifestyle and should not be left off your grocery list, at least not completely.
A no-carbohydrate exercise diet can be dangerous because carbs are needed for energy. If you workout, they can be vital in allowing your body the necessary nutrients to complete a workout with maximum exertion and results. But that is not the only thing a carbohydrate can do- they also play a big part in regulating your immune system, clotting your blood and help build and replace cells and tissue that might be lost or damaged. They also take much less water to digest, meaning that you stay better hydrated as well.
Common sources are breads, grains, beans, pastas, rice, bran, cereals and potatoes. There are whole wheat versions of most breads, grains, rices and pastas that have less carbs in them, making them lower in calories and easier to digest.
Whole grain versions are also lower in fat and better for your heart and circulatory system.
It is recommended that between 40-65% of the average adult's dietary energy come from carbs. Though it is possible to get all your daily energy from proteins, this type of diet is high in fat and cholesterol that could lead to other health problems later on down that line. A good balance of both is much healthier overall and also prevents you from getting tired of the same foods, leading to less binging and a better chance of staying on course with your nutritional plan.
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